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Assateague Island National Seashore, Berlin, MD

Photo: Erik Anestad from USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureIconicFamily Favorite

Assateague Island National Seashore

11800 Marsh View Ln · Berlin, MD

Why you should go…

Assateague is a 37-mile barrier island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, and the National Park Service manages most of the Maryland district. Wild horses, descendants of domestic animals that went feral, graze the salt marshes and head onto the beach to escape mosquitoes and flies. On the Maryland side you can walk the short Life of the Dunes, Life of the Forest and Life of the Marsh trails. Food and water are limited on the island, so bring your own and come ready for biting insects.

  • #wild horses
  • #beach
  • #national seashore
  • #camping
  • #barrier island

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Assateague Island National Seashore, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Miss Ocean City

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    Family owned bay fishing boat offering half day trips and charters out of West Ocean City.

    6.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Attractions
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    Grand Prix Amusements

    Under $25

    An Ocean City, MD family entertainment center with go-kart tracks, mini golf, and bumper boats.

    6.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    ProTrack

    $25–$50

    Ocean City's only go-kart track, with 30 mph adult racing karts on a third-mile circuit.

    6.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Bike World

    Under $25

    Ocean City's boardwalk bike rental shop, renting cycles by the hour, day, or week since 1978.

    6.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Bayside Boat Rentals

    $50+

    Family-run pontoon boat and jet ski rentals on the bay side of Ocean City since 1999.

    10 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    OC Parasail

    $50+

    Parasailing rides over the ocean or bay in Ocean City, Maryland, at 400, 600 or 800 feet.

    10 mi awayMore like this