Ocean City, Maryland Overview

Posted on Monday, June 4th, 2012 in Ocean City Beach Ocean City Beach Overview Ocean City Overview by nicasio

Ocean City, Maryland welcomes you! For many families, the ‘OC’ has been a summer tradition since early childhood. Throughout the town, families can be seen soaking up the sun on the beach, cruising the boardwalk, or enjoying the many rides available at the amusement parks here in Ocean City, Maryland. Traveling alone? No problem! Ocean City’s activities range from fine dining and spas to extreme sports and golf, providing memorable experiences for all ages.

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND BOARDWALK

Ocean City’s boardwalk is 3-miles in length and serves as a staple in anyone’s Ocean City vacation. It’s history started in 1902 when it served as a walkway between the few oceanfront hotels. Now it spans from the Inlet until 27th street.

Along these famous boards numerous hotels as well as rides and amusements call the boardwalk their home (the large Ferris wheel as well as the antique carousel are tourists favorites). There are also many arcades along the strip, so be sure to try your luck at skee ball and make it a family competition to see who takes home the most stuffed animals! Enjoy fresh cut fries from Thrasher’s, soft and hand-dipped ice creams from Dumser’s Dairyland, and funnel cakes for a memorable expedition. On the boardwalk, you can even grab a bench where the people-watching is unsurpassed and the views of the sunrises extraordinary.

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND BEACH

Did you know that Ocean City’s beautiful beach is one of the largest and cleanest beaches on the East Coast? Access points at every corner make it effortless to get to the beach, whether staying at an oceanfront hotel or just coming for a day-trip. Also, did we mention THE BEACH IS FREE? No beach tags needed to relax and enjoy the sun and sand in Ocean City, Maryland.

Ocean City’s 10 mile stretch of beach is perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, walking, or even building sand castles. You can surf in Ocean City’s waters, but there are limits. Due to Ocean City’s heavy population in those summer months, surfing is restricted to designated surfing beaches. But no worries! There are 3 surfing beaches Monday through Friday and 2 surfing beaches on the weekends. So whether you’re a pro or are just looking to learn how to surf, grab a board and ride a wave!

And don’t worry about not having enough space in your car for beach chairs and umbrellas – just rent them at the beach!There are rental stands just about every other street.

OCEAN CITY NATURE

Do you enjoy taking in the natural wonders while on vacation? There are many tour boats and nature cruises you can take once in Ocean City. Aboard these cruises you can get a glimpse of dolphins, as well as whales, and even see the roaming ponies on Assateague Island. Bird watching is another common hobby in Ocean City; you can see many birds along the shore including herons, pelicans, osprey, as well as seagulls. Skimmer island, visible from the Route 50 bridge and just off of Hooper’s Crab House, is known for its nesting colony of this endangered and beautiful bird. Jet skis and kayaks can be rented so you can join them in their environs — just don’t disturb them from their nests.

Not only are the tour boats available for enjoying Ocean City’s nature, you can kayak, canoe, jet ski, or even rent a stand-up paddleboard. Possibilities are endless.

OCEAN CITY FISHING

Ocean City, Maryland is home of the largest billfish tournament in the world; the White Marlin Open. Fishermen from all over the world come to the White Marlin Capital of the World o participate in this famous annual event. But you don’t have to be a professional angler in order to enjoy the fishing in Ocean City.

You can easily fish on bay boats that include rods, reels, bait and knowledge of the prime locations for fishing. The Assawoman and Sinepuxent bays are abundant in different species of fish. You can even cast yo
ur line off of the public piers in town as well as along the Rt. 50 drawbridge for an enjoyable afternoon.

If bigger fish like dolphin and tuna are to your taste, Ocean City has many charter boats run by captains and mates with the inside information on just where to go to catch these specific fish.

Another popular fishing sport is surf fishing. From 9:00am to 6:00pm you can cast your line from the beach, just as long as you are 50 feet away from swimmers.

OCEAN CITY WATER RENTALS

Are you interested in kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, or even kite boarding? Ocean City is home to many marinas that can equip you with all that you need to enjoy any kind of water sport you prefer. Some even provide individual, as well as group, lessons.

