Fantastic Assateague Island-Wild Horse Beach in Maryland: Complete Travel Guide

Assateague Island is best known for a wild horse beach in Maryland.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to see wild horses on Assateague Island, this guide will help you figure out exactly where to go and what to expect.

I’ll cover the best places to spot the horses, the differences between the Maryland and Virginia sides, and a few important things to know before you visit. I’ll also share my own experience and tips to help make your visit safe, fun, and unforgettable.

Where Is Assateague Island?

Assateague Island is located on the Mid-Atlantic coast of the United States, stretching across the states of Maryland and Virginia. It’s about 37 miles (60 km) long and separated from the mainland by bays and marshes.

There are two main entrances:

• Maryland Side – Assateague Island National Seashore
• Virginia Side – Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

I visited to Maryland side. In this guide, I will explain the Assateague Island National Seashore. (Maryland side)

Tip: The Maryland side is more wild and quiet. The Virginia side is a bit more developed with more facilities. Both have horses!

How to Get to Assateague Island

If you’re coming from outside the U.S. or faraway area in the US, you may be wondering—what’s the best way to get to Assateague Island? The island itself is in a rural coastal area, so while it’s not directly accessible by public transportation, it’s a great road trip destination from several major airports.

Closest Major Airports

Washington D.C. (IAD or DCA)

• Dulles International Airport (IAD) – Best for long-haul international flights
• Reagan National Airport (DCA) – Convenient for domestic connect
• Travel time: About 3–3.5 hours drive

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Travel time : About 3.5 hours drive via the scenic coastal route (DE-1).

Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)

• Travel time : About 2.5–3 hours drive

Note: There is a small regional airport in Ocean City, Maryland, but it has limited commercial service, mostly domestic. It’s not ideal for international visitors unless you transfer from another U.S. city.

🚫 No Public Transportation Available

There is no direct public transportation (bus or train) to Assateague Island.

You’ll need to rent a car at the airport and drive. This gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace—and enjoy a relaxing road trip along the East Coast!

Entrance Fees and Passes

• Private vehicle (7-day pass) : $25
• Motorcycle : $20
• Annual Pass : $45
• America the Beautiful Pass : $80 *NOTE: It’s not accepted at the Virginia side (Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge)

To enter Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland side), there is an entrance fee collected by the National Park Service.

Tips: If you’re planning to visit multiple U.S. national parks or public lands during your trip, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is a great deal. We have America the Beautiful Pass because we visit the national parks frequently. If you visit the national parks a couple of times during your stay in , this pass is worth buying.

Why Is Assateague Island Famous?

The main reason people visit? Wild horses roaming freely across the island!

These horses are called Assateague horses or Chincoteague ponies, and they’ve lived on the island for hundreds of years. No one knows exactly how they got there—some say they swam from a shipwreck, others believe farmers left them long ago.

They now live completely wild—no fences, no stables. You can see them walking along the beach, munching on marsh grass, or even crossing the road slowly like locals!

Besides horses, Assateague is also known for:

• Beautiful sandy beaches
• Quiet, untouched nature
• Salt marshes and wetlands
• Birdwatching (over 300 species!)
• Stargazing (very little light pollution)

Things to Do on Assateague Island

Spotting Wild Horses

This is the biggest highlight of the island.

We entered from the Maryland side, and as soon as we passed the entrance, we saw wild horses everywhere—in the parking lot, near the beach, and even walking along the roadside!

Be careful while driving through the park. Horses may suddenly appear on the road.

Enjoy the Beach

We visited in August, and although it was summer, the wind from the sea kept the temperature comfortable.

The beach was wide, clean, and not very crowded. The sunlight was strong though—so don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. There aren’t many trees or shelters to block the sun.

Take Amazing Photos

Honestly, what we did most was take photos! There were so many great scenes and animals to capture that the time passed quickly.

The lighting and natural scenery were just perfect for photography—especially during golden hour.

My tip: Bring a zoom lens if you love photography. Stay in your car or keep a good distance for safety and better photos.

