Ocean City Maryland is one of the best vacation spots in the state. Ocean City Maryland is a great tourist destination as well as a place locals can have fun. With ten miles of coastline and a three-mile-long boardwalk, what’s there not to enjoy.
The Ocean City Boardwalk was rated in the top 10 boardwalks in the country, so even for locals, it is definitely worth the trip. Ocean City, Maryland has fun and exciting things to do all year long, regardless of the cold! Here are some of the best things you can do in Ocean City!
Escape The Tourism And Enjoy Private Beaches
Ocean City is most known for its 10-mile long coastline with an adjacent boardwalk. However, the beach of the main boardwalk can sometimes be so crowded with tourists that it is hard to enjoy yourself. This can make it hard for locals to enjoy the beach in their backyard. The best way to avoid all the tourist is to find a private beach! These beaches are owned by a particular person or company and that means access to them is much more exclusive.
The best way to do this is to rent a hotel room that has access to a private beach. This might seem wasteful if you live in the area, however renting a hotel on the beach can be a great mini-vacation for locals without a super high price tag. If you still feel like paying for a hotel is a waste, there’s still a way to get the experience of a private beach. There are so many smaller beaches nearby the main shoreline that you can still get that exclusive feel without paying for it. Here are some Ocean City Maryland private beaches that are less well known:
PRINCESS BAYSIDE BEACH HOTEL
This hotel offers a private beach for its guests while also having a pool and other amenities that can offer fun for the kids. This is a great place to spend a night or two, as it is also adjacent to the boardwalk.
SUNSET ISLAND RENTALS
Sunset Island offers rentals in Ocean City Maryland including beach homes and condos. They have a huge private beach and many amenities including a swimming pool, clubhouse, and boat slips which give owners access to the bay and the ocean.
Get Adventurous And Try Something New!
The best time to try something new is while on vacation! One fun activity that the whole family can enjoy is sailing. Renting a boat is a great opportunity to introduce something new to your kids or have fun with your friends on the sea! If you don’t want to learn how to sail or kayak then try a banana boat, jet ski, or even try parasailing on the beach.
It’s an exciting experience that will surely get your heart rate up, similar to a roller coaster! If you don’t want to stay on the water, there are still ways to have fun and try some of the countless things to do on the boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. The boardwalk is right off the beach and they have countless things to do including roller coasters, a ferris wheel, and games. This is a great activity for the kids and lets the inner kid of the parents shine!
Grab A Bite To Eat!
BREAKFAST IN OCEAN CITY
SAHARA CAFE
With four and a half stars on TripAdvisor, the Sahara Cafe offers some of the best breakfast you can get in Ocean City! With dishes like the crab omelet, numerous breakfast sandwiches, and the classics like french toast and pancakes there will be something for everyone at the Sahara Cafe!
THE BAYSIDE SKILLET
This place is known for two things and two things only; crepes and omelets! This can be a great place to try if you have never had a crepe and want to try something new. They offer large portions so this can also be a great spot if you want to split a meal with your friend, or if you are just really hungry!
THE FRACTURED PRUNE
Maybe you aren’t that hungry and just want a small breakfast to hold you over till lunch, in that case, you should try the fractured prune! Offering fresh gourmet doughnuts, the fractured prune can be a great breakfast spot or a snack for heading home. The doughnuts are customizable, letting you pick a glaze and a topping to place on your fresh and warm doughnut. If you aren’t the creative type and can’t design your own doughnut, they also have combinations that are tried and tested to be delicious!
Lunch & Dinner in Ocean City!
THE ORIGINAL CRABCAKE FACTORY
Maryland is known for one thing, and that thing is crabs! The best place for crab cakes is The Original Crabcake Factory is only about 12 minutes away from the boardwalk and features crab cakes (of course), lobster, and some of the best seafood that Maryland has to offer.
HAMMERHEADS BAR AND GRILL
Hammerheads Bar and Grill offers a little bit of everything from burgers to steamer bags to frozen drinks and cocktails. Right off the boardwalk, this place is great if you don’t want to go too far away from the beach.
Snacks in Ocean City
THRASHER’S FRENCH FRIES
Thrasher’s French Fries is a staple on Ocean City’s boardwalk. Founded in 1929, Thrashers makes one thing and one thing only; french fries. These fries are highly sought after so, if you want a snack, getting there right when they open is vital. Trust me the wait will have been worth it!
FISHER’S POPCORN
Serving fresh gourmet kettle corn, Fisher’s popcorn was opened in 1937 and is still run by the Fisher family today. They offer 12 different varieties, some including the Maryland staple, Old Bay. This is definitely worth a visit and gives you something to bring back home to family and friends.
CANDY KITCHEN
Also first opened on the boardwalk in 1937 Candy Kitchen is a must-visit when going to Ocean City. With 12 shops in Ocean City Candy Kitchen has made itself a staple to the area, serving everything from fudge, taffy, chocolate truffles, and even toys. This could be a great stop for the kids to pick out something to take home or for the adults to bring a souvenir back to coworkers.
Learn More About Ocean City By Going to a Museum!
Located right off the Bay Bridge, Ocean City has a rich history behind it. With the first Inn opening in 1869, there is so much to discover in this vacation town. For people interested in learning more about how one of the best boardwalks in Maryland came to be, visiting the Ocean City Life Saving Museum is a must.
There are tons of other museums offered in Ocean City for when the weather isn’t agreeing with your day or the family is done at the beach. For art enthusiasts, the Art League of Ocean City offers exactly what you’re looking for. With different exhibits, every month and art classes offered, in-person and online, for all ages! The best part; some of these classes start at only 30 dollars. This is a great activity to do with your kids whilst they learn how to mold clay or paint a picture.
Instead Of a Museum Try Some of These Things When The Weather Isn't Agreeable!
Or You Can Leave The Kids At Home And Enjoy The Nightlife!
Either Way, You Need a Place To Stay: Ocean City Maryland Has Everything That You're Looking For!
Now that you know all of the awesome things to do in Ocean City, you are going to need a place to stay. There are plenty of options when going through different lodging options, so let’s go over them.
VACATION RENTAL
Vacation rentals are condos or houses that are rented out just for tourists. These rooms offer much more space and privacy than a normal hotel room, giving you a real home away from home. These units also offer different amenities that might not be available at all hotels. You also will have access to kitchen and laundry facilities which can be hard to come by at most hotels. Here are some Vacation rental companies to look into;
- Sunset Island Rentals
- Naples Florida Vacation Rentals
HOTEL
Vacation rentals are condos or houses that are rented out just for tourists. These rooms offer much more space and privacy than a normal hotel room, giving you a real home away from home. These units also offer different amenities that might not be available at all hotels. You also will have access to kitchen and laundry facilities which can be hard to come by at most hotels. Here are some Vacation rental companies to look into;
- Sunset Island Rentals
- Naples Florida Vacation Rentals
AIRBNB
An Airbnb is someone’s home that doubles as a rental unit. These houses, apartments, and condos are not owned by a company but rather a person. This could be a great option for younger adults aged 18-20 due to many hotel policies that prevent younger people from booking. These units also provide a more laid-back and relaxed lodging experience as you don’t have to worry about check-in or check-out.
These conveniences also come at the cost of other luxuries you usually get at hotels. That is usually evened out with the overall lower costs that Airbnb offers.
