Off the coast of eastern Maryland lies a 37-mile long barrier island called Assateague Island. It’s about a 3 to 4 hour’s drive from Southern Maryland depending on where you start, making it an easily accessible weekend destination. This tranquil island is a popular spot to camp, explore, and simply relax beachside.

What makes it unique?

This island is one of a kind and has become a must-see destination along the east coast. First off, there are no permanent residents on this island, unless you count the wild horses, which legend has it, arrived from a shipwreck in the late 17th century. They’ve been roaming the island ever since and have become one of the main draws for visitors. Another factor that contributes to the unique nature of this island is the ever-changing geography, constantly shaped by the elements of wind and waves. Each time you visit you can expect a shift in the landscape of salt marshes, forest land, and sandy beaches. This island also spans two states, with the northern two-thirds of the island in Maryland and the bottom portion in Virginia.

Getting there

There are two entrances to reach Assateague Island, the northern entrance, which is about 8 miles from Ocean City, MD, and the south entrance, which is about a quarter mile from Chincoteague, VA. Both cities function as gateways to Assateague Island and offer plenty of seafood restaurants, lodging options, and nature and sightseeing tours.

Exploring the beach

Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a place to lounge on the beach, this island delivers. There are 37 miles of white sands beach to enjoy with kid-friendly lifeguard-protected areas and water temps reaching a warm 70 degrees. While you’re swimming and collecting seashells, keep your eyes open for the diversity of the wildlife here. The waters are rich in plankton which attracts all kinds of fish, sea turtles, and even whales.

Wild Horses

The wild horses here travel the beaches on the Maryland side of the island where they’re allowed to roam free, giving you some beautiful photo opportunities. You can even take a wildlife tour offered by the nearby cities to get a closer look at the variety of inhabitants on the island. If you’re interested in horseback rides, head to the Virginia side where they offer rides year-round.

Activities

Assateague Island has plenty of opportunities for the adventurous, including biking, kayaking, sightseeing cruises, fishing, clamming, and crabbing. You can also opt for a guided kayaking expedition with Assateague Explorer. Don’t miss visiting one of the most famed lighthouses in the country, the Assateague Lighthouse, on the southern end of the island. If you’re coming from the north and searching for the closest food and grocery options, check out the Pony Express Gift Shop & Grill. They’re open seasonally from mid-May through October, and you can order takeout beach food or pick up some last-minute camping supplies.

Site and Backcountry Camping

One of the main attractions of visiting the island is the opportunity to camp in the gorgeous surroundings. There are 342 sites across the Maryland district of Assateague Island where camping is allowed, and you can reserve your spots ahead with the National Park Service. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also opt to backcountry camp. Just as with the site camping, all backcountry camping needs to be within the Maryland side of the island. There are two oceanside areas and four bayside camping areas where visitors can backpack in to camp.

 

If you’re looking for a pristine spot to escape to for a weekend, consider making Assateague Island your destination. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family camping trip, or you’re an adventurous spirit looking to explore the island by kayak, this hidden gem is a must-visit.