A Perfect Coastal Trip from DC
Trip Snapshot:
Departure: 8:00 AM from Washington, DC
Stops: Kent Island (breakfast), Assateague Island (wild horses + picnic)
Stay: Fenwick Shores – Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Next Day: Explore Bethany Beach + foodie stops on return
Why We Loved This Trip
Nature + Wildlife: Assateague Island’s wild horses & kayaking spots
Comfortable Stay: Heated pool + beach proximity at Fenwick Shores
Coastal Town Charm: Bethany Beach’s calm vibes
Foodie Highlights: The Jetty, The Station, Captain Mac’s Bait & Tackle, and Kiwanis Chicken
🚗 On the Road from DC
We left DC at 8:00 AM. Our first break was Kent Island, where we enjoyed a light breakfast right on the shoreline. Just steps away, The Jetty offered a quick bite with a wraparound waterfront view, which was a perfect start to our trip.
Wild Horse @Assateague Island
We drove the island loop, spotting wild horses and checking out kayaking and biking spots to bookmark for next time. The wild horses were majestic.
Curious how the wild horses got to the Island? The National Park Service’s website states that the most plausible explanation of the horses origin is that they are the descendants of horses that were brought to barrier islands like Assateague in the late 17th century by mainland owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation of livestock.
Picnic at the Beach
At lunch, we had a little picnic with fresh fruit and salad. The wholesome picnic spread turned out to be the highlight of the trip.
🏨 Checking Into Fenwick Shores
By 3:00 PM, we arrived at Fenwick Shores – Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This boutique-style hotel impressed us with its heated pool and prime location just a 5-minute walk to Fenwick Island Beach. Evening strolls on the sand were peaceful and gave us some of the best sunsets we’ve seen on the East Coast.
For dinner we tried The Station, a newly renovated restaurant that feels like dining in someone’s home. The fresh seafood and chicken dishes were standouts—definitely worth the visit.
🌊 Morning at Bethany Beach
The next morning we drove to nearby Bethany Beach, a clean, walkable stretch of sand that’s perfect for a slow start to the day. We wandered along the boardwalk, stopping at cute coffee shops and eyeing restaurants to try on a longer stay.
🍤 Foodie Trail Back to DC
Any coastal road trip is incomplete without fresh seafood. On the way back we stopped at Captain Mac’s Bait & Tackle, where the catch of the day is cooked to your preference—grilled, broiled, or fried. We ordered Salmon fish dip, boiled Shrimps, grilled Sea Bass, and Crab Cake; everything tasted freshly caught and perfectly cooked. The view was amazing with marshes spread across in the background.
On our way back to DC, we stumbled upon a BBQ chicken spot called Georgetown Kiwanis Club, arguably the chicken we’ve ever had. It’s a must-stop for anyone heading back to DC.
We rolled into DC around 5:00 PM, happy and full after a perfect overnight escape.
📸 Tip for Travelers
Bring your camera and plan to stop frequently. The drive, the picnic, the horses, and the food all make for incredible photo opportunities.
