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.
Do not approach or feed the horses no matter how close they wander. Rangers enforce this closely, for good reason.
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.