Beaches

The wild, unspoiled beaches of Assateague Island are a glorious site to behold. This National Park, located within the state boundaries of both Maryland and Virginia, is home to 37 miles of shell-filled beaches perfect for clamming, surf fishing, swimming, hiking, and of course, collecting shells. Boat tours along the beaches and through the inland waters are popular, as are camping on the Maryland side of the island and bird-watching.

From May to October, take advantage of the Assateague Explorer’s daily Pony Express Tours. There are more than 300 wild horses roaming all over the island and its beaches. There are also year-round nature tours for a more in-depth look at the distinctive flora and fauna of the area.

Off-Road Vehicles

A very popular activity on Assateague is 4-wheel driving along the beaches. Be aware that the Virginia side of the island has much of its beaches closed off to 4-wheel drivers from March 17 th to September due to the Piping Plover nesting season. An off-road vehicle permit coasts $70 to $150 per year; make sure you have all the necessary equipment like a tire pressure gauge, a jack, etc., in order to avoid hefty fines. This permit is available at the Visitor’s Center.

Fishing

Lovers of surf fishing can really make the most out of a trip to Assateague Island by staying out fishing on the beach all night. The Maryland beaches don’t require any permit for this, and if you get to tired, you can just go to the campground to sleep. However on the Virginia beaches you need to be up and fishing on the beach the whole night, because the National Wildlife Refuge closes at 10 P.M., reopening at 5 A.M. You also need a permit in Virginia for this.

Fees

To enter the island on foot or bike in Maryland is free, as it is in Virginia as well. A one day pass for a vehicle is $5 in Virginia and $3 in Maryland. If you’re staying longer than a day, it’s better to get a week long pass for $15 in both states. In Maryland, a motorcycle, week pass is only $10.