ENTERTAINMENT

ASSATEAGUE: An island of wonders

Charlene Sharpe

BERLIN – Visitors looking for a change from Ocean City's crowded and commercial beaches need only travel a few minutes to enjoy the sand and surf in relative isolation.

Assateague Island National Seashore is situated on an undeveloped barrier island where you'll find pristine beaches and a variety of wildlife, highlighted by the park's population of wild horses. Adjacent is Assateague State Park.

Assateague is probably best known for its population of wild horses, but is also home to a variety of deer, an array of birds and of course, plenty of sea creatures. On a summer day at Assateague, visitors might see anything from fiddler crabs to foxes.

In addition to watching the wildlife, visitors can enjoy a number of other activities at Assateague. Options include camping, fishing, crabbing, clamming, canoeing, hiking, swimming and even driving on the beach in the national park's Over-Sand Vehicle Zone.

For children, a junior ranger program is offered. There are educational opportunities for visitors of all ages at the Assateague Island Visitor Center, which patrons will find just before they cross the Verrazano Bridge onto the barrier island itself.

Beachgoers can set up their chairs and umbrellas on a guarded beach close to a restroom or further down the island in a more remote spot. During the summer, they can be seen heading up the boardwalks to the beach, toting coolers and spraying on insect repellant, at all hours of the day.

Entrance fees for the national park are free for those on foot or bicycle. Those coming by car can expect to pay $15 for a seven-day pass. State park entrance fees during the summer are $4 a person for Maryland residents and $6 a person for out of state visitors.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Where: 7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, Md.

When: open year round, 24 hours a day. Visitor Center 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Call: 410-641-1441

Important info: Leashed pets are permitted except on the nature trails, backcountry campsites and guarded beach area. Guarded swimming area available from Memorial Day to early September, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Assateague State Park

Where: 7307 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, Md.

When: 7 a.m. to sunset, daily

Call: 410-641-2120

Important info: Allowed in day-use areas after Labor Day to Memorial Day, pets allowed in certain camp areas. Guarded swimming area available from Memorial Day to Labor Day 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.