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.
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