Assateague Island National Seashore
MD,VA
Park Alerts (2)
About Assateague Island National Seashore
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.
Things To Do
See the Wild Horses in the Maryland district
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.
See the Wild Horses in the Virginia District
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.
Surf Fishing on Assateague
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.
Bird at Toms Cove
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.
Crabbing at Assateague Island
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.
Available Activities
Weather
Spring: Often windy and cool with lows in the 40's and highs in the 60's. Summer: Hot and humid with lows in the 60's and highs in the 80's. Fall: Warm with lows in the 50's and highs in the 70's.
Winter: Damp cold and often windy. Lows in the 20's, highs in the 40's.
Getting There
There are two entrances to Assateague Island National Seashore. Assateague's north entrance is at the end of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City, MD. The south entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles east of Chincoteague, VA.
There is no vehicle access between the two entrances on Assateague Island. Vehicles must return to the mainland to access either the north or south entrance.
Plan Your Visit
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Assateague Island National Seashore - Maryland District
Open year round, 24 hours a day.
Assateague Island National Seashore - Virginia District
Open January-March 8: 6 am - 6 pm. March 9-April: 6 am - 8 pm. May-September: 5 am - 10 pm. October: 6 am - 8 pm. November-December: 6 am - 6 pm. Check with the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (757-336-6122) for updates to operating hours.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Assateague 7 day vehicle pass.
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
Assateague per person walk-in or bicycle
