Are you planning a trip to the Eastern Shore and coming from the Washington DC area? Other than following Google Maps, check out a few detailed tips and places to stop along the way.
Assateague Island is accessible in under three hours from Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, and four hours from Richmond, VA, which was one of the reasons the United States government decided to establish the island as a National Seashore in 1965.
From Washington DC, once leaving the city, find your way to Route 50 East towards Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
After crossing the Bay Bridge, continue on US-50 East through the towns of Easton and Cambridge, Maryland. This is a less congested route than taking 404-East, particularly during the summer months.
In Cambridge, MD, two great local places to stop are Bay Country Bakery & Café or Rise Up Coffee to refuel with some local food! Both towns also offer numerous fast food restaurants and gas stations as well.
From Cambridge, Assateague Island is a little over an hour away! Continue on US 50 East until Route 113 South (sign towards Snow Hill). Beware of speed traps!
Merge onto Route 113 / Worcester Highway and drive past the Shell gas station and Food Lion, then take a left onto Assateague Road (second stoplight). There is also a Subway in that shopping Center next to Food Lion if you need to grab some lunch for the day.
At the end of Assateague Road, just past Assateague Farm (great local treats and firewood), take a right onto Stephen Decatur Highway (Route 611).
After taking a right, you will see Assateague Surf Shop on your right, which has great local items and a small café as well, with amazing acai bowls!
Continue down Stephen Decatur Highway, around the bend to the left until you see the Verrazano Bridge in the distance. Just before the bridge on the right is Assateague Island Visitor Center.
Continue over the bridge / Sinepuxent Bay to get your first glimpse of Assateague Island!
After two speed bumps, take your first right onto Bayberry Drive for the National Seashore, or continue straight for the State Park.
Welcome to Assateague Island!