Assateague Island National Park
- beesley
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 5
- Reviews
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16
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Great Place for Everyone!
- May 15, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
ct888 from Kersey, Pennsylvania
We found a brochure about Assateague Island in our hotel lobby and asked the staff if it was worth going, they all gave the place a great recommendation and advised us that our trip would be will worth it. We got into the car and drove out to the Island all the while the kids were beaming with excitement as we drove across yet another huge bridge in hopes to see some of the wild ponies that roam on the island. It wasn't one of the best days as it was sprinkling off and on and it was very windy but I sure hoped we seen something. We got to the pay booth and paid our $15 entrance fee, which gave us access to the Island for 7 days day or night. We drove around the area up and down all the little roads and finally we found a few of the ponies way out in a grassy area past the water. We walked out on the little boardwalk and explored the area for a few minutes, then returned to the car to check some other areas, as we were heading back we finally seen a pony come out of the woods, right up to our car. It showed no fear of us and just stuck its head in our car! Then he must have been itchy because he laid down and rolled around on the ground, the kids really found this amusing, I on the other hand kept telling my husband to move the car before the pony kicks it! We also walked up to the beach area of the island where there were many people camping in tents along the beach, as we later found out that beach is one of very few that you are able to camp on and build fires. We also seen that if you had a 4x4 you could purchase a pass to drive along the beach for a 12 mile ride, that sounded fun but we had a car. As we were leaving we saw some deer who also showed little fear of us. Heading back across the Bridge we decided to park in a parking area and walk to the top of the along the walking area. All in all it was a great time and was enjoyed by everyone.
From journal Easter/Birthday Weekend At The Ocean
Assateague trails
- July 19, 2007
- Rated 4 of 5 by
jessiekin from white marsh, Maryland
Assateague is very relaxing. We took our bikes on the nature trails and went to see the lighthouse one day. Another day we went to Assateague beach. The beach is very clean and not too crowded. There are many different types of birds and wildlife to see.
From journal Chincoteague
Editor Pick
Assateague Island
- July 4, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
MonnieR from Niles, Ohio
If you visit Assateague Island, VA, be prepared for an almost constant commune with nature. Keep your eyes open and you’re likely to see wild ponies—a herd of about 150 calls the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge home—as well as a variety of waterfowl and egrets by the hundred, literally. On our first day there, we almost drove off the road when we saw a tree with at least 50 snowy egrets perched in the branches. When we stopped, we discovered three times that many in surrounding marshes and trees. On a nearby trail, bikers came to a screeching halt when they discovered an enormous tortoise blocking their path.
Be prepared, too, for attacks from flying objects; the minute you exit your vehicle in scenic areas, mosquitoes start dive-bombing. Do not—repeat, do not—leave your motel without applying insect repellent, and keep a spray bottle in your car or pocket.
If you plan to spend some time on Assateague Island, your best bet is to find a place to stay on Chincoteague Island, which has plenty of relatively inexpensive motels and other rental properties. Assateague Island is less than a mile from the outskirts of Chincoteague (our motel, the Refuge Inn, was even closer).
On the island, you’re in the middle of wetlands, marshes and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean. The park daily entrance fee is $5, but since we were there a few days, we bought a pass for $10 that gave us unlimited in-and-out access for the four days we were there.
The herd of wild ponies, though, is the big attraction here. The herd is kept at an almost constant 150 (a second herd of about 150 is maintained on the Maryland end of the Assateague National Seashore). Once a year the last week in July, the Annual Pony Swim brings thousands of visitors to see the ponies as they’re driven across the channel to Chincoteague Island to be checked for health, tagged, and returned to their Assateague home.
One of the best ways to see the island and its wild inhabitants is by boat; charter companies like Daisey’s Dockside Pontoon Cruises and Chincoteague Cruises depart Chincoteague Island throughout the day and evening.
Another don’t-miss landmark is the Assateague Lighthouse. Owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the current red-and-white striped lighthouse, built in 1867, stands 154 feet above sea level. Check the schedule at the Web site to see when it’s open to the public for climbing.
From journal Assateague Island is Au Naturale
Editor Pick
Assateague Island National Park
- April 26, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
butterfly53 from Winsted , Connecticut
You MUST see Assateague Island when you visit Ocean City, Maryland. It is located about 10 miles from the southern end of Ocean City across the bridge. There is a charge to enter the National Park. It is $6 for the day but, for $10, you can get a pass to enter all week, or for $20, you can get an annual pass. Definitely get the $10 because I guarantee you will return.
Wild ponies abound on this island! They are so beautiful. There are many theories as to how these ponies came to live here. The most popular theory is that they were on a shipwreck and swam to shore. There are about 100 horses that live here. The newest pony was born Christmas Eve 2006. We saw him nursing so we knew it was him.
The ponies are wild animals and you must take precautions so they do not bite you, but they will come up to your car and look in the windows. They actually recognize snack bags and we have been told they have a particular affinity for potato chips.
The colt even decided to try to climb over our car and actually had two hooves on the bumper. We figured he was trying to check our oil!
While you drive around the island, you will come upon several beaches on the Atlantic Ocean which are pristine and beautiful, even in the winter. There are year round restrooms which are handy!
Also available on the bay side of the island is a shellfishing area.
Many nature trails for walking exist on the island and allow you to see different aspects of island life.
You will also see white-tailed deer that are much shyer than the ponies around humans.
A visit here, even in winter, is extremely enjoyable.
From journal Is it crazy to visit Ocean City Maryland in March?
Assateague Island National Park
- February 23, 2003
- Rated 3 of 5 by
beesley from Winthrop, Maine
National park with paved roads. Beach is long and flat. Park has several areas to visit. You need to take your time and explore. Lots of places to walk and drive.
From journal Feb vacation