Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! These horses are sure to bring a smile and great photo opportunity to any family vacation this summer season. While taking a break, we were lucky enough to view a group of horses parading along the shoreline. The park features two herds, with a fence divided between the Maryland and Virginia borders. Then there's a gift shop mini market that served some good fast foods. RT @JimmyBinMD: This is absolutely 100% correct. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Others attribute their arrival by pirates drawn to the island who ultimately abandoned the animals. Wildlife tours, providing a comprehensive look at the many species that call this island home, are available, too. The Assateague horses inhabit the Maryland portion of the barrier island, with the Chincoteague ponies on the Virginia side of the state line. Assateague Wild Horse Tour | Assateague Island Assateague Island National Seashore Campground - Recreation.gov The last time I was there, I had a lovely day watching birds, deer, and horses from afar, but I was upset that I didn't get to see any horses up close. You're better off catching them on the Maryland side of the island. There is something so majestic and beautiful about seeing a wild horse running through the waves with its packit is the embodiment of freedom. Chincoteague has lodging, seafood, fantastic bird watching Fish & Wildlife Refuge. Some people believe the horses arrived on Assateague's shores when a Spanish galleon ship (with a cargo of horses) sank offshore. There are no hotels here, and Airbnb options are few and far between, which means youll likely be camping. Treat the horses with respect - move back and stay safe. Seeing the wild mustangs roaming freely along the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a thrilling and amazing sight. Or have you always wondered what exists beyond the paved roads and over the dunes? Its less than a three-hour drive from Richmond, Virginia; DC; Baltimore, Maryland; or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, so its pretty accessible no matter where youre coming from. As local folklore goes, the horses are survivors of a 17th-century shipwreck off the Virginia coast. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. "Mares and foals need that bonding time," she explains. They are often removed from the island and placed with private owners, and they tend to adapt quite well to domestication, possibly because of the large amounts of tourists who come to the island each year to observe them and enjoy being close to them. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Assateague Island National Seashore | WILD HORSES The rangers in the visitors center were very helpful and friendly and the gift shop prices were very fair. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the beach and other areas. Assateague Island National Seashore - All You Need to - Tripadvisor Wild horses inhabit the protected beaches, pine forests, and salt marshes of Assateague Island, a 37-mile coastal split between Maryland and Virginia. You are not allowed to stop your car when you see the horses, but everyone does, of course. At 37 miles long, it's the largest natural barrier island ecosystem in the mid-Atlantic states. Close by is Chincoteague Island (home of the pony Add to that the fact that the island is split between two different states Maryland and Virginia and it's easy to see why travelers often throw up their hands in confusion before ever setting foot on the rugged, windswept shoreline. (on either end). While Maryland certainly cant compare to places like that, it does have one particular spot with pristine-looking sand. The island is a barrier that spans the borders of Maryland and Virginia, and is famous for its wild pony population. We arrived around 11 in the afternoon to a windy and crowded parking lot, however it was roughly 65 degrees in late December. Seeing horses in the wild in this coastal island environment is stunning and special. (They have porta potties, No showers). mobile app. Experience Maryland's Wild Horses | OCMD Vacation Rentals The Assateague horses typically divide themselves into groups of 2 to 12, and each band occupies a distinct home range, according to the NPS, which handles the Maryland herd. If this sounds like fun to you, you will enjoy this aspect of Assateague island. A tiny strip of land that runs along the coast of Maryland and Virginia, Assateague Island is a unique destination that is easily drivable from the Baltimore/DC area, and an accessible summer road trip destination for most East Coasters. Wherever they came from, the horses are split into two herds one on the Virginia half of the island and one on the Maryland half separated by a fence along the border. But we need someone to brush the sand off of our feet. July 9, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. EDT. The Museum of Chincoteague Island purchased the remaining 10-acre piece of the Beebe family ranch, which served as the setting and inspiration for the 1947 children . Their water comes from the freshwater ponds located on the island. See the Wild Horses in the Maryland district - U.S. National Park Service [1] The northern two-thirds of the island is in Maryland while the southern third is in Virginia. Horses have been on Assateague Island for over 300 years. Check out [Skills] Wild Horse Islands. At 37 miles long, its the largest natural barrier island ecosystem in the mid-Atlantic states. We continually update the Equitrekking Travel Deals page and blast it out first in Equitrekking's free monthly e-newsletter. 