Love the Outer Banks? Try This Similar Spot in Maryland

If you're thinking about soaking up the coastal beauty of North Carolina's Outer Banks, but without all the crowds, you're not alone. That’s what led me to Assateague Island National Seashore. This stunning stretch of shoreline along Maryland and Virginia offers a similar beach vibe, just with a wilder, more untouched feel. Sure, the Outer Banks might be the destination for a classic American beach weekend, but when you want to trade vacation rentals for rustic oceanside camping, wild horses, and crowd-free beaches, Assateague delivers big.

The true stars of Assateague Island National Seashore are the wild horses. These striking animals roam freely across the beaches and marshes, often creating picture-perfect moments as they wade through shallow waters or gallop along the dunes. Though local legend claims they descended from shipwreck survivors, they were more likely to have been brought over by early settlers. While the Outer Banks also has wild horses in places like the Historic Corolla Park, sightings at Assateague tend to be more frequent and easier to come by throughout the island.

The beaches themselves hold their own against those farther south, with soft sand, steady waves, and plenty of space to swim, surf, or relax. The Maryland side features two main beaches: North Ocean Beach and South Ocean Beach. Since much of the shoreline remains undeveloped, finding a quiet stretch of sand is easy, even in the middle of summer when the Outer Banks beaches are often packed.

Nature lovers will find lots to do here. Hike through maritime forests at Assateague Island, paddle a kayak through calm bayside waters, or bike along scenic trails. Birdwatchers can look for over 300 species, including great blue herons, snowy egrets, and peregrine falcons. Visit during spring or fall to see the migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway zone inside the park. You'll have one of the best viewing spots on the deck of the Toms Cove Visitor Center.

Camping on Assateague gives you an experience the more developed Outer Banks can’t: a chance to fall asleep to crashing waves and wake up with horses grazing just outside your tent. Whether you choose a site at Assateague State Park or Assateague Island National Seashore, both locations have beachfront campsites. Just remember to store your food securely—these are wild animals, after all.

If you're in the mood for a change of pace or prefer modern amenities, head to Ocean City for beachfront hotels like the Grand Hotel or grab a quick bite at Thrasher's French Fries. For a quieter option, Berlin (once named America's Coolest Small Town) features charming stays like The Atlantic Hotel, home to the renowned Drummer’s Café. Both towns have a solid mix of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, and they're just a short drive from the island.

Wondering when to go? The best times to visit are late spring and early fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thinner. Summer brings warmer ocean water and many more visitors, but it’s still far less busy than the Outer Banks. If you’re drawn to the charm of the Outer Banks but want a more peaceful, less commercialized getaway, Assateague Island National Seashore delivers all the beauty—with an extra dose of wild.

If you're into coastal views and laid-back beach towns, check out this one-day road trip through some of Maryland’s prettiest shoreline spots. It’s the perfect follow-up to an Assateague adventure. Be sure to visit the Assateague Island National Seashore website to learn about any closures and to book camping spots online. Find more amazing places to explore on the Visit Maryland tourism site. There are some good recommendations for local spots to dine, shop, and stay in the area.