Day Itinerary
8 Activities
Day 2
150 mi
Assateague Island: Sandy Beaches, Salt Marshes, and Wild Horses
Assateague Island is best known for the wild horses roaming its shorelines. These so-called "wild" horses are actually descendants of domestic animals that have reverted to a wild state.
Local legend has it that the Assateague horses are descendants of survivors of a Spanish galleon, shipwrecked off the Virginia coast. But, according to the National Park Service, there's nothing to back that story up. The more likely explanation is that today's wild horses exist because 17th century landowners were trying to avoid livestock taxation laws on the mainland and took their horses to islands like Assateague.
Regardless of their origin story, wild horses running on a beach are a sight to behold.
Spend a day driving around this small island and admiring the horses from afar. And take some time to appreciate the island's beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays.
Local legend has it that the Assateague horses are descendants of survivors of a Spanish galleon, shipwrecked off the Virginia coast. But, according to the National Park Service, there's nothing to back that story up. The more likely explanation is that today's wild horses exist because 17th century landowners were trying to avoid livestock taxation laws on the mainland and took their horses to islands like Assateague.
Regardless of their origin story, wild horses running on a beach are a sight to behold.
Spend a day driving around this small island and admiring the horses from afar. And take some time to appreciate the island's beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays.
0.9 mi
5 min
09:301 hr
Happy Jack Pancake House
Stock up on carbs after last night.
This pancake house has a variety of flavors: cinnamon bun, cookie dough, sweet potato, bacon pancakes, and more. If you're not looking for pancakes, don't worry—there are plenty of other options here like omelettes, Belgian waffles, and french toast.
There are no reservations or call-ahead seating, so be prepared to wait if you're visiting during peak season.
This pancake house has a variety of flavors: cinnamon bun, cookie dough, sweet potato, bacon pancakes, and more. If you're not looking for pancakes, don't worry—there are plenty of other options here like omelettes, Belgian waffles, and french toast.
There are no reservations or call-ahead seating, so be prepared to wait if you're visiting during peak season.
10.6 mi
20 min
11:0030 min
Assateague Island Visitor Center
Start your day at the Assateague Island Visitor Center. Here you'll be greeted by marine aquariums, exhibits, a film about the island's wild horses, and a variety of brochures and other opportunities to learn more about the island.
1.4 mi
5 min
11:452 hrs
Assateague Island
Use the brochure you just picked up for a self-guided tour of Assateague State Park.
The marsh areas have a variety of wildlife, including the wild horses the island is known for. The two miles of beaches here also allow visitors to go swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing.
The marsh areas have a variety of wildlife, including the wild horses the island is known for. The two miles of beaches here also allow visitors to go swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing.
12.7 mi
25 min
14:151 hr
On the Bay Seafood
This little seafood joint might not look like much on the outside, but the food will more than make up for it. Eater calls this a "quintessential Maryland crabhouse."
Order a bushel of crabs here, or any of the other seafood on the menu.
Order a bushel of crabs here, or any of the other seafood on the menu.
2.9 mi
10 min
15:3045 min
Ocean City Boardwalk
Ocean City's Boardwalk has so much to offer that a second visit here only makes sense.
Do whatever speaks to you: play games, sit on a bench and people watch, or go back down to the beach for more swimming and sunbathing.
If you're in the mood for a snack, Dumser's Dairyland Boardwalk (ice cream) and Fractured Prune (donuts) have several locations across the boardwalk. They're both Ocean City originals and worth trying at least once.
Do whatever speaks to you: play games, sit on a bench and people watch, or go back down to the beach for more swimming and sunbathing.
If you're in the mood for a snack, Dumser's Dairyland Boardwalk (ice cream) and Fractured Prune (donuts) have several locations across the boardwalk. They're both Ocean City originals and worth trying at least once.
1.1 mi
5 min
16:301 hr
Trimper Rides
Take a ride on this merry-go-round carousel located in the old-school amusement park Trimper's Rides.
The Trimper’s Carousel is the oldest continually operated carousel in the United States. It’s been in use (and in the same location) since Daniel Trimper purchased it in 1912. The carousel is intricately carved, and worthy of all the Instagram pictures.
Local legend has it that the the spirit of a lady who loved the carousel still haunts it today. Chesapeake Ghost Walks notes, "When you’re standing close to the carousel, be still and reach out in your mind to her. Ask her to let you know she’s there … and you might just get a whiff of her perfume."
The Trimper’s Carousel is the oldest continually operated carousel in the United States. It’s been in use (and in the same location) since Daniel Trimper purchased it in 1912. The carousel is intricately carved, and worthy of all the Instagram pictures.
Local legend has it that the the spirit of a lady who loved the carousel still haunts it today. Chesapeake Ghost Walks notes, "When you’re standing close to the carousel, be still and reach out in your mind to her. Ask her to let you know she’s there … and you might just get a whiff of her perfume."
62.3 mi
1 hr 20 min
19:0030 min
Choptank River Lighthouse
En route back, make a short stop in Cambridge, Maryland, and take a leisurely stroll to enjoy the Choptank River Lighthouse, a charming replica that pays homage to the original lighthouse that graced the mouth of the Choptank River from 1871 to 1964.
As the sun begins to set, prepare to witness a breathtaking display of nature's beauty. Find the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and be captivated by the enchanting colors painting the sky as the sun descends on the horizon.
As the sun begins to set, prepare to witness a breathtaking display of nature's beauty. Find the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and be captivated by the enchanting colors painting the sky as the sun descends on the horizon.
58.8 mi
1 hr 20 min
21:001 hr
Boatyard
You'll be driving through Annapolis, Maryland, on your way back. This seafood bar and grill is worth getting out of the car for.
Boatyard Bar & Grill has all the seafood you could want: crab, crab cakes, crab soup, oysters, shrimp, mussels, fish of the day, and more.
This restaurant is small and further away from Annapolis' crowded Main Street, but it is always packed because of how great the food is.
Boatyard Bar & Grill has all the seafood you could want: crab, crab cakes, crab soup, oysters, shrimp, mussels, fish of the day, and more.
This restaurant is small and further away from Annapolis' crowded Main Street, but it is always packed because of how great the food is.