6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 100 |Ocean City, Maryland 21842 You will receive your first email soon. Not sure what to do in Ocean City? Assateague Island is a 37-mile (60 km) long barrier island located off the eastern coast of the Delmarva Peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean. shipwreck was discovered off Assateague Island, which lends credit Local lore experts theorized the ponies arrived on the island via a shipwrecked vessel in the late 18th or early 19th century. You might be wondering how these horses got to the East Coast and why is it a popular location for visitors? Find the best global horseback riding vacations in Top Riding Vacations. There were a ton of signs about where you were allowed to park, so make sure to follow the rules. There is some speculation that it may have been during colonial times, as they have been around, in the area since the 1600s! Visit this link to learn more about how your behaviors can contribute to a safer habitat for horses and a more enjoyable visit for people. Opt for a September trip. Assateague Island Horses - Assateague Island Alliance (The term feral refers to formerly domesticated animals that have reverted to a wild state. However, while their exact origins are still unknown, its more commonly thought that the feral horses are descendants of herds brought to the island in the late 17th century by mainland owners who were trying to avoid livestock taxation and fencing laws. First, while there is no valid evidence of how the horses got to the island of Assateague. The only thing I recommend is booking a cabin or camping so you can get the full experience! ), Today, more than 300 wild horses inhabit the rugged barrier island, separated into two main herds on either side of the Maryland/Virginia state line, which is delineated by fencing. The separate herd in Virginia is owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department, which sponsors the annual pony penning and swim every July. The seashore is home to beaches, a pine forest, migratory seabirds, eagles, and a lighthouse, but the area is first and foremost famous for its wild horses. But that's all we saw on the way. Wild Horses Whether you're traveling with friends or you've brought the entire family along, a day trip to Assateague Island National Seashore is a must! and saw some wild horses! I am bringing my 2 kids for a June weekend and camping in the state park. Where to Ride: Droolworthy Riding Vacations, The Hardy Quarter Horses of Namibia Breed Profile, Horse Lovers Vacation at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Cincinnatis Bed and Breakfast with Horses, Viewing Wild Horses on Assateague Island in Maryland. Keep your Distance and, as the signs warn, do not feed the wildlife. >>Next: Meeting the Lone Resident of the Highest Village in Europe, AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media, Meeting the Lone Resident of the Highest Village in Europe, 5 Tips for Redeeming AmEx Membership Rewards Points for Top Value, 11 Travel-Ready Fanny Packs That Are Actually Stylish, This Is the Best Country for Expats to Live and Work Abroad, How to Visit This Charming Colorado Mountain Town and the Distillery That Calls It Home, 7 Delightful Ways to Go Beyond the Shore in Myrtle Beach, Why Washington, D.C. Is an Especially Meaningful Place to Celebrate Pride, Discover South Carolinas Golf Paradise for Adults, Kids, and Kids at Heart, Heres How Washington, D.C. is Leading the Way in Accessible Travel, What Makes Padre Island National Seashore a Paradise for Nature Lovers, Personalize Your Dream Vacation in Myrtle Beach, 5 Ways Corpus Christi Takes Your Beach Vacation to the Next Level, Follow Your Personal Pleasure on an Epic Trip in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, An Exquisite Experience in Abu Dhabi Awaits, 5 Ways This International Hotel Brand Is Doing Its Part to Save the Ocean. Safety Tips for Viewing the Wild Horses - Assateague Island National I caught nothing (if I am anything, it's consistent) but a great tan and a love for the island. My Grams took me here 40 years ago and I still remember it like yesterday. Once youre on the island, youll find getting around pretty easy. traveled