Best places to stargaze, watch sunsets and sunrises in Chincoteague & Assateague Island
Best Stargazing, Sunrise, and Sunset Spots in Chincoteague & Assateague
Chincoteague and Assateague Islands offer some of the most breathtaking views of the sky, whether you’re watching the sunrise over the Atlantic, catching a glowing sunset over the bay, or gazing at the stars in the vast, dark night sky. Here’s your guide to the best spots for each:
Best Stargazing Spots
Thanks to minimal light pollution, Chincoteague and Assateague provide incredible views of the night sky.
• Assateague Island National Seashore
Why It’s Great: With no artificial lighting, Assateague offers a truly dark sky, perfect for spotting constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way on clear nights.
Best Time to Go: Stay after Sunset
• Tom’s Cove Beach
Why It’s Great: Located in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, this quiet beach is a fantastic spot to lay back and take in the stars with the sound of the ocean in the background.
Best Time to Go: Stay after sunset.
• Queen Sound Landing
Why It’s Great: This scenic spot on the causeway between the mainland and Chincoteague has minimal light pollution, making it a great place to pull over and enjoy the stars reflecting on the water.
Best Time to Go: Late at night when there’s little traffic.
• Chincoteague Veteran’s Memorial Park
Why It’s Great: A peaceful waterfront park with clear views of the night sky over Chincoteague Bay. On especially clear nights, you might even see shooting stars.
Best Time to Go: On a clear night for the best visibility.
Best Sunrise Spots
Chincoteague and Assateague’s east-facing beaches make for perfect sunrise-watching locations.
• Assateague Island Beach
Why It’s Great: The sun rises directly over the ocean, casting golden light over the waves and sand dunes.
Best Time to Go: Arrive 15-30 minutes before sunrise to watch the sky change colors.
• Queen Sound Landing
Why It’s Great: Driving into Chincoteague from the mainland, this spot provides breathtaking sunrise views over the water, often reflecting vibrant colors across the calm bay.
Best Time to Go: Arrive 15-30 minutes before sunrise.
Best Sunset Spots
With its location on the bay, Chincoteague offers breathtaking sunset views over the water.
• Chincoteague Veteran’s Memorial Park
Why It’s Great: One of the best places to watch the sun set over Chincoteague Bay, with a peaceful setting and picnic tables.
Best Time to Go: Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset for the best views.
• Robert Reed Waterfront Park
Why It’s Great: Right in downtown Chincoteague, this park offers gorgeous sunset views with boats docked in the harbor, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Best Time to Go: Around sunset, when the water reflects the warm hues of the sky.
• Tom’s Cove Beach
Why It’s Great: This spot in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers a stunning view of the sun setting over the water.
Best Time to Go: Just before sunset, when the sky is at its most colorful.
• Maddox Boulevard Bridge
Why It’s Great: This bridge connecting Chincoteague and Assateague offers an elevated view of the sun dipping below the horizon over the marshes.
Best Time to Go: Just before sunset.
Whether you’re an early riser looking for a magical sunrise, a night owl hoping to see the stars, or someone who loves a peaceful sunset, Chincoteague and Assateague have incredible spots for every moment of the sky’s beauty.
Chincoteague Tourist 