Explore the Enchanting Beauty of Assateague Island: A Pristine Barrier Island on the Atlantic Seaboard

Assateague Island, an exquisite barrier island situated just east of Chincoteague Island, awaits your discovery. Stretching approximately 38 miles in length, this captivating island is a protected wildlife sanctuary, untouched by development. At its southern end lies the renowned Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (CNWR), a natural haven teeming with over 14,000 acres of pristine beach, maritime forest, saltmarsh, and freshwater marsh. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible variety of migratory birds, plants, and other captivating wildlife that call this refuge home.

Connected to Chincoteague Island by a short bridge, Assateague Island is a constantly shifting ribbon of sand, sculpted daily by the powerful forces of wind and waves. Nestled in the heart of the East Coast, this exhilarating island stands as a testament to the unspoiled coastal wilderness along the Atlantic seaboard. Encompassing a vast 48,000 acres, Assateague Island remains one of the largest mid-Atlantic barrier islands with uninterrupted coastal habitats, offering an extraordinary natural experience with minimal human interference.

Designated as a National Seashore on September 21, 1965, Assateague Island holds a fascinating history. It was once connected to Fenwick Island, but a powerful storm in August 1933 forged a new path, creating an inlet between the southern end of Ocean City and the newly formed Assateague. Taking advantage of this natural occurrence, the inlet was fortified to maintain its connection, providing passage from the ocean to the bay. Even today, you can stand at the tip of either island and behold the picturesque view of the other across the inlet.

Presently, Assateague Island beckons as a public land where visitors can unwind, engage in recreational activities, and immerse themselves in the immense natural wonders that abound. Whether you choose to bike along scenic paths, stroll along pristine beaches, take a refreshing swim in the Atlantic waters, or witness breathtaking wildlife in their natural habitat, Assateague Island offers an unparalleled experience. Embark on unforgettable adventures such as wildlife viewing, birding, crabbing, fishing, kayaking, and much more. Annually, over 1 million visitors are drawn to the splendor of Assateague Island, including the renowned Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge located within the Virginia district of Assateague Island.

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Assateague Island, a coastal gem where serenity and exploration intertwine. Plan your visit today to immerse yourself in the magnificence of this pristine barrier island.

Assateague Island National Seashore

8231 Beach Rd
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

Contact the Publisher

George Randy Bass
FAA Licensed Drone Pilot
Google Maps Master Photographer
12400-3 Wake Union Church Rd
PMB-13
Wake Forest, NC 27587
United States
919-554-9851
info@georgerandybass.com

Assateague Island Map

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*Courtesy National Parks Maps

Did you know?

Assateague Indians were descendants of the Algonquian Indians of Canada. The Algonquian languages are known for their ‘sentence words’. Simply put, observations that take many words to express in English can be expressed in a single word in an Algonquian language. For example, the term Assateague likely means ‘swiftly moving water’ and the word Chincoteague likely means ‘beautiful across the water’.