14. Assateague Island National Seashore
Stretching across the Maryland and Virginia borders, Assateague Island offers an entirely untamed coastal experience. The island is most famous for its beautiful herds of wild horses, which roam freely along the shoreline and right past sunbathing beachgoers. This heavily protected barrier island remains intentionally undeveloped, featuring massive Atlantic beaches bordered by dense maritime forests and coastal salt marshes. Visitors can camp directly on the sand, surf cast, and enjoy unparalleled wildlife observation that completely disconnects you from the modern world.
