Assateague Island travel guide

Assateague Island travel guide

National Airports

There are no national airports located on Assateague Island, as the island is primarily a protected area with limited development. However, visitors to Assateague Island can fly into nearby airports and travel to the island by car or ferry. Here are some airports located near Assateague Island:

Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY): This airport is located in Salisbury, Maryland, which is about 45 minutes from Assateague Island. The airport offers flights from several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): This airport is located in Baltimore, Maryland, which is about 2.5 hours from Assateague Island. The airport offers flights from several major airlines, including Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): This airport is located in Arlington, Virginia, which is about 3 hours from Assateague Island. The airport offers flights from several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United.

Dulles International Airport (IAD): This airport is located in Dulles, Virginia, which is about 3.5 hours from Assateague Island. The airport offers flights from several major airlines, including United, Delta, and American Airlines.

Once at the airport, visitors can rent a car or take public transportation to travel to Assateague Island. Some rental car companies are located at the airport, and public transportation options include taxis, shuttles, and buses. Additionally, visitors can take a ferry from nearby locations such as Chincoteague, Virginia or Ocean City, Maryland to reach Assateague Island.

Trains in Assateague Island

There are no train stations on Assateague Island, as the island is primarily a protected area with limited development. However, visitors to Assateague Island can take the train to nearby stations and travel to the island by car or ferry. Here are some train stations located near Assateague Island:

Salisbury Station: This station is located in Salisbury, Maryland, which is about 45 minutes from Assateague Island. Amtrak offers daily service to this station on the Northeast Regional line, which runs from Boston to Norfolk.

BWI Marshall Rail Station: This station is located in Baltimore, Maryland, which is about 2.5 hours from Assateague Island. Amtrak offers daily service to this station on several lines, including the Northeast Regional, Acela Express, and the Crescent.

Union Station: This station is located in Washington, D.C., which is about 3 hours from Assateague Island. Amtrak offers daily service to this station on several lines, including the Northeast Regional, Acela Express, and the Crescent.

Once at the train station, visitors can rent a car or take public transportation to travel to Assateague Island. Some rental car companies are located near the train stations, and public transportation options include taxis, shuttles, and buses. Additionally, visitors can take a ferry from nearby locations such as Chincoteague, Virginia or Ocean City, Maryland to reach Assateague Island.

Buses in Assateague Island

There are no public buses that operate directly on Assateague Island, as the island is primarily a protected area with limited development. However, visitors to Assateague Island can take a bus to nearby towns and travel to the island by car or ferry. Here are some bus options to consider:

Greyhound: Greyhound offers daily bus service to several nearby towns, including Salisbury, Maryland, and Virginia Beach, Virginia. From there, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi, shuttle, or bus to reach Assateague Island.

Shore Transit: Shore Transit operates bus service in the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, including Salisbury and nearby towns. Visitors can use Shore Transit’s Route 192 to travel to Assateague Island from Salisbury.

Once in nearby towns, visitors can rent a car or take public transportation to travel to Assateague Island. Some rental car companies are located near the bus stations, and public transportation options include taxis, shuttles, and buses. Additionally, visitors can take a ferry from nearby locations such as Chincoteague, Virginia or Ocean City, Maryland to reach Assateague Island.

How to get to Assateague Island

Assateague Island is located on the coast of Maryland and Virginia in the United States. Here are some ways to get to Assateague Island:

By car: Visitors can drive to Assateague Island by taking Route 611 in Maryland or Virginia. The island is accessible via the Verrazano Bridge from the mainland.

By ferry: Visitors can take a ferry from nearby locations such as Chincoteague, Virginia or Ocean City, Maryland to reach Assateague Island. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes and provides views of the surrounding areas.

By plane: The nearest airport to Assateague Island is Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY), which is about 45 minutes away by car. Other nearby airports include Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and Dulles International Airport (IAD), which are all located within a few hours of driving.

Once on the island, visitors can explore the area by foot, bike, or car. There are also shuttle services available on the island.

What is the best time to travel to Assateague Island

The best time to travel to Assateague Island depends on your interests and what you want to do while you’re there. Here are some factors to consider when planning your trip:

Weather: Assateague Island experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The summers can be hot and humid, with average temperatures in the 80s°F (27-32°C), while the winters can be cold, with average temperatures in the 40s°F (4-9°C). Spring and fall are typically mild with temperatures in the 50s-70s°F (10-26°C). If you’re interested in swimming or water activities, the summer months are the best time to visit. If you prefer cooler weather, the spring and fall are good times to visit.

Wildlife: Assateague Island is known for its wild horses, which can be seen throughout the year. If you’re interested in wildlife viewing, the best time to visit is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be crowded, which may make it harder to spot the horses.

Crowds: The peak season for Assateague Island is from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when the weather is warm and schools are out. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall.

Activities: Assateague Island offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Some activities may be seasonal, so it’s best to check ahead of time to see what’s available during your visit.

Overall, the best time to travel to Assateague Island is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Consider what you want to do while you’re there and choose a time that aligns with your interests.

How to get around Assateague Island

Assateague Island is a protected area with limited development, but there are several ways to get around the island:

Walking: One of the best ways to explore Assateague Island is on foot. The island offers several hiking trails, including the Life of the Marsh Trail, the Woodland Trail, and the Wildlife Loop Trail, which provide views of the island’s unique habitats and wildlife.

Biking: Biking is also a popular way to explore Assateague Island, and there are several bike rental companies on the island. The island offers a paved bike path that runs along the main road, providing access to the beach and other areas of interest.

Driving: Visitors can drive on the island’s main road, which runs the length of the island from the Maryland end to the Virginia end. The speed limit is 25 mph, and visitors are encouraged to watch for wildlife, especially the island’s famous wild horses.

Shuttle service: Assateague Island offers a shuttle service that runs between the island’s main entrances, the National Seashore Visitor Center, and the beach. The shuttle is wheelchair accessible and runs seasonally.

Kayaking: Visitors can also explore Assateague Island’s waterways by kayak. There are several kayak rental companies on the island, and visitors can explore the island’s bays and channels for a unique perspective on the island’s habitats and wildlife.

Regardless of how you choose to get around Assateague Island, it’s important to remember to respect the island’s fragile ecosystem and wildlife.

Accommodations in Assateague Island

Assateague Island offers a range of accommodations for visitors, including camping, cabins, and nearby hotels. Here are some options for staying on Assateague Island:

Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds: The island offers two campgrounds, the Oceanside Campground and the Bayside Campground, which are run by the National Park Service. The campgrounds offer tent and RV camping, with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.

Assateague State Park: The state park is located on the Maryland side of the island and offers campsites for tent and RV camping, as well as cabins and a youth group camping area. The park has amenities such as restrooms, showers, and a camp store.

Chincoteague Island: The nearby town of Chincoteague, Virginia, offers a variety of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts for visitors. The town is located just across the bridge from Assateague Island and offers easy access to the island’s beaches and wildlife.

Private rentals: Visitors can also rent vacation homes, cottages, and apartments on Chincoteague Island or in the nearby towns of Ocean City, Maryland or Virginia Beach, Virginia.

When choosing accommodations on Assateague Island, it’s important to book early, especially during the summer months when demand is high.