sands, clamming, swimming, surf fishing, beach hiking and of Assateague Island. Roll vehicle windows up if a horse approaches the vehicle. Smack in the middle of the East Coast, roughly three hours by car from Philadelphia, Assateague Island National Seashore is a 48,000-acre preserved stretch of coastal wilderness on a barrier island along the Atlantic. Wild horse and foal get stuck crossing Outer Banks boardwalk | Hilton Explore different ways to experience this place. There was no "fast pass" lane for those who already purchased an entrance ticket. Assateague Wild Ponies - Assateague Island National Seashore Most people explore the island by hiking, kayaking, riding OSVs (over-sand vehicles), or horseback riding (not the wild horses). While you can fish from a kayak while exploring the island, surf fishing from the beach is the most popular approach. This portion includes most of Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park, and it is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, respectively. They have lived for centuries on the island. Here's why you should visit Assateague Island this summer. See Wild Ponies At These Virginia & Maryland Islands Best of all, there is a Food Lion grocery store on the way so you can pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while in the park. This voyage is often drive just one hour south to the Virginia end of Assateague Island. Do not take food to the beach unless in a cooler that is zippered or secured with a nylon strap. We saw a few wild ponies on our way out of the park, on the side of the road, where people had stopped to photograph them. National Wildlife Refuge is located on Assateague Island and is one of the most The island is more than just wildlife, too. These horses are WILD, and they don't behave like domestic horses. Though nobody knows for sure how they got there, it is certain that they were not originally wild. It serves as a wildlife refuge for many gulls, terns, and waterfowl. While we cannot guarantee that you will see them, these tips and directions will improve your chances. people believe that the wild ponies of Assateague arrived on Assateague Island Car camping sites are available by online reservation, and weekend and holiday slots get booked rather quickly. We love visiting the National Park sites and I was intrigued by the possibility of seeing the wild horses. The most probable theory is that they survived a shipwreck of a Spanish ship, the La Galga in 1750. The horses are feral and roam freely throughout the Maryland section of the island, so they can be anywhere at any time. Not far from where I am wild horses that roam the beach at Assateague Island. Who wants it? Enjoy the photos below of horses, birds, and scenery, and start planning your trip to Assateague Island. 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Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The horses aren't meant to be fed by humans as it increases their dependence on outside food sources away from their habitat. We also lucked out and there were no flies or mosquitoes this past weekend. I was on the Maryland side of the island on a quest to find them with national park ranger Nick Clemons. See all 2 Assateague Island National Seashore tours on Tripadvisor, Assateague Island National Seashore Campground, Avoid Saturday Summer Traffic w/ FRIDAY Check-in, Lg.Home Sleeps 14! Is it normal to do typical beach-y stuff here? Horses might also get sick from human food, so its best to play it safe and avoid feeding them. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5, is that we were camping right next door at Assateague State Park, and purchased a $25 one week pass to get in to the National Seashore. Open year round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Plus, you'll need to be prepared with plenty of insect repellent and protective clothing, as mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats, and ticks are an ongoing nuisance throughout the summer. And then there's the heat. The touch tank was also a lot of fun. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. After Christmas, my wife and I decided to get away for a night and settled on Assateague Island National Seashore. Animals stay healthier when you do not feed them. Assateague Island National Seashore has a combined total of over 300 wild ponies in Maryland and Virginia. I guess Assateague Island just wanted to remain pristine because soon after the road was destroyed, it was named a national seashore. If they move in your direction, it is your responsibility to move out of their way and allow them to pass. Your symbolic foster is an ideal way to support the horses living wild and free among the Maryland herd on Assateague Island National Seashore. From dolphin-watching tours to surf fishing to clamming, there are plenty of ways to pass the time. These larger shelters can be set up over your picnic table, so you