If you feel like jet skiing or boating, you can rent a boat or jet skis and enjoy cruising the bay or ocean. If you are really brave, you can even parasail and get the best view possible of the Ocean City area.

OCEAN CITY SHOPPING

While on vacation in Ocean City, there are numerous opportunities to shop. Not only is the boardwalk abundant in souvenir shops, carrying so many fabulous little finds, but there are a myriad of surf shops along coastal highway where you can find a hot new bikini or even an awesome new surf board.

If you are willing to step off the island of Ocean City for some shopping experiences, the outlet mall just outside of town in West Ocean City features stores like Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, PacSun, as well as many more trendy stores.

The Rehoboth Tanger Outlets, just about 20 minutes North from the northernmost point of Ocean City, are home to 3 large shopping centers with stores ranging from Coach, and Under Armor, to Old Navy and American Eagle.

Whatever your style, you’re sure to find it at one of the many shopping locations.

If antique stores and a quaint atmosphere is more your thing, be sure to stop by Berlin about 10 miles west from downtown Ocean City. The historic town of Berlin is just off Route 50 and Route 113 and is filled with antique shops and quiet dining places. The historic Atlantic Hotel is a beautiful place to stay and the Drummer’s Cafe, located inside, is arguably the best restaurant in the area. Both the hotel and restaurant are run by the very talented John Fager, who also owns the Lighthouse, The Edge, and Fager’s Island — popular spots for locals and visitors to go to in Ocean City.

RESTAURANTS IN OCEAN CITY
If you consider yourself a food connoisseur, then Ocean City is the place for you! Ocean City is known for its wide variety of food offerings, ranging from fine food to fresh fish tacos!

Many restaurants provide visitors with an eclectic assortment of dishes, from fresh seafood to delicious burgers and fries. Some of the delicious seafood you can expect from these restaurants are Maryland blue crabs, lobster, scallops, oysters, the fresh catch of the day coming directly off the docks in West Ocean City — the list goes on. From fine dining, to casual eateries, to boardwalk quick eats, Ocean City provides its visitors with a wide variety of unique Ocean City restaurants.

Not only is the food something for these restaurants to boast about, but the atmosphere is also something many visitors enjoy. Some restaurants have beautiful views of the Ocean, while others have the advantage of an amazing sunset over the bay. Waterfront restaurants and those accessible by boat dot the ocean and the bay along the 10+ miles of pristine Atlantic Coastline.

OCEAN CITY GOLFING

Are you a golfer? Well, the Ocean City area is home to 20 championship golf courses that provide amazing views of the bay and rolling landscapes. They are but a short drive away from the beach and many are equipped for any type of skill level.

The best times for golfing in the area are the Spring and Fall months when the temperatures are just right for that perfect game, the crowd level is not so bad at this time either. In the off-season, there are many different golf packages to take advantage of so be sure to make time in your schedule and head on down to Ocean City for a round of golf!

OCEAN CITY HEALTHCARE

There are numerous places you can go if you have a health issue while on vacation. Whether you happen to brake a bone, or have an accident on the beach, there are a number of healthcare facilities in and around the Ocean City area that can help you.

- Atlantic General Hospital: 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin.
Phone Number: 410-641-1100
-Atlantic ImmediCare: 10th Street and Philadelphia Avenue
Phone Number: 410-289-0065
-Peninsula Regional Medical Center: 100 East Carroll Street, Salisbury, MD
Phone Number: 410-546-6400
-West Ocean City Injury & Illness Center: 12308 Ocean Gateway, Ste. 3, West Ocean City, MD
Phone Number: 410-213-0119
-75th St. Medical Center: 75th Street and Coastal Highway
Phone Number: 410-524-0075

NIGHTLIFE

After a relaxing day in the sun on the beach, the nightlife in town is just awakening. Why not watch the sunset over the bay? There are many different bayside bars and restaurants that can provide you with a spectacular view of an Ocean City sunset. There is even Sunset Park in the downtown Ocean City area that gives you a front row seat to this nightly event. The perfect sunset can come anytime, so be sure to nurse that drink by the water and wait for nature’s show. Fager’s has a ritual where they play the 1812 Overture when the sun slips below the horizon. Be sure to include this at least once during your stay in Ocean City. The kids love it too!

