Assateague State Park

Maryland

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The Maryland-run section of Assateague Island stretches for 2 miles along the coast and is tucked within the boundaries of the national seashore. Come here to sunbathe, surf, picnic, kayak, camp (sites $28 to $39) and generally just relax in a cool barrier-island setting. Pets are allowed in certain areas; check specifics online. Do not approach, touch or feed the wild horses, which you may see while visiting. They are unpredictable wild animals.

Lifeguards are on duty 10am to 5pm June through August. State residents get discounted entry.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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  • Wild horses of Assateague Island National Seashore.

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    2.95 MILES

    A low-key barrier island, Assateague is a place to relax. In the Maryland section of the national seashore, you can cycle along a 4-mile road, hike nature…

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  • Sunset in the marshes of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia.

    Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

    25.54 MILES

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  • Julia A Purnell Museum

    Julia A Purnell Museum

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Nearby Maryland attractions

1. Assateague Island National Seashore

2.95 MILES

A low-key barrier island, Assateague is a place to relax. In the Maryland section of the national seashore, you can cycle along a 4-mile road, hike nature…

2. Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum

6.74 MILES

This small but engaging museum sits inside an 1891 life-saving station at the southern end of the boardwalk. Here, the station keeper and six to eight …

3. Trimpers Rides

6.81 MILES

If you really want to engage in tacky seaside fun to the fullest possible extent, hit up Trimpers Rides, one of the oldest of old-school amusement parks…

4. Ocean Gallery

7.32 MILES

An enormous art gallery stuffed with prints of varying quality (mostly bad, but there are a few gems), with an exterior papered in vibrant folk art.

5. Calvin B Taylor House Museum

7.77 MILES

Built in 1832, this green-shuttered Federal-style house evokes everyday smalltown life in the 1800s and 1900s through period furnishings and exhibits…

6. Julia A Purnell Museum

14.72 MILES

While away an odd, rewarding half-hour in this tiny structure, which feels like an attic for the entire Eastern Shore. Highlights include the town's first…

7. Fenwick Island State Park

16.7 MILES

This barrier island park tucked between Bethany Beach to the north and Ocean City, MD to the south offers peaceful groves and 3 miles of quiet beach and…

8. Pocomoke River State Park

17.83 MILES

The Shad Landing section of Pocomoke River State Park, part of the 15,000-acre Pocomoke State Forest and located about 3.5 miles south of Snow Hill, is an…

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