Things To Do Near Assateague Island National Seashore
There is no end to the activities available at Assateague Island National Seashore. Visitors find plenty of hiking opportunities inland as well as anywhere they wish along the beaches. For those who prefer an active beach with pounding waves, there is the east side of the island, and on the west side, waves gently lap the shoreline. Fishing is one of the most pursued activities on the island. Wildlife is abundant, even to the extent of a wild herd of horses, and the calm of the beach lends itself well to sunbathing during the day and stargazing at night.
Hiking Trails
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Life of the Marsh Trail
The Life of the Marsh Trail is a fully reconstructed loop pathway, including new boardwalks across the salt marshes, that was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Hikers along this trail have magnificent views of a typical salt marsh and Sinepuxtent Bay. Bird watchers enjoy this hike as it brings them close to saltwater-loving birds that otherwise stay distant.
Location
Assateague Island National Seashore
Length
0.5 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Life of the Forest Trail
The Life of the Forest Trail is an in-and-out pathway through one of the few forests on the island and over a salt marsh. Both birds and mammals are visible on this walk during the spring or fall seasons. Most of the trail is a reconstructed boardwalk with several built-in observation points.
Location
Assateague Island National Seashore
Length
0.4 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Fenwick Island Lighthouse
Fenwick Island is a small barrier island at the juncture of Maryland and Delaware. Because of repeated shipwrecks on the island's shoals, the U.S. Board of Lighthouses chose to build a lighthouse on the island's highest point in 1859. The lighthouse, in its original form, is still standing today, and even though decommissioned, it still lights the sky about the island with an impressive light source.
Location
103 146th St, Ocean City, MD 21842
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Henry's Grove, MD
Built in 1792 on the eastern shore of Maryland, this house has stood as it was constructed for over two centuries. The interior has retained much of its ornate filigrees. Touring this house lets you know how the wealthy lived in those days.
Location
611 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 20880
Museums
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Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
Today, only a few people understand that the creation of the U.S. Coastguard Service came with the merger of the United States Revenue Cutter Service and the United States Lifesaving Service in 1915. Thislife-saving station is a relic of those times when men put to sea in open boats to rescue passengers and crews of ships wrecked on ocean reefs and shoals. Anyone who stops to visit this museum will be inspired by the feats of these great heroes.
Location
813 South Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842
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Calvin B. Taylor House
The Calvin B. Taylor house is a museum that commemorates the happenings around Berlin, MD, from its founding to today. There are several displays presented in every room of the house, including the story of Isaiah Fassett, a freed slave who worked with Seabiscuit during the race with War Admiral that inspired so many during the Great Depression.
Location
208 North Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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White Marlin Mall
Located close to Assateague Island National Seashore, the White Marlin Mall offers 18 shops under one roof. Some shops are local concerns, but most are national franchises like Marshalls, Staples, and Dollar Tree.
Location
12641 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842
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The Brant
When it comes time to look for souvenirs or gifts for friends and family to commemorate your trip to Assateague Island National Seashore, drop by The Brant. This gift shop specializes in pearl and driftwood items such as bracelets, pen holders, and figurines.
Location
6472 Maddox Boulevard, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
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Assateague Crab House
American seafood cuisine is at its finest at the Assateague Crab House. Ordering their seafood platter is a great way to become familiar with all the wares this restaurant has to offer. However, their steamed lobster, which includes lobster cooked as it should be—steamed whole—is the star of the show.
Location
7635 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 21842
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Sunset Grille
The Sunset Grille, voted the favorite restaurant in Maryland for several years running, offers eclectic cuisine. If you are looking for a hamburger, order the sunset burger; if you are looking for a complete meal, order the New York strip steak meal. Either way, your palate will be pleased.
Location
12933 Sunset Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842