Photo: Yacouba Tanou

South Ocean Beach

Assateague Island, Maryland

South Ocean is a throwback to the Atlantic coast of long ago—wild, windy, and ripe for exploration. Get an OSV (over-sand vehicle) permit and cruise down the 12 miles of drivable shore for a day of crabbing, clamming, and surf fishing. Or hang ten on some of the best waves along the Mid Atlantic.

Hotel Recommendation: Stay at the new The Edge boutique hotel.  Read our review.