Ocean City, Maryland: Wild Horses, Boardwalks, and Nearby Beach Towns
We drove from our home on the South Shore to Ocean City, Maryland about a seven-hour trip depending on traffic. We chose Ocean City as our home base because it’s a fun area for teenage kids and is within easy driving distance of several places we wanted to explore.
Photo by Kat Keeling on Unsplash
We stayed at the Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites, which sits directly on the beach. Our room had beautiful ocean views, and having the beach right outside the hotel made it easy to relax between day trips.
Assateague Island National Seashore
The main reason we planned this trip was to see wild horses. Assateague is a barrier island known for its wild horses, which roam freely across its beaches and marshes.
We drove on the beach at Assateague Island for miles with dunes on one side and the Atlantic on the other. The wild horses wander right along the beach or through the dunes.
If you want to drive on the sand, you need an Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) permit from Assateague Island National Seashore. You can purchase the permit at the park visitor center or online through the National Park Service before your trip.
Drive On Beach
One of the coolest and slightly nerve-wracking moments happened on the Life of the Forest Boardwalk. It’s a raised boardwalk through the marsh, and while we were walking on it, several wild horses wandered right onto the path. Because the boardwalk is narrow and elevated, there wasn’t anywhere to go, so we had to wait for them to pass. It was an unforgettable way to see the famous Assateague horses up close.
Important tip: the horses are wild animals, so visitors must keep a safe distance from them.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (Virginia)
While visiting Assateague, we also spent time at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Virginia side of the island.
The refuge has beautiful trails, marsh views, and plenty of wildlife. It’s another great place to see the horses, along with birds, deer, and other coastal wildlife. We saw wild horses and turtles mating along the road, along with many other animals.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Back in Ocean City, the boardwalk was a lot of fun. It stretches about three miles along the beach and is lined with shops, restaurants, and classic beach attractions. It has a fun, old-school seaside feel. We walked the boardwalk several times during the trip, especially in the evenings when everything was lit up and lively.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
One day, we drove up to Rehoboth Beach, which we really enjoyed. The beach itself is beautiful, and the town offers a great mix of shops, restaurants, and a walkable boardwalk. It felt a little quieter and more boutique than Ocean City. If you enjoy shopping and a charming beach town feel, it’s definitely worth the short drive.
Bethany Beach
We also visited Bethany Beach, another nearby town that has a completely different feel. Bethany is smaller and more relaxed, with a quieter boardwalk and a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where people ride bikes around town and spend the day at the beach.
Final Thoughts
Ocean City made a great base for exploring the area. Between the wild horses, the lively Ocean City boardwalk, and the nearby beach towns of Rehoboth and Bethany, there was plenty to see and do.