Nightly walks on the beach are also wonderful for those visiting the Ocean City area. The beach is never closed to the public, so anytime you get the urge to have the sand between your toes, go on out to the beach and enjoy yourself. But if you and the kids are looking for more thrill and excitement, take the kids on down to the boardwalk and ride the rides and play games at one of the many arcade locations along the strip.

Looking for something fun and free at night with the kids? Take advantage of the free concerts and movies on the beach that take place weekly and are a pleasure for the whole family.

If you are a late night kind of person, there are plenty of nightly entertainment activities for you. Enjoy live entertainment at the many bars and restaurants along the boardwalk as well as Coastal Highway. But be sure to drink responsibly and take advantage of the cabs and city buses that are available to get you home safely. There is a zero tolerance policy for drunk driving in Ocean City.

OCEAN CITY EVENTS

Ocean City is the home of many festivals and events throughout the summer and off-season months. You can experience Harbor Day, Springfest, and Sunfest with live entertainment as well as arts and crafts and food for everyone to enjoy. From Thanksgiving to New Years, you can bring the family into Ocean City to enjoy the Winterfest of Lights where all of Northside Park on 127th St is brightly lit with Christmas lights. Throughout the off-season months, visitors can enjoy car shows, bike week, arts and crafts shows and even antique fairs.

WHERE TO GO?

Ocean City, Maryland is a 10-mile island along the Atlantic Ocean stretching from the Sinepuxent Bay in the South to the Delaware line in the North. There are three regions to Ocean City: downtown, midtown, and north Ocean City. And West Ocean City lies on the west side of the Rt. 50 drawbridge.

DOWNTOWN

Downtown Ocean City includes the boardwalk, and the older historic hotels that have been around since Ocean City was founded. It is also home to City Hall as well as the Lifesaving Museum. Downtown starts at the Inlet and ends at 28th street. Along this region there are many marinas, historical buildings and wide lush beaches.

MIDTOWN

Midtown Ocean City is 29th street to 61th street. Along this stretch of beach and Coastal Highway you will find numerous surf shops, restaurants and miniature golfing locations. Staying in one of the many condos or hotels in the midtown region of Ocean City places you in the center of everything in town. The Ocean City Boardwalk starts just south of 28th Street, so you can get there easily while staying a little away from the hustle and bustle that downtown Ocean City brings.

NORTHERN OCEAN CITY

The Northern region of Ocean City is 61st street to the Delaware line. Many of the high-rise condos that can be seen crossing the Rt. 90 Bridge are located in this region. Within this region you will find many full-time residences as well as shopping malls and movie theaters. Don’t be discouraged, however, many of the most popular bars and restaurants are also located in this section of Ocean City. The Original Greene Turtle, Liquid Assets, Blue Fish, and many others provide sushi to seafood, hamburgers to steaks, and everything in between. Horizons in the Clarion has an award winning wine list and a spectacular view of the ocean.

WEST OCEAN CITY

West O, as the locals call it, is home to many of the full-time residents. There are the factory outlets and more waterfront restaurants to enjoy in this section of Ocean City. There are two go-kart tracks as well as a paintball field and miniature golf locations. Located at the center of West Ocean City is the commercial fishing harbor, providing deepwater dockage access to the inlet. This is also home to long-line fishing boats, scallopers, lobster boats and many others that make can be seen headed out through the inlet to ply the ocean for its bounty.

There are a number of restaurants that provide delightful views of Assateague Island, as well as the water. Harbor Day, held in October at the docks is a time to celebrate the maritime heritage of our region. Be sure to stop by the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center in West Ocean City as it greets you on your way into town on Rt. 50.

COME SEE US TODAY!

If you are looking for a weekend getaway, a day trip, or even a complete summer vacation you will have an abundance of things to do as you plan your itinerary while staying in Ocean City, Maryland. So start dreaming and plan your trip on OceanCity.com! We can’t wait to see you!