Assateague Island is a stunning 37 mile long Island that is split between the states of Maryland and Virginia. The majority of the Island resides in Maryland (34 miles of it to be exact) and the remaining small portion on the northernmost coast of Virginia. Though the Eastern coast of the United States is riddled with small islands and beachfront coast there is something different about this one of a kind location that is more of a nature sanctuary meets water oasis than just another sandy beach. Though there are many elements that draw people to this island the longer you spend there, the more you are able to discover and explore that envelop you into all of the amazing things that this island has to offer. 


The wild horses that call Assateague Island home are arguably the largest draw to this stunning Island. The Chincoteague pony, also known as the Assateague horse is unique to this island due to its non-existent relationship with humans which makes it one of the few feral breed horses in the United States.This beautiful breed of horse inhabits both the Maryland and the Virginia sides of the island. Both states have their own  herd of horses which have a variety of color patterns, these are wild horses so if you are in close contact with them please be aware that they are not used to human contact, they will bite, kick, and attack if they feel threatened.  There are many different viewing points where visitors can see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. There are both walking trails and driving paths that take visitors in the usual grazing and living areas of these stunning creatures.


Tip:  If you are planning on taking one of the walking trails you may want to consider using bug spray before starting the path to the horses (especially on the Virgina side) there are an excessive amount of mosquitos that will attack, my husband made the mistake of wearing shorts and had about twenty odd bites by the time we made it halfway down the trail. After returning home we were told by multiple other past visitors that they had similar experiences with the mosquitoes on the island at all times of the year.


The Assateague Lighthouse, a stunning 140 foot red and white striped lighthouse, is nestled in the lush greenery of the park overlooking the Chincoteague channel. Located on the southern end of the Virginia side of Assateague Island at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, only a short distance from the entrance of the national park. This nearly 200 years old lighthouse is easily accessed on the lighthouse trail, for those who have mobility issues there is a disability friendly entrance that has parking only a few feet from the lighthouse. The lighthouse is open for visitors but does have limited hours, so its best to check ahead before visiting if you want to enter. Warning: The website’s hours are not up to date, we were told by staff that the website is often incorrect so you may want to call ahead. 


Asseteague is home to one of the most stunning beaches in the area, with  sprawling sandy beaches, maritime forests, and breathtaking coastal bays there is a spot for anyone who wants to enjoy this scenic beauty no matter the time of the year. Even in October, when I visited the temperatures were in the 70s with a light breeze in the air, I was able to sit on the beach and enjoy the beautiful views, warm sun, and local wildlife. Like many others I took the opportunity to put my feet in the water, walk the beach, search the beach for some beautiful seashells, and watch the adorable sand pipers run up and down the beach. There were even many that were enjoying a nice swim in the brisk water, making it feel more like earlier summer than mid fall. With ample parking and beach there was plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling to crowded by others which is always a high point for me. 


Though not a Birder myself, I can easily understand why this location in is an amazing place for people with that passion. With an array of migratory birds that call this island home there are always an abundance of birds to see on the many trails on both sides of the island. Some of the most popular are the Great Blue Heron, Seaside Sparrows, Whimbrel, and  Sanderling, just to name a few. Besides the many trails the park also offers an array of sites that you can pull over to stop and take photos of these stunning birds throughout the park.