Assateague Island National Seashore

Travel Guide

Assateague Island National Seashore featuring a sandy beach and off-road driving as well as a small group of people
Assateague Island National Seashore featuring waves, fishing and a sandy beach
Assateague Island National Seashore featuring off-road driving and a sandy beach
Assateague Island National Seashore featuring bird life and a sandy beach
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
The price is CA $274 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $274
CA $321 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,953 reviews)
"This hotel was really nice! Our room was nice and clean and looked just like the pictures. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. It was about 10-15 minutes away from the boardwalk. The pool and outside dining area was nice as well. Will definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on Jul. 31, 2025

Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort
Fenwick Inn

Fenwick Inn

3 out of 5
13801 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD
The price is CA $136 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $136
CA $171 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (2,010 reviews)
"Convenient to the beach"

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 2025

Fenwick Inn
Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront

3 out of 5
2100 N Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD
The price is CA $198 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $198
CA $242 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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! (3,050 reviews)
"Spacious. Clean overall, carpet had a lot of stains but the rest was pretty nice. View was beautiful. Amenities were very nice. Beds a bit uncomfortable. Plenty do and see. Pools were nice and the shops were nice and also convenient. Great location in the center of everything. I’d stay here again. ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront
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. ...
6.2/10 (258 reviews)
"Historic, older boarding-house style hotel. Needs updated and bathroom needed repairs to floor tiles and sink, but has on-site parking (for free), a nice pool and PRIME LOCATION. Based on other options, it's worth the cost. Staff very friendly. Great boardwalk location with outdoor seating."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 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! (1,260 reviews)
"This is a wonderful property. I will be going back and I recommend everybody check it out as well!"

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 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! (157 reviews)
"Excellent is the best word to describe"

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 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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