"Assateague Island" Assateague Island by dharmabum222

Assateague Island Travel Guide: 17 reviews and 25 photos

The island of wild horses

Many people that I encounter do not know where Assateague Island is, but when I mention that there is an island where wild horses roam free, it jogs their memory a bit. Movies have been filmed here with "big name" actors and each year an auction is held to thin the herds of horses on the island. The festivities draw huge crowds who gather at the shore to watch the traditional swim of the horses from Assateague Island to Chincoteague island for the auction.

From the moment that you cross the bridge on to Assateague island, you are surrounded by phragmites, sea grass, marshes and horses. You may wonder before arriving whether you will be lucky enough to see a horse or 2, but never you mind. There is a reason why they have to thin out the herd every year by auctioning horses to the highest bidder, it is because they are everywhere! They are more sedentary during the day, but as the temperature cools and the sun gets low in the sky, they become more frisky. This island is a truly special place and for more information about why, read my travelogue.

Please don't feed the horses....

There are signs all over asking tourists not to feed the horses and, yes there were people who tried to feed the horses. We were extra careful to not feed them by keeping all of our food in bins and coolers, but one frisky horse embarked on our site and broke open a large bin to get to a bag of marshmallows. We tried to dissuade him, but he was way bigger than us and won the battle!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful beach, beautiful horses, gigantic bugs
Cons:You will need a blood transfusion from all that you loose to the mosquitoes.
In a nutshell:If you bring some Deet and eat before dark you will have a great time.

Last visit to Assateague Island: Jun 2002
Intro Updated Mar 31, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (4)

Catch a wave! What to Pack (1)

The waves in Assateague are perfect for boogie boarding, so if you have one, bring it. If you do not, don't worry,... more travel advice

OCEAN CITY! Tourist Traps (1)

Ocean City, Maryland is the closest tourist town to the parks of Assateague. It is a short drive away, but if nature and... more travel advice

cocktails by campfire Nightlife (1)

Unless you plan to drive the 10 miles to Ocean City for a night of debaucerous nightlife, nightlife in the state and... more travel advice

Bugs, Bugsand more Bugs Warnings and Dangers (1)

The people of Assateague and the surrounding areas joke that the mosquito is their state bird, but make no mistake...I... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Mar 13, 2004

0 photos

Mystical Assateague Island

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (6)

Reply
- Report abuse
KiKitC Dec 7, 2006 at 3:26 AM

Happy birthday, from another "swamp lover - mosquito hater" in New Jersey! Hope your day is full of laughter!
Reply
- Report abuse
mar1956tin Dec 7, 2004 at 4:53 AM

Hi Nicole, sounds like a great place appart from those "Pesky Bugs" - regards Martin
Reply
- Report abuse
Anchovy56 Oct 1, 2004 at 9:31 AM

So if I need directions on this island who do I Ass?
Reply
- Report abuse
Stephen-KarenConn Apr 27, 2004 at 7:24 PM

Hi Cole, Good tips on a very interesting place. I have a horse pic I took on Assateague years ago which is very much like yours. Thanks for the memories.
Reply
- Report abuse
aussiedoug Mar 25, 2004 at 2:28 AM

Definitely 1 of Jack's Dharma Bums Nicole, sitting around on the beach with friends having a few beers around a fire & watching shooting stars! WOW! sounds good 2 me!
Reply
- Report abuse
manuelEB Mar 24, 2004 at 5:09 AM

yeah ! mystical is a proper adjective!!!