Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Assateague Island
Nestled along the eastern coast, Assateague Island National Seashore is a true gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Known for its wild horses, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, Assateague Island offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full vacation, Assateague Island provides everything you need to experience the beauty of the Maryland and Virginia coastlines.
Our site is your complete travel guide to Assateague Island, offering you helpful information about the best activities, accommodations, and travel tips.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Welcome to Assateague Island National Seashore – Explore Nature, Wildlife, and Adventure
Why Visit Assateague Island National Seashore?
WILD HORSES
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
Wild Horses: Gorgeous Beaches: Enjoy a lovely day relaxing on Assateague Island’s beautiful beaches, ideal for soaking up the sun, swimming, and exploring the shore.
Gorgeous Beaches: Enjoy a lovely day relaxing on Assateague Island’s beautiful beaches, ideal for soaking up the sun, swimming, and exploring the shore.
Outdoor Activities: Have fun with activities such as boating, jetskies, kayaking, surf fishing, hiking, and bird watching in the peaceful atmosphere of the island's national seashore.
Plan Your Visit to Assateague Island
If you're thinking about checking out the island’s trails, unwinding on the beach, or stopping by the Assateague Island Visitor Center, planning your trip ahead of time will help make sure you have a wonderful and hassle-free experience.
Important Details for Guests:
Time: The ideal time to explore Assateague Island is in the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the lively wildlife.
Getting There: Assateague Island is super easy to get to by car and is conveniently located close to Chincoteague, Virginia, and Berlin, Maryland.
What to Bring: Don't forget to pack sunscreen, bug spray, comfy shoes for hiking, and your camera to capture the stunning beauty of Assateague’s landscape.
Wildlife Viewing on Assateague Island
Discover the amazing wildlife that makes Assateague Island its home, featuring wild ponies, waterfowl, and a variety of marine life. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the island’s stunning natural beauty!
Discover the Island by Boat
Why not rent a kayak or hop on a guided boat tour to discover the beautiful marshes and waterways of Assateague? It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the island’s peacefulness and connect with the wildlife.
Check out the Assateague Island Visitor Center!
Discover the island’s fascinating history, vibrant ecosystem, and amazing wildlife at the Assateague Island Visitor Center! You'll find interactive exhibits and friendly staff ready to help you on your adventure.
Sunny Days and Catching Waves
Have fun soaking up the sun at the beach or give surf fishing a go! Assateague Island is a fantastic spot for surf fishing, where you can enjoy plentiful catches right along the shoreline.
Exploring the great outdoors on foot and on two wheels
Discover the island’s beautiful landscapes by walking or biking around. Assateague Island National Seashore offers a variety of trails for everyone, whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more adventurous hike.
Looking to add a little extra magic to your trip? Consider booking a guided tour of Assateague Island or renting kayaks, bikes, or paddleboards to enhance your outdoor adventure.
No matter if it's your first time here or you're a regular explorer, this beautiful island always has something new waiting for you to find.
Wildlife Tours: Join a guided tour to get a close look at the island’s wild ponies and other local wildlife.
Water Sports Rentals: Enjoy renting kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes to discover the beautiful marshes, beach areas, and trails of Assateague.
Assateague Island Tours and Rentals
Book Your Stay on Assateague Island
Assateague Island Camping
If you love nature, consider camping at the Assateague Island National Seashore Campground, where you can wake up to beautiful views of the water and wildlife.
Enjoy a delightful stay at one of the many charming hotels or bed-and-breakfasts in Chincoteague or Berlin, Maryland, making it easy to visit Assateague Island.
Discover the Story of Assateague Island
Assateague Island, a lovely 37-mile-long barrier island off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, is known for its charming wild horses and stunning landscapes.
Assateague, which was originally separated from the mainland by a powerful storm in the 1930s, has turned into a delightful haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Its protected status as a National Seashore and State Park helps keep its delicate ecosystems safe for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
Discover the joys of eco-tourism on Assateague Island, where sustainable travel and adventure come together in perfect harmony.
