Assateague State Park

For dining near Assateague State Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of options in nearby Ocean City and Berlin. Crab Alley is a popular choice for seafood lovers, offering local specialties and outdoor seating. The Sterling Tavern provides a cozy atmosphere with a great selection of beers and cocktails. For a casual dining experience, Barbely's Restaurant is known for its comfort food and historic setting. 410 Social Eatery and Barroom offers a trendy vibe with a focus on local ingredients. Additionally, Assateague Crab House is a seasonal spot for shellfish and casual dining.

For accommodations near Assateague State Park, Ocean City offers a range of hotels. The Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort provides beachfront suites and condos with an indoor pool. The Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites offers upscale suites with ocean views and multiple pools. The Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City features beachfront all-suite lodging with pools and dining options. The Crystal Beach Oceanfront Hotel offers simple yet comfortable rooms with an oceanfront pool. For a more relaxed stay, the Castle in the Sand Hotel provides beachfront accommodations with a bar and dining area.

Assateague State Park offers a variety of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The park features a campground with 350 sites, restrooms, and showers. Picnic areas are available for those who want to enjoy meals outdoors. Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes to explore the bayside waters. The park also includes a boat ramp for those bringing their own vessels. Additionally, the Rackliffe House serves as a historic coastal plantation building and houses the Coastal Maryland Heritage Center, providing educational insights into the area's history and environment.

The park's proximity to Ocean City means that additional amenities like restaurants, shops, and entertainment options are just a short drive away.

Assateague State Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Swimming, surfing, and fishing are popular beach activities, while the bayside area is ideal for kayaking or canoeing. Wildlife viewing is a major draw, with opportunities to see feral horses, deer, and various bird species. The park is also a great place for hiking and biking, with trails that offer scenic views of the surrounding wetlands and beaches. For those interested in water sports, surf fishing and crabbing are also available.

Nearby, Ocean City provides additional recreational opportunities such as golfing, mini-golf, and amusement parks.

Assateague State Park offers various accessibility options to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the park. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and showers are available in the campground area. The park's beaches and trails are generally accessible, though some areas may require assistance due to sand or uneven terrain. The nearby town of Ocean City also provides accessible amenities, including wheelchair-accessible restaurants and hotels.

For those with mobility issues, it is advisable to contact the park in advance to inquire about specific accessibility features and assistance available.

Parking at Assateague State Park is generally accessible, with designated areas near the beach and campground. Fees may apply for parking, especially during peak season. The park is located near the Verrazano Bridge, which connects to Maryland Route 611, making it easily accessible by car. Visitors should be prepared for potential crowds during summer months and plan accordingly for parking and beach access.

For those staying in nearby Ocean City, parking options are plentiful, with many hotels and resorts offering on-site parking.

Assateague Island is famous for its feral horses, which are believed to be descendants of domestic horses that have adapted to a wild state. The annual Pony Swim, held in late July, is a unique event where horses from the Virginia side of the island are rounded up and swim to Chincoteague Island for auction. This event helps manage the horse population and supports local charities.

The park's history dates back to 1956, and it has since become a popular destination for nature lovers and beachgoers. Assateague State Park also hosts a First Day Hike tradition on New Year's Day, encouraging visitors to explore the island's natural beauty at the start of each year.

One of the main attractions at Assateague State Park is the feral horses that roam freely on the island. Visitors can also explore the Rackliffe House, which houses the Coastal Maryland Heritage Center and offers insights into the region's history. The park's proximity to Ocean City means that attractions like the Ocean City Boardwalk, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, and Northside Park are just a short drive away.

For nature enthusiasts, the Assateague Island National Seashore offers additional hiking trails and scenic views, including the opportunity to explore the island's marshes and forests.