See Other Wildlife

Besides horses, we spotted turtles, crabs, and various birds. Nature lovers and birdwatchers will definitely enjoy the diversity here. 

Walk the Nature Trails, or Biking

There are short, easy trails on boardwalks or packed sand:

• Life of the Marsh Trail – good for birdwatching
• Life of the Dunes Trail – learn about shifting sand dunes
• Forest Trail – a surprising pine forest on the island

We walked all the trails. They are all easy and you can enjoy working seeing amazing landscape. Bring your own bike or rent one nearby. There are paved bike paths.

Kayaking or Canoeing

Paddle through the marshes and bays! You can rent kayaks or take guided eco-tours. It’s one of the best ways to get close to nature (and maybe horses, from the water).

Camping Under the Stars

I didn’t camp, but it is very popular. You can reserve a campsite on the Maryland side through the National Park Service. Be prepared for mosquitoes, wild weather, and a truly wild night!

Connect With Other Travelers

One fun memory was talking with other visitors and sharing where we spotted horses or turtles. It felt like we were all on a little treasure hunt, exchanging tips and discoveries. That made the experience feel even more friendly and memorable.

My Experience at Assateague Island(Maryland Side)

We visited Assateague during a road trip from Philadelphia, entering the island from the Maryland side. The drive took over three hours, but honestly—it was one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever taken in the U.S.

We followed the coastal route (DE-1 South), which offers amazing ocean views for hours. It made the road trip feel like a destination in itself!

As soon as we entered the park, we saw wild horses everywhere—in the parking lot, beside the road, on the beach! They were so beautiful and cute. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. Just be careful while driving, because horses sometimes wander across the road.

Besides the horses, we also saw turtles, many types of birds, and even some deer. The whole island felt full of life, but peaceful and relaxing at the same time.

We went in August, but it wasn’t too hot thanks to the refreshing sea breeze. Still, you’ll need strong sun protection—there are few trees or shaded areas, and the sunlight is intense. One thing I really liked was that it wasn’t as crowded as other U.S. national parks, even during summer. People were friendly, and it was fun to exchange tips on where they saw the most horses.

After a few unforgettable hours of horse-watching and photo-taking, we continued our road trip to Virginia Beach for the night.

Important Travel Tip: Bring Your Own Food & Drinks

One important thing to know before visiting Assateague Island is that there are no restaurants, cafes, or food stands inside the park. This includes both the Maryland and Virginia sides. Once you enter the island, you won’t find any place to buy meals, snacks, or even bottled water.

If you don’t bring your own food and drinks, it may be difficult to stay in the park for long—especially during hot summer days. The sun can be strong, and walking or hiking around the island can make you thirsty or hungry more quickly than you expect.

Here are my tips to make your visit more comfortable:

• Pack a picnic lunch before you go—there are picnic tables near the beach and parking areas.
•  Bring plenty of water (more than you think you’ll need), especially if visiting in summer.
• Use a cooler if you’re staying all day—there are no convenience stores nearby.
• Take your trash with you—this is a protected area, and trash bins may be limited.

This small preparation will help you fully enjoy the experience of watching wild horses, relaxing on the beach, or exploring the trails without needing to leave the park early.

Is Assateague Island Worth Visiting for International Travelers?

Absolutely yes!

This is one of the most unique places I’ve visited in the U.S.—a peaceful island with wild horses living freely near the ocean. If you want to see a different side of America beyond big cities and famous tourist attractions, Assateague Island will leave a deep impression.

Especially for international visitors, this is a rare opportunity to see wildlife like wild horses up close, while enjoying beautiful nature without the crowds of major national parks.

Final Thoughts

My visit to Assateague Island was spontaneous, but it became one of my favorite travel memories in the U.S. If you enjoy quiet beaches, wildlife, and peaceful nature, I highly recommend adding this destination to your itinerary—especially if you’re already planning to explore the East Coast.

It’s a true hidden gem, perfect for curious travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind American experience.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you’ll get to see the wild horses of Assateague one day too!