National Seashore

Assateague Island

Wild horses on the dunes at Assateague
There are few places in the United States where you can view wild horses.Take advantage of the opportunity to view these horses in a natural habitat. NPS Photo

Overview

Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life on Assateague Island has adapted to an existence on the move. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Rest, relax, recreate and enjoy some time on the edge of the continent.

States: MD, VA4106411441

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle:  25.00

    Assateague 7 day vehicle pass.


  • Entrance - Motorcycle:  20.00

    Assateague 7 day motorcycle pass.


  • Entrance - Per Person:  0.00

    Assateague per person walk-in or bicycle


Map

Things To Do

Category

5 Results
    Horses graze on beach grass

    See the Wild Horses in the Maryland district

    Free

    Description

    View the wild horses of Assateague Island National Seashore. The wild horses are free roaming and spend time in the various habitats on the island. While they graze in the marshes and find freshwater in the forest, you may even see them out on the beach with you! Remember to observe the horses from no less than 40 feet away because they are wild and will bite and kick.

    More info
    Pet Friendly
    See the wild horses! View horses from a safe distance of at least 40 feet (a bus length) away.

    See the Wild Horses in the Virginia District

    Free

    Description

    Assateague Island is well known for the famous wild horses who call the island home. In the Virginia district, the wild horses are commonly referred to as “Chincoteague Ponies”. Unlike the Maryland district where the horses are free to roam, the Chincoteague Ponies are fenced off the road and trails in two separate large management areas of the refuge resulting in a northern herd and a southern herd. Horses may be visible by foot, bike or car.

    More info
    Ages:1
    An angler on Assateague at sunrise

    Surf Fishing on Assateague

    Free

    Description

    Grab your fishing pole and get comfortable on the beach! Surf fishing is an activity that is not only fun and relaxing, but also has the potential of producing your dinner for the night! Spring, summer and fall are the recommended times of the year to fish.

    More info
    Pet Friendly
    A volunteer using binoculars to bird from the deck of Toms Cove Visitor Center

    Bird at Toms Cove

    Free

    Description

    The Virginia district of Assateague Island lies within the Atlantic Flyway, providing excellent birding opportunities year-round. No matter what time of year you visit, a great spot to start your birding adventure is on the deck of Toms Cove Visitor Center.

    More info
    Go crabbing at Assateague

    Crabbing at Assateague Island

    Free

    Description

    Who doesn’t love to eat a blue crab? After all, the literal translation of this Latin name (Callinectes sapidus) is the beautiful (calli) swimmer (nectes) that is savory (sapidus). Crabbing is a great activity for the entire family regardless of age.

    More info
    Pet Friendly

More Images

Wild horses on the dunes at Assateague
Wild horses on the dunes at Assateague
Wild horses in the salt marshes on Assateague Island
Wild horses in the salt marshes on Assateague Island
Tree Swallows migrating along the beach at Assateague
Tree Swallows migrating along the beach at Assateague
tents and vehicle in the oceanside campground dunes
tents and vehicle in the oceanside campground dunes
waves on Assateague beach with people fishing in the background
waves on Assateague beach with people fishing in the background