Chincoteague, Virginia
Are you looking for the perfect summer beach vacation but do not want to have to battle other tourists on Virginia Beach to be able to get the relaxation your heart desires? Then why not stray away from the most popular beach in the state and instead trade the hustle and bustle for a serene oceanfront town that has a lot of beaches that are not as crowded as the one we mentioned before?
Virginia’s Chincoteague Island, with its iconic town of Chincoteague, is only two hours away from Virginia Beach, and it is actually considered one of the best beach towns by locals! Not only is it more affordable than the famous beach when it comes to accommodation and entertainment, but you will also have the chance to spot wild ponies, which would not be possible in a place that is crowded with a mob of tourists.
You may even be lucky enough to visit in July, when the town is organizing its annual fundraiser for the wild herd and local fire department, called the Pony Swim. Being a beach town, you can obviously end up doing all things beach-related, but you will also have a lot of other activities to try, from bike rides all the way to exploring a Wildlife Loop Trail!
If Chincoteague ends up being a summer destination for you, make sure to not skip the sunrise, as the view is spectacular!