Assateague Island National Seashore

Travel Guide

Assateague Island National Seashore showing a beach and 4 wheel driving as well as a small group of people
Assateague Island National Seashore featuring fishing, a beach and surf
Assateague Island National Seashore which includes a beach and 4 wheel driving
Assateague Island National Seashore showing a sandy beach and bird life
Assateague Island National Seashore which includes a beach and bird life

Spot wild ponies and diverse bird species while exploring this white-sand barrier island by four-wheel drive, boat, kayak or on foot.

Assateague Island National Seashore is a long and narrow barrier island of protected park off Maryland’s eastern shore. The 37-mile (60-kilometer) long island is less than a mile wide. Its seashore is a magnificent area for hiking, camping, crabbing, fishing and viewing birdlife and wild ponies. Go kayaking or boating in the Atlantic Ocean or in the calm waters of Chincoteague Bay.

The park is split into the Maryland District to the north and the Virginia District to the south, and contains the Assateague State Park. Head to the Maryland side for the visitor center where you can learn about the island’s fascinating ecology, flora and fauna. There is also a campground, a network of nature trails and a lifeguard-patrolled beach.

With so much beautiful coastline, you won’t have trouble finding your own patch of white-sand beach to relax. Play in the shallows or watch the waves curling in from the Atlantic Ocean. Choose from several nature trails and take in stunning views of the ocean, salt marshes, pine forests and the distinctive red-and-white Assateague Lighthouse. Look for different seashells, go four-wheel driving or try clamming and surf fishing on the shore.

Birdwatchers will love spotting the different species that use the barrier island to rest and feed. Be alert for peregrine falcons, egrets, sand pipers and osprey. You might also see wild ponies frolicking in the shallows from a boat cruise or kayaking trip. While it is uncertain how the ponies got on the island, many believe they swam to shore from a sinking Spanish galleon cargo ship.

The Maryland side of Assateague Island National Seashore stretches from the Ocean City Inlet to the Virginia state line and is accessible over the Verrazano Bridge. It is not possible to cross the state line on the island by car. The Virginia District has a visitor center and a lifeguard-patrolled beach.

The Verrazano Bridge is 9.1 miles (14.6 kilometers) from Ocean City in Maryland. There is a small fee to enter the park and further fees for vehicles. The park is open year-round.

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort

3 out of 5
Oceanfront on 91st Street, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,990 reviews)
"We came for our honeymoon and loved everything about this resort!! We were given a free room upgrade and our view was breathtaking. The location and atmosphere was fantastic. We plan to return next year!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront

3 out of 5
2100 N Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,089 reviews)
"Appreciated hanging out on our balcony to watch the sturgeon moon rise. Always so enjoy being so close to the ocean. I could go back and forth from the room to the beach so easily while my husband (who is not a sand lover) can relax while I play"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront
Fenwick Inn

Fenwick Inn

3 out of 5
13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD
The price is ¥29,023 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
¥29,023
¥34,416 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,950 reviews)
"It was the most fragrant and delicious travel in my life."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Fenwick Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Majestic Hotel & Apartments

Majestic Hotel & Apartments

3 out of 5
7th St & Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6/10 (290 reviews)
"Melanie was awesome. The apartment was older, but we weren't there to hide in a room, we were there to enjoy the adventures. It suited our needs as far as a place to eat, sleep, shower."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Majestic Hotel & Apartments
Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

3 out of 5
200 59th Street on the Bay, Ocean City, MD
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Ocean City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,270 reviews)
"Only one issue and that was the water pressure in the shower was really bad. Sometimes it would completely shut off for a minutes then comeback on or it will just be real light. Other than had a great time we’ll definitely be going there at our next stay in ocean city"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Coconut Malorie Resort Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Blufin Bungalows & Marina

Blufin Bungalows & Marina

3 out of 5
2477 Main St, Chincoteague, VA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Chincoteague. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Chincoteague Channel and Assateague ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (164 reviews)
"Overall, my stay was excellent. We had a family emergency and had to stay an extra night and I was accommodated. Check-in was super easy and they have wagons to bring your luggage to the bungalows. I only gave 4 stars for cleanliness because our shower had hair on the walls and our pots were not ..."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Blufin Bungalows & Marina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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