The marsh and forest trails offer elevated vantage points to absorb the scenery or scout for birds. We spotted a great egret feeding in the salt marsh and a family of graceful sika deer lounging beneath loblolly pines. The Barrier Island Visitors Center is worthwhile, particularly if you have kids. The large aquarium and touch tank will introduce them to local inhabitants, and you can pick up a guide to the trails. The National Park Service offers children's programs, guided walks and talks on weekends in season.
Visitors can rent bikes, canoes and clam rakes near the bayside picnic area.
The bike path in the National Seashore area is ideal for in-line skates. The ocean and bayside sites have grills, picnic tables, chemical toilets, drinking water and cold showers. We stayed at a walk-in site, carrying our stuff about a hundred yards. Maryland's adjacent Assateague State Park is open April 1-Oct.