Seeing Assateague's Wild Horses: Planning the Trip from BWI and Baltimore

At the southern edge of Maryland's Atlantic coast, a barrier island of dunes, marsh and pine forest stretches south into Virginia. Its most famous residents are the wild horses that have lived there for centuries, grazing on beach grass and wandering across the island's roads and campgrounds. Seeing them in person is a highlight of any trip to the Maryland shore, and it makes a memorable addition to a beach weekend from Baltimore.

Assateague at a Glance

Assateague Island is about 37 miles long and is shared by Maryland and Virginia. On the Maryland side, there are two main areas:

• Assateague Island National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service, with a visitor center, beaches, short nature trails and the island's backcountry.
• Assateague State Park, managed by the Maryland Park Service, with its own beach, campground and day-use facilities near the bridge onto the island.

The Virginia side, near Chincoteague, is managed separately and is home to a different herd. If you are coming from Baltimore, the Maryland entrance is the closer and more direct option.

Where the Horses Come From

Local legend says the horses descend from survivors of a shipwreck. A more widely accepted explanation is that they are descendants of horses brought to the island by mainland owners centuries ago to avoid fences and taxes. Either way, the Maryland herd is managed by the National Park Service as wild animals. They are not tame, and they are not pets.

Keeping the Horses Wild — and Yourself Safe

The National Park Service is clear about how visitors should behave around the horses:

• Keep your distance. The park asks visitors to stay at least 40 feet away — about the length of a bus.
• Never feed or pet them. Feeding is prohibited, and human food makes the horses sick and teaches them to approach people and cars.
• Secure your food. Horses are known for raiding coolers, picnic tables and tents.
• Drive slowly. Horses often walk on and along the island's roads.
• Watch children closely. Horses can kick and bite, especially if startled.

Following these rules protects both the horses and the people who come to see them. Check the National Park Service's official Assateague website for current rules, entrance information and any closures.

Getting There from Baltimore and BWI

From BWI or Baltimore, the route runs east on US-50 across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, then down the Eastern Shore through Easton, Cambridge and Salisbury toward Ocean City. Just before Ocean City, the route turns south toward Berlin and onto Route 611, which leads to the bridge onto Assateague.

Without heavy traffic, the trip typically takes about three hours. Summer weekends, especially Friday afternoons eastbound and Sunday afternoons westbound, can add significant time at the Bay Bridge and on US-50. Early mornings and weekdays are the easiest.

Our BWI to Ocean City page covers this drive in more detail.

Best Times to Visit

• Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and fewer insects, and they are often the most pleasant time to see the horses.
• Summer is beach season, with lifeguarded swimming areas and busier entrances. Mosquitoes and biting flies can be intense on the marsh side.
• Winter is quiet and stark, with few visitors and dramatic beach scenery.

Horses can turn up anywhere on the island, but they are often seen near roads, parking areas and the marsh edges. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be good times to look.

Pairing Assateague with Nearby Towns

Berlin

A few minutes inland, Berlin is a small, walkable historic town with a well-preserved main street, local shops and restaurants. It is a perfect lunch stop on the way to or from the island.

Ocean City

Ocean City's boardwalk, beaches and restaurants are a short drive north. Many visitors stay in Ocean City and make Assateague a half-day trip. Our Ocean City limo service page covers the resort town.

Salisbury

Salisbury, the largest city on the lower Eastern Shore, is on the route and has its own regional airport. Our Salisbury limo service page covers the area.

A Sample Day Trip

1. Leave Baltimore or BWI early to beat Bay Bridge traffic.
2. Arrive on Assateague late morning and stop at the National Seashore visitor center.
3. Drive the island slowly, walk a short nature trail and look for horses from a safe distance.
4. Lunch in Berlin.
5. Optional beach time or a stroll in Ocean City.
6. Head home in the late afternoon, ahead of the evening peak.

It is a long day, which is why many families prefer to make it part of an overnight trip.

Traveling with Kids and Groups

Assateague is a favorite trip for families. A Mercedes Sprinter seats up to 13 passengers with room for beach gear, and a Lincoln Navigator seats six. Car seats are available on request. For a longer beach weekend, our post on Rehoboth Beach weekend transportation offers ideas for the Delaware shore just to the north.

Other Things to Do on the Island

The horses are the draw, but they are not the only reason to visit. The National Seashore has short nature trails through the dunes, marsh and forest, and its visitor center explains the island's ecology. The beaches are wide and far less developed than Ocean City's. In season, kayaking and canoeing on the bay side are popular, and the island is a well-known birding destination, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Fishing and crabbing are also traditions here, subject to state and park rules. Check the official park websites for which activities are available during your visit and whether any require permits.

Staying Overnight

Because the drive is about three hours each way, many visitors turn Assateague into a one- or two-night trip. Ocean City has a wide range of hotels and rentals, Berlin has inns and bed-and-breakfasts, and the island itself offers camping for those who reserve well ahead. An overnight stay lets you look for the horses at dawn, when the light is beautiful and the island is quiet.

What to Bring

• Insect repellent, especially in summer.
• Sun protection and water.
• Binoculars to see the horses from a respectful distance.
• A camera with zoom so you do not need to get close.
• Secure food containers.

Planning Your Trip

Check the National Park Service and Maryland Park Service websites for current entrance information, then call 877-609-1919 or book online. Tell us your group size and whether you are making it a day trip or part of a beach weekend, and we will plan the timing around Bay Bridge traffic.