Assateague Island Beach
Berlin, MD
Miles of undeveloped barrier island where wild horses wander onto the sand like they own the place, because at this point they basically do. Camping right behind the dunes is allowed with a permit, which is the real reason locals rate this one over the boardwalk beaches an hour north.
Wild horses on undeveloped barrier island sand and permitted dune camping make this a local favorite over the boardwalk beaches to the north, just never approach or feed the horses.
How we score beachesDo not approach or feed the horses no matter how close they wander. Rangers enforce this closely, for good reason.
Leashed dogs (6 feet or shorter) are welcome on most Maryland-side beaches and in the water year-round, except at the lifeguarded swimming beach and the entire Virginia side of the island.
Assateague's water climbs into the 70s by mid summer, with the wild horses out on the sand regardless of season. Biting flies and mosquitoes are worst in late spring and early summer, so many locals prefer a September visit once both the bugs and crowds have thinned.
This isn't one entrance, it's a stretch with a few. Here's where locals actually meet up.
North Ocean Beach
The day-use oceanside beach just past the entrance fee station, lifeguarded in season and the busiest of the island's car-accessible stops.
Parking: A paved lot at the north end of the day-use area, first come first served.
Access: A short boardwalk crosses the dune from the lot to the sand.
Get directions →South Ocean Beach
A second oceanside lot and lifeguarded swim area south of North Ocean Beach, generally a few degrees quieter once North Ocean fills.
Parking: Its own paved lot, separate from North Ocean Beach.
Access: A boardwalk crossover leads from the lot over the dune to the sand.
Get directions →Bayside Drive
One of only two car-accessible bay side spots on the island, with a small beach and seasonal canoe, kayak, and bike rentals rather than ocean surf.
Parking: A dedicated lot at the end of Bayside Drive.
Access: Flat ground from the lot to the water, with a portable restroom and picnic tables on site.
Local tip: Calmer than the ocean side, so it's a better bet for small kids or anyone just wanting to wade.
Get directions →Ferry Landing Road
The island's other bay side access point, used more for launching a canoe or kayak than for sitting on the sand.
Parking: A small lot at the end of Ferry Landing Road.
Get directions →More Atlantic Coast beaches
Coast Guard Beach
Eastham, MA · Atlantic Coast
A National Seashore beach backed by grassy dunes and a tidal marsh, with clean Atlantic surf and one of the Cape's most scenic approaches on foot from the parking area.
Surfside Beach
Nantucket, MA · Atlantic Coast
Open Atlantic swell and a wide sandy shoreline about three miles from Nantucket town, popular with locals for its bodysurfing waves and quieter, less commercial feel.
Jones Beach State Park
Wantagh, NY · Atlantic Coast
A classic Long Island beach with six and a half miles of shoreline, a landmark water tower, boardwalk, and a large outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts through the summer.