can enjoy breakfast and dinner without worrying about invading mosquitoes. Go for it! Enjoy discounts on riding holidays and bargains on cattle drives and riding vacations. For another unique beach in the Old Line State, click here! north and south annually. These animals have large teeth and strong jaws, and though they are not normally aggressive, a bite can inflict serious injury at worst, and a whole lot of pain at best. The Peculiar Ponies of Assateague State Park - Maryland Department of Assateague horses do bite, kick and can carry rabies. Assateaque Island National Seahore has a combined total of over 300 wild ponies. iStockphoto/Getty Images. . Alex Schechter is a Los Angeles-based journalist who covers travel, food, and dining. The beach was great - not overcrowded and very clean, which was pretty much the same as Virginia. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. However, this is also peak tourist season, which means bigger crowds. Assateague is a barrier island whose form is constantly changing with the movement of the water and sands. A Beware though because they actually stopped at one spot and tore through someone's lunch looking for a tasty snack. A destination that offers something for everyone. Assateague Island Is Home to Wild Horses, Kayaking Adventures, and We had full service on our phones during the whole stay-cation. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Recently in 1997, a Spanish 8 Places To See Wild Horses in North America, $35 Safaris, $190 Lux Glamping: a Budget African Safari inRwanda, Maasai Mara National Reserve: How To Plan, Book, and Enjoy a 2023Safari, 6 Things To Know Before Planning Your Kruger National ParkSafari, Download the Chincoteague and Assateague are barrier islands in the Atlantic Ocean protecting Maryland and Virginia. Search the Equitrekking Vacation Guide and Top20Ranches.com. There is no guarantee that by paying the service charge visitors will see horses. The wild horses on Assateague Island get bloated bellies because of the salt in the grass. Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) Zone Map Map of Assateague Island Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) Zones in Maryland and Virginia and map of the North OSV Zone in Virginia. When you visit Assateague, you will probably find yourself wondering why the horses' bellies are so round. The Chincoteague It's very far away from everything. Good luck! Then we saw a crowd of people so we knew we'd be seeing something and one horse was grazing on the side of the road. Beaches With Wild Horses in Maryland | USA Today If horses approach you, back off and retreat to a safe distance. But there are a few things to keep in mind. The National Park and Wildlife Refuge contain an astounding variety of activities with diversity that staggers the imagination and makes your visit an unforgettable vacation. Assateague Island National Seashore is located close to Chincoteague Island, Virginia and Ocean City, Maryland. The quaint MD towns offer historic architecture, great fishing, and beautiful water views. Get more stories delivered right to your email. more, #2 of 3 things to do in Assateague Island. In any event, the ponies have become well adapted We have to remember that though the horses are not initially afraid of humans or territorial, it is easy for them to perceive a friendly pat as a threat. I would recommend talking to locals, sometimes the horses done run !!! Great fun for all ages! While you might find horses on the beach, especially in the summer, we also found them meandering through parking lots and grazing near campsites. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. When staying at any of our fabulous vacation rentals in Ocean City MD, youll want to experience the beauty and grace of Marylands wild horses. For instance, use special sand stakes when securing your tent. They swam to safety on the barrier islands and repopulated there. Others believe the wild horses beaches, a lighthouse and U.S. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Ocean City which was roughly 15 minutes from the entrance to the National Seashore. Great experience, we booked 2 times. The wild horses on Assateague Island are managed by the National Park Service. When we were there, no horses ran, but you could go to the stables. Before encountering any animals, please refer to the National Park Service site about viewing these horses from afar or you can learn about Horse Safety Tips at the Visitor Center. During a typical trip to the island, you're likely to see such beautiful birds as the snowy egret, the great blue heron, and even the gorgeous osprey. The ecosystem here is so valued, in fact, that it takes three separate agencies to manage it (National Park Service, U.S. This barrier island is a constantly shifting ribbon of sand, altered daily by powerful wind and waves. Animals can easily pick up scavenging practices, so never feed