Chincoteague NWR includes more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest. Originally established in 1943 to provide habitat for migratory birds (especially greater snow geese), today the refuge provides habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and songbirds as well as other species of wildlife and plants. Chincoteague is also one of the top five shorebird migratory staging areas in the eastern US. In 1990, the barrier islands which make up Chincoteague Refuge, along with other barrier islands of the eastern shore of VA and MD, were designated an International Shorebird Reserve. This coastal barrier island/lagoon system has also been designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and the US Department of Interior has designated the area a National Natural Landmark.

From Washington, DC, take I-95 to Route 301, following signs to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, to Route 50. Take Route 50 to Route 13 South (in Salisbury, MD). Take Route 13 south to Route 175 (about 5 miles past Pocomoke City, MD), east on 175 to Chincoteague Island, then east on Maddox Blvd. to Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge signs.