Cape to Cape

Assateague's famous wild ponies live in bands of two to twelve animals. They may allow you to get very close, but they are wild animals, so maintain a minimum of 10 feet distance at all times.

From the Atlantic Ocean to the back bays of Chincoteague, Sinepuxent and Assawoman, set your sights on a seaside rendezvous amid some of Maryland’s most beautiful and historic beaches and islands.

BYWAY AT A GLANCE

Whole Byway: Cape May, NJ to Cape Henry, VA
Maryland’s Section: Ocean City to Stockton

79 Miles
Drive Time: 5 - 7 Hours
Best Done in 2 - 3 Days
Best for: outdoor adventure enthusiasts, relaxation, nature lovers, families, romantic getaways, foodies

Amenities

Gas Stations

Food & Drinks

Camping

Accommodations

Hospitals

ATM

Restrooms

Regions

Eastern Shore

Cape to Cape

Enjoy sightseeing, small-town warmth and the Delmarva Peninsula’s famous fresh seafood along this water-laced route — and bring your gear for fishing, camping, paddling or biking while exploring scenic trails once traveled by Native Americans.

Ocean City to Assateague Island

Including MD 378, MD 528, US 50, & MD 611

Drive south along the coast to OCEAN CITY. This dynamic family resort invites byway travelers to relax on a 10-mile strip of wide beach and enjoy nearby waterslides and amusement park rides on the wooden boardwalk. Steamed crabs, ice cream and miniature golf are must-dos for many vacationers. Fifteen area golf courses, the OCEAN DOWNS racetrack-casino and an outlet mall round out the fun.

See the historic HENRY HOTEL, once a full service facility catering to African-American tourists and entertainers, like Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Willie Harmon. These musicians stayed here during years of strict segregation among the boardwalk hotels.

Ocean City is also a well-known destination for anglers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Charter captains are waiting to guide you to hook a prized catch. Try paddleboarding, or parasailing over the Sinepuxent Bay, or embark on a guided eco-tour of nearby Assateague Island aboard a pontoon boat or by kayaks.

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, an undeveloped, 37-mile-long barrier island, showcases the best of the Mid-Atlantic’s oceanfront and barrier island natural habitat. Swimming, crabbing, surfing, fishing, kayaking, and biking are favorite activities here, and most visitors come to see the wild horses roaming among the dunes. Camping on the island’s state and national parks is a special treat where the beach is just steps away.

Nature lovers find the interpreted trails and waterways a birders paradise year-round. The SINEPUXENT BAY WATER TRAIL weaves through open water, small coves and salt marshes. Several local guide services are available, and birding tours are offered on DELMARVA BIRDING WEEKENDS.

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Biking is a great way to experience Assateague Island. Enter the island from the Visitor's Center over a dedicated pedestrian/bike bridge and ride on paved paths through 4 miles of natural habitat.

There's nothing quite like watching the waves roll in from on top of one of the rides along Ocean City's boardwalk.

Assateague Island is a great place for dark sky stargazing while camping at the state park or national seashore.

Assateague Island to Snow Hill

Including MD 611, MD 376, US 113

Just across the Bay on the mainland you’ll find the charming town of BERLIN with historic brick buildings that offer antiques, jewelry, art galleries and gift shops, as well as restaurants and museums. Popular stops include THE MERMAID MUSEUM and JEFFREY AUXIER DESIGNS BLOWN GLASS GALLERY AND STUDIO. Explore CALVIN B. TAYLOR MUSEUM in a restored, early-19th-century house, which is among nearly 50 structures on the National Register of Historic Places. Spend the night in the famed HOTEL ATLANTIC, the setting for the movie Runaway Bride.

Continue south on the byway to the town of SNOW HILL, known for its ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT full of galleries, music venues and shops. The JULIA A. PURNELL MUSEUM explores over 500 years of local history through Native American artifacts to Civil War relics. The town is graced with several bed and breakfasts in historic mansions for a perfect night’s rest.

Nearby parks provide boat landings, dockage and public facilities. Rent a canoe or kayak from POCOMOKE RIVER CANOE AND KAYAK COMPANY to paddle through one of the northernmost stands of Bald Cypress trees. It will feel like another world - Jurassic Park anyone?

For the outdoorsy types, a stay in a mini-cabin at Shad Landing in POCOMOKE RIVER STATE PARK will let your cares slip away with the tides. Fishing and boating opportunities are plentiful from the marina and their swimming pool is a great place for the kids to cool off.

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Respect wildlife:

Keep your distance (40 feet) from wild ponies and never feed them. Wild animals can become aggressive when habituated to people. Keep your camp clean and secure food in your vehicle.

April through December are the best months to eat fresh steamed Maryland blue crabs, and there's no shortage of supply at the crab houses along this byway.

From spring through fall, take a walk through Berlin's scenic streets, displaying two centuries of architectural heritage.

The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum tells stories of historic Berlin, including the exciting race where the thoroughbred Seabiscuit triumphed over his favored rival, War Admiral.

Holiday events and decorated gift shops in Berlin make for a charming winter getaway.

SNOW HILL TO STOCKTON

MD 12 & MD 365

From Snow Hill the byway continues southeast past the EA Vaughn Wildlife Management Area. Side tracks on MD 365 and local roads take you to the bayfront communities of Public Landing and George’s Island Landing for gorgeous views. The E. A. VAUGHN KAYAK AND CANOE TRAIL offers 3 paddling routes ranging from 3 to 6 miles, which provide an up-close look at coastal plant and animal life.

Back on the byway, continue south through Stockton and into Virginia, toward Chincoteague.

Take a Side Trip

Follow the Storyways: A Journey of Faith & Freedom on Maryland’s Eastern Shore driving tour to explore sites and stories about the pursuit of civil rights, freedom and equality for African Americans.

Trip Tip

Take a day bike trip for an unforgettable experience. The back roads and flat lands of Maryland’s Coast offer easy pedaling. Pick up a map of the View Trail 100 through Worcester County for the best rides.

Cape to Cape

Places on the Way

Cape to Cape

Enjoy sightseeing, small-town warmth and the Delmarva Peninsula’s famous fresh seafood along this water-laced route — and bring your gear for fishing, camping, paddling or biking while exploring scenic trails once traveled by Native Americans.

Ocean City to Assateague Island

Assateague Island to Snow Hill

Respect wildlife:

SNOW HILL TO STOCKTON

Trip Tip

Enjoy Every Season

Spring/Summer

Fall/Winter

STAY, DINE & PLAY ALONG THE BYWAY