Experience the ocean, beaches, marshes, maritime forests, and bays at Assateague Island National Seashore. Established in 1962 to protect this unique coastal environment, this park is a fascinating destination with miles of white sand beaches, wild horse herds and a plethora of bird species to discover.
Watch the waves come in on the unspoiled beaches while RV camping and take a tour to see and learn about the two bands of Chincoteague ponies that make their home here. You can take sightseeing cruises, kayak tours, or meander along the beach to pick seashells or try your hand at crabbing. The Assateague Lighthouse on the way to the beach is a famous local site and contributes to the unique character of the park and region.
A bird watcher's paradise, some of the species you will spot in the park include piping plovers, great egrets, red winged blackbirds, and brown pelicans. You may also encounter gulls, terns, ruby crowned kinglets, white-eyed vireos, and in the winter months Bradt Geese and Northern Saw-whet Owls.
This seashore park is a 37 miles long barrier island ecosystem, which is part of the National Park Service and is located along the Atlantic Ocean spanning across the state borders of Maryland and Virginia. With 41,346 acres of land and water within the park’s boundaries, there are endless possibilities to explore.