Discover beautiful beaches, lovely marshlands, and charming coastal forests while being mindful of the natural surroundings and the creatures that call it home.
Whether you’re spotting wild ponies, hiking, kayaking, or birdwatching, each visit helps support conservation efforts and encourages responsible tourism.
Get in Touch
Have questions about your trip to Assateague Island?
We’re here to help! Contact us for information on activities, accommodations, and the best tips for exploring Assateague Island.
ASSATEAGUE BLOG
Frequently asked questions
Is Assateague in Maryland or Virginia?
Assateague Island is located in both Maryland and Virginia.
Why is Assateague Island famous?
Assateague Island is famous for its wild horses, beautiful beaches, and as a wildlife refuge for birdwatching and outdoor activities.
How do you pronounce Assateague?
It’s pronounced “As-sa-teeg” (ass-uh-teeg).
Do you always see horses at Assateague?
While the wild horses are often seen, sightings are not guaranteed. They roam freely and can be elusive.
Does anyone live in Assateague?
No, Assateague Island is uninhabited, except for park rangers and wildlife managers.
Can you swim in Assateague Island?
You can explore other sections of this website, such as the "About Us" page or our blog, to learn more about our company, mission, and team.
Why is it called Assateague?
The name Assateague comes from the Native American word “Assateague”, meaning "the people who live at the water’s edge."
Can I drive my car on Assateague Island?
Yes, you can drive in some areas, but only on designated roads. Off-road driving is permitted in specific zones with a permit.
What city is near Assateague Island?
The nearest cities are Chincoteague, Virginia, and Berlin, Maryland.
How do locals pronounce Chincoteague?
Locals pronounce it “Chin-ko-teeg”.
How do you pronounce Maryland State?
It’s pronounced “Merr-uh-lund”.
Can you stay overnight at Assateague Island?
Yes, camping is allowed at Assateague Island National Seashore and nearby accommodations are available.
Do horses ever leave Assateague Island?
Occasionally, horses are moved off the island for population control or to prevent overgrazing, but most stay on the island.
How big is Assateague Island?
Assateague Island is about 37 miles long and covers roughly 12,000 acres.
Can I camp at Assateague Island?
Yes, camping is available at Assateague Island National Seashore. You can camp in the oceanfront campgrounds or backcountry campsites. Reservations are recommended during peak seasons, especially for the Assateague Island campsites. Chincoteague Island also offers nearby lodging options if you prefer not to camp.
Are there showers at Assateague Island campgrounds?
Yes, the campgrounds at Assateague Island National Seashore have hot showers and restrooms for campers. However, there are no electrical hookups in the campgrounds.
Can I bring my dog to Assateague Island?
Pets are not allowed on the beaches or in the backcountry campsites at Assateague Island, but they are allowed in certain areas of the campground and on leashed walks in other parts of the park. Please check with the park for specific pet policies.
Is Assateague Island open year-round?
Yes, Assateague Island is open year-round, but some facilities, such as the visitor center, may have reduced hours during the winter months. Camping is available year-round, but services may be limited in the off-season.
Can you rent bikes on Assateague Island?
Yes, bike rentals are available near Assateague Island for exploring the island's bike trails. You can also bring your own bike to enjoy the scenic routes around the island.
What kind of wildlife can I see at Assateague Island?
Assateague Island is a wildlife haven. In addition to the iconic wild horses, you can see a variety of species, including deer, raccoons, foxes, sea turtles, and numerous species of birds, such as piping plovers, herons, and egrets.
What should I bring when visiting Assateague Island?
When visiting, be sure to bring:
Sunscreen and hat for protection against the sun.
Binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
Insect repellent, especially in summer.
Comfortable shoes for hiking and walking.
Camping gear (if staying overnight), including a tent, sleeping bag, and stove.