Chincoteague Island

Made immortal in the children's classic Misty of Chincoteague, this barrier island is best known for its feral horses and its annual Pony Swim with neighboring Assateague Island. But Chincoteague, a Native American term for "beautiful land across the water," is also a picturesque town boasting sandy beaches, great restaurants and all the abundance of nature. It's home to the Assateague Lighthouse.