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West Ocean City

Welcome to West Ocean City! Before you cross the Route 50 bridge, stop and explore the part of town that’s just a little bit quieter but just as vibrant, fun and family friendly as downtown Ocean City, Maryland. West OC (often referred to simply as “West O”) sits on the Sinepuxent Bay and is best known for its abundance of fishing charters and marinas, seafood restaurants that look out on the bay, shopping at Tanger Outlets and adventurous entertainment at Baja Amusements. 

Pedestrians can walk or bike across the Route 50 bridge, formally known as the Harry W. Kelley Memorial Bridge, and arrive at Ocean City’s famous Boardwalk in under 10 minutes. Assateague Island National Seashore is just 14 miles south of West O, and the Isle of Wight Nature Park is a few minutes north. West Ocean City borders Berlin, Maryland, and that proximity alone draws thousands of travelers to lodge in West O every year. Berlin is America’s Coolest Small Town, after all, but West Ocean City is a close second. 

Top 5 Things to Do in West Ocean City

1. Get your fill of Maryland seafood

Maryland seafood (particularly crabs) is world-renowned for a reason. West Ocean City is home to a number of bayside restaurants known for their crabs and other shellfish, not to mention the famous Orange Crush, which happens to taste great with crustacean. Grab a Crush, stick your toes in the sand and watch the sun set.

2. Shop ’til you drop

If you’re looking for discounted apparel, accessories, shoes or home goods, you won’t have to look any further than Tanger Outlets in West Ocean City. You can stop for a bite to eat in the shopping center, too.

3. Discover your adventurous side

Baja Amusements and Gran Prix provide all kinds of entertainment in West Ocean City, including go karts, climbing walls, bumper boats, miniature golf, an arcade and kiddie rides for the little ones. 

4. Visit “Stinky Beach”

Once a heavily-guarded secret among locals, “Stinky Beach” is one little slice of paradise in West O where you can bring your dog for a romp in the sand or just bring your beach blanket and relax by the seaside. For more information on where this beach is, and where in the world it gets its name, this article includes a brief history and a handy map. 

5. Get out on the water

If you’re like many, the major draw of West Ocean City is the ease with which you can boat and fish. You can even rent a kayak or try stand-up paddle-boarding. Explore all your on-the-water options here.  

An Overview of Hotels in West Ocean City

Some families staying in West Ocean City opt to camp at the western-style campground Frontier Town, while others choose one out of the many luxury or kid-friendly hotels in the area. Whether you’re looking to be outdoors or just somewhere fun for kids and pets, it’s hard to go wrong in West Ocean City. Find the option that’s best for you.