Nature preserves dot the landscape all around Ocean City and are an important flight path for the Atlantic Flyway, offering shelter and food sources for hundreds of migrating bird species. Among these preserves is the Assateague Island National Seashore which is also home of the infamous wild ponies. The city also has a number of parks available for their visitors enjoyment.

Assateague Island National Seashore - 7206 National Seashore Lane / Berlin / Maryland / 410-641-1441
A national park that crosses the border of Maryland and Virginia, Assateague Island access is only 8 miles from Ocean City. Once attached to Ocean City’s shoreline, the inlet now separates the two locations, yet the National Seashore is easily visible from the south end of the City. Miles of pristine beaches are perfect for walking, hiking and bike trails run through the area however, modern conveniences are limited to a few rest rooms and a seasonal bathhouse. Pets must be restricted and are not allowed on trails or loose on the island. The abundant wildlife includes a vast amount of birds who use the natural coastal migration route or Atlantic flyway that crosses the park. To many birds, the Seashore is their main stop, where they nest and or spend the season. Among the snow geese, great blue herons, sanderlings, eagles and piping plovers, the visitor may also spy some of the wild Assateague (aka Chincoteague) ponies. Believed to be descendants of horses that were let loose in colonial times, the “wild” ponies have become an integral part of the ecology of the island.

Assateague State Park - South of Ocean City via Rt. 611 / 410-641-1441
The Maryland State Park portion of Assateague Island encompassing 756 acres, interpretive programs are presented and crabbing is allowed. Amenities include: Handicap accessible • Nature Trails

Pocomoke River State Park - Shad Landing - Route 113 • Milburn Landing - Route 354 / Snow Hill / 410-632-2566
Just south of Snow Hill is the Pocomoke River State Park where the Pocomoke Cypress Swamp is home to the northernmost stand of bald cypress. The park lies on both sides of the Pocomoke River, hence the two access directions given. The river has been designated as a Wild and Scenic River by the National Environmental Trust. Park amenities include: Boat Slips • Boat Ramp • Camping • Nature & Canoe trails • Picnic area • Restrooms
Chincoteague - Route 175 off US 13 (south of the state line) / Virginia
Thirty miles south of Ocean City, just over the state line in Virginia is Chincoteague, the home of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the Chincoteague Annual Pony Swim and Auction, as well as NASAs Wallops Island Flight Facility. The annual pony swim is held in
July in Chincoteague, check the Ocean City events calendar for dates.

• Annual Chinoteague Pony Swim and Auction - Chincoteague Island / Virginia / 410-641-1441
An eastern shore tradition, this two-day family event has been in operation for over 75 years. The wild ponies are rounded up and forced on a short swim to Chincoteague Island where the herd is culled. Healthy foals are sold at auction to the highest bidder by the local fire department. Besides being an annual fund raiser for the town, the sale helps to maintain the health of the herd as well the ecosystem of their island home. Over-population of the ponies could result in disease and starvation as well as habitat devastation, the culling as a preventative measure is carefully monitored. After the sale, the remaining ponies are then returned to Assateague to freely roam the island for another year. The children’s book Misty of Chincoteague, written over 50 years ago, was based on true events surrounding the Pony Swim.

• Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge / 747-336-6122 - The refuge is actually on the southern end of Assateague Island, the 3.2 mile wildlife loop is open to walkers and bicycles all day and to automobiles after 3 pm until dusk.

• NASAs Wallops Island Flight Facility - Visitor Center / 757-824-1344 - Visitor Center has exhibits and displays on America’s space flight program with video and film presentations.

Ocean City Parks - There are a series of Ocean City parks scattered up and down the coast offering convenient access to visitors. Parks and amenities are listed below:

• Convention Center Park - 21st & Bayside / Crabbing & fishing from the pier

• Dorchester Volleyball Park - between Dorchester & Talbot Streets off Boardwalk / Volleyball - ten courts

• Entry Park - foot of Harry Kelley Bridge / Route 50 - Open space • Marlin sculpture

• Fiesta Park - 141st Street & Bayside / Nature Trails • Picnic Area

• Fourth Street / Chicago Avenue Park - St. Louis Avenue / Ballfield • Crabbing & fishing

• Gorman Park - 136th Street & Bayside off Derrickson Avenue / Picnic Area • Playground • Racquetball • Tennis

• Inlet Park - Southern most end of Ocean City / Crabbing & fishing • views of the inlet & Assateague Island

• Jamestown Park - 116th Street off Jamestown Road / Crabbing & fishing • landscaped Promenade

• Little Salisbury Park - 94th Street & Bayside / Art center • Basketball • Playground • Tennis

• Ninth Street Fishing Pier - Ninth & the Bay / Crabbing & fishing

• Northside Park - 125th Street and the Bay / Ballfields • Picnic Area • Crabbing & fishing • Gymnasium • Jogging • Playground

• North Surf Park - North Surf Road off 142nd Street / Picnic Area • Playground

• Ocean City Tennis Center - 61st Street Bayside / Tennis - 6 Omni Turf / 3 Lee fast Dry Clay courts / Tennis clinics

• Robin Park - 28th Street & Robin Drive / Picnic Area • Playground

• Third Street Park - 3rd Street / Ballfield • Basketball • Playground • Skating / Skateboards • Tennis • Home of the Ocean Bowl Skate Park

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