them. Beach is great. A fossilized tooth may help solve the mystery of the Assateague Island Sign up to get the best dude ranch vacation travel deals first. There are absolutely no dogs allowed on the Virginia side. Assateague's Wild Horses - Assateague Island National Seashore (U.S Fish & Wildlife Refuge. National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential. All rights reserved. Several bird species call the island home, including the great blue heron, snowy egret, red-winged blackbird, brown pelican, American oystercatcher, and a variety of gulls, waterbirds, and raptors. We mostly stayed on Chincoteague Island and visited the Virginia side of Assateague Island. These horses are wild, says Liz Davis, chief of interpretation and education at Assateague Island National Seashore. There is a beautiful, pristine beach with blue waves and white sand. One of America's last fully functioning barrier island ecosystems. Ocean City & Chincoteague have convenient travel accommodations with lodging, restaurants, beach supplies and activities. Their short, stocky build allows them to navigate the marshes and to store water efficiently. On Assateague Island, a barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, pony-sized horses roam free. Here are links to the official State Park and Nation Park websites with more imformation about the ponies/horses. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. You can do all of this when choosing to vacation with Central Reservations. More than 300 wild ponies wander the beaches, inland pine forest, and salt marshes. Need more ideas? Visit Assateague Maryland and Ocean City or This list should show you plenty of cool things to do! But there are lots of activities available to travelers, too. Otherwise, a federal program has been in place on the island since 1994. While the seashore stays open year-round, the climate can vary widely between the four seasons. When you hear the word island, the first thought tends to be, oh boy, how do I even get there? Luckily, Assateague Island is a barrier island, meaning its connected to the mainland. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Planning a day here next week with my 3 and 5 year old. Wikimedia Commons / U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Digital Visual Library It is inexpensive, the scenery is beautiful, and you can enjoy camping on the beach and waking up to find a horse grazing just outside your tent. Another piece of equipment worth the investment is a screen tent. The legend goes that the ancestors of these horses were aboard a shipwrecked Spanish galleon. For more information about Assateague Island, visit the website here. I'm writing about the experience for Practical Horseman magazine, Equitrekking.com, Budget Travel and filming for a new series, Travels with Darley, already online on AOL, MSN and Budget Travel and coming to PBS! And speaking of food, make sure to bring proper storage. #OCMD, View all hotels near Assateague Island National Seashore on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Assateague Island National Seashore on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Assateague Island National Seashore on Tripadvisor, Assateague Island Pet Friendly Campgrounds, Hotels near Assateague Island National Seashore, Hotels near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Hotels near Baltimore-Washington Intl Airport (BWI), Motels near Baltimore-Washington Intl Airport (BWI), Motels near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Nature & Wildlife Areas in Assateague Island, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Assateague Island, Assateague Island National Seashore: Tickets & Tours, Assateague Island National Seashore Tours and Tickets, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Full-Day Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour from Munich, Obidos, Nazar & Tomar (or Ftima) from Lisbon, Colosseum VIP access with arena and ancient Rome small group tour, Tandem Paragliding Flight in the Lucerne Region, Aveiro & Costa Nova Half Day Tour from Porto with Moliceiro River Cruise, Day Trip - Malindi Marine Park & Sardegna 2 Island Excursion, Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure in Juneau. A powerful storm can dramatically alter the shoreline in a matter of hours.". It is dangerous both for the horses and for people when interactions are too close. Here's a history of this unique oasis in the Atlantic, and some of the many reasons why you should make the trip. Beach is great. Assateague Island: The Wild Horse Island In Maryland With White Sand Horse eyes are not reflective, making horses on or along the road hard to see in the dark. FAQ Wild horses in maryland Jaime Beamer May 19, 2022 0 478 7 minutes read The horses are split into two main herds, one on the Virginia side and one on the Maryland side of Assateague.
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