Boardwalks, Beaches & Wild Horses: A Coastal Getaway to Ocean City, Chincoteague & Assateague

The Beach: Relax on the beach. Ocean City has a beautiful, wide beach with soft sand. It's the perfect place to soak up the sun, build sandcastles or go for a swim.

Ocean City Boardwalk: The boardwalk is wide, long and very pedestrian-friendly. Stroll along the vibrant oceanfront with its carnival games, delicious treats like Thrasher's fries and Dolle's Salt Water Taffy and thrilling rides for all ages. It's a feast for the senses and a guaranteed day of memories for the whole family.

Water Activities: There are a multitude of activities to do on the ocean. Try something active or adventurous, such as parasailing, banana boating, kayaking or paddleboarding. A dolphin or sunset cruise might be perfect for something more leisurely.

Trimper Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement Park: Ocean City offers two major amusement parks that will bring out the thrill-seeker in you. Trimper's Rides, a beloved boardwalk classic since 1893. It features a historic Dentzel carousel, a classic wooden roller coaster and a variety of fun rides for all ages. Jolly Roger Amusement Park boasts more extreme thrills with high-speed roller coasters, a giant Ferris wheel and a pirate-themed water park.

Assateague Island National Seashore: A short drive from Ocean City, Assateague Island National Seashore offers a stunning barrier island retreat. This is on the North side of Assateague Island and is located in the state of Maryland. This side is the better side of the island to see wild horses that are not penned in. Here you can swim in the surf, explore the maritime forests and salt marshes, go kayaking or paddleboarding or take a wildlife-watching tour to see the famous wild horses that roam the island freely.

Life of the Marsh Trail and Life of the Forest Trail: Two short, wheelchair-accessible trails great for viewing wildlife. Plan to spend 3–4 hours exploring.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge: Climb the historic tower for panoramic views, explore a symbol of maritime safety and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Refuge. Chincoteague is located primarily on the Virginia side of Assateague Island. Explore four paved trails that are wheelchair-friendly - Wildlife Loop, Woodland, Black Duck and Cove. You can drive the Wildlife Loop after 3:00pm, which I recommend as opposed to walking because it is a long loop. Make a stop to hike to the Assateague Lighthouse, and hike the many staircases to the top for great views if you're feeling up to it.

Barn 34: Their menu boasts all-day options. You can indulge in their famous crab cake Benedict or Fried Green Tomato Benedict with Boom Boom Sauce. If you're looking for some nostalgia with a twist, try their Captain Crunch French Toast.

The Muze Cafe: Get either sweet or savory crepes to go and have breakfast on the beach. This is a popular spot and has a smaller seating area, so there might be a wait, especially during peak hours.

Dumser's Dairyland: This beachside staple scoops up delicious homemade ice cream alongside classic American fare like burgers and fries. It's the perfect pit stop for a refreshing beachside treat. The lines can be long, but there are multiple locations, including some along the boardwalk.

Pico Taqueria: When in Chincoteague, this is a great spot to grab lunch. It is a casual spot with outdoor seating in a comfortable, and fun atmosphere. Some tacos worth trying are the Chincoteague Classic, which is a choice of meat with lettuce, pico de gallo, cotija cheese and crème fraiche. Or The Ridge with carne asada, chimichurri, house pickled hot peppers, red cabbage slaw. Or try a vegetarian one called The Deep Hole with roasted cauliflower, caper pico de gallo, parmesan cheese, garlic aioli and crispy shallots.

Matt's Fish Camp on Fenwick Island: Just down the road from Ocean City, you can find something for everyone. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or prefer classic dishes like burgers, their menu offers something delicious for you. Enjoy a relaxed meal indoors or on the breezy patio, soaking in the ocean air. Happy-hour specials and a takeout menu make it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of beach fun.

RUDE BBQ: If you find yourself in Easton, Maryland on the way to or from the coast, make a pit stop for some BBQ. Try their slow-cooked brisket platter with world-famous onion rings and skillet cornbread muffins. For a treat, try their hand-spun milkshake in the flavor of the week.