Assateague Island is a 37-mile barrier island split between Maryland and Virginia, best known for its wild ponies and undeveloped Atlantic shoreline within Assateague Island National Seashore. Strong tidal currents and consistent surf define the open beach; low tide is the best time to look for shorebirds and shell along the wide inter-tidal zone.
Atlantic tidal range of 3–4 ft; low tide is the prime window for shelling (whelks, sea glass, sand dollars are all common here), exploring the wide inter-tidal zone, and surf casting for striped bass, bluefish, and flounder. Swimming is possible but there are no lifeguards in most sections; currents near the north inlet require caution; modest shore break near the inlet is surfable. Local note: wild Chincoteague ponies roam the island freely — do not feed or approach them; the annual Pony Swim and auction takes place in late July; 4WD beach access beyond the parking areas requires an OHV permit from the National Seashore; biting insects can be intense in summer, especially in the back-dune areas.
Nearby Beaches