Your visit to Maryland won't be complete without stopping in Ocean City, a beach resort where there's something for everyone, regardless of age. Carnival rides, water slides and very popular mini-golf await just steps from the three-mile-long boardwalk. Ocean City's entire beach is open to the public and is perfect for everyone from families to surfers. From April through October, Ocean City is a hotbed of sailing, parasailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, power-boating and waterskiing. Surf fishing is permitted on all public beaches but is restricted at certain hours of the day.
So many people visit Ocean City during the summer months that for those three months, the 10-mile strip that is Ocean City, is considered to be the second-largest city in Maryland.
Hotels, restaurants, ice-cream stands, and shops line the boardwalk, which stretches all the way to the oldest part of Ocean City. There are enough benches along the boardwalk where you can sit, have a snack and enjoy the view. The boardwalk ends at the fishing pier, which has amusement rides and a huge Ferris wheel.
You don't have to walk far to shop. With 27 blocks of souvenirs, candy stores, restaurants, snack shacks, and, of course, T-shirt stands, the boardwalk is probably the most popular place to shop. You'll find a lot of the same stuff in each souvenir shop, but there are a couple places worth mentioning. Ocean Gallery World Center, is unique, with its mosaic-like facade of art from around the world. Choose from three stories, full of art posters, prints and original oil paintings; all for sale at closeout prices. The Kite Loft has a large selection of kites, flags, windsocks and toys. For something sweet, visit the popular Candy Kitchen, which specializes in fudge and saltwater taffy.
Biking on the boardwalk is a very popular and is allowed between 5 and 10 a.m. during the summer, and anytime in the off-season.
The BoardwalkTram, which stops for waiting passengers along the Boardwalk, is very convenient for tired children. Visit Frontier Town, a theme park and camping site just 10 minutes from the boardwalk and enjoy the Live Wild West show. Experience a steam train ride, a stage coach ride and paddle boats. Frontier Town also has a water park and mini-golf. Frontier Town's camp grounds include cabins, a dock for fishing and crabbing, as well as a swimming pool. Located at the end of the boardwalk is Trimper's Rides - a prime stop for family fun. Catch the bus down to the inlet and buy your tickets at the booth; inside the arcade building you will find beautiful antique rides, but the thrillers are outside.
Zoom along the waters of Ocean City in the Sea Rocket, a 70-foot, open-top speedboat. The trip lasts about 50 minutes. You may get to see dolphins, but bring a raincoat - people in the very back usually get soaked. If getting wet doesn't appeal to you, take a nature cruise to a neighboring island.
Get on the Assateague Island Explorer, a narrated nature cruise with a stop on Assateague Island to see ponies, lots of horses, marine life and birds. Since catching a glimpse of wildlife can be hit or miss, you can return to the Island many times for one price. This is a great adventure with small children. It's a perfect tour for eight-years-old and under. They are thrilled to catch shinners & hermit crabs in a net, feel a sea star in a Tupperware container and see ponies on the island. Making reservations ahead of time is suggested.
Go wild at the Planet Maze & Laser Storm – it has an indoor and outdoor maze that is great for kids, a high-tech arcade and a laser-tag game. There's even a snack bar, so you can stay all day!
View a large collection of shipwreck artifacts, local history displays, shells, pottery, and coins for free at the Discoveries from the Sea Museum. With stories behind the artifacts and a very friendly, knowledgeable staff, the museum is a great place for kids.
Jolly Roger's is a top-notch amusement park, both for the price and the family atmosphere; park entrance is free. There are several Jolly Roger locations in Ocean City and each features a different range of rides: from crazy roller coasters to kiddie rides. Some rides require that an adult accompany the child. Rides run on credit, so there's a limit to the amount of times you can try a particular ride. It's advisable to get a package deal for credit-run rides. The chance games are awesome as well. There is a prize almost every time, which is great for the children and even better for the parents' wallets. There's also a gigantic water park, as well as a Speedworld - a 16-track go-cart park. The two-hour all-you-can ride go-carts are a bit pricey and they have height restrictions, so there aren't many carts a child under 10 can ride.
Seafood is very popular in Ocean City. Restaurants rarely close and some open as early as 5 a.m.
To avoid the summer prices and crowds, consider visiting in September, when both the weather and location are perfect: the water is still warm and the beach is nearly empty during the week; many restaurants are still open. Early June can also be a good time - as long as you're willing to put up with high-school graduates celebrating. Since the former students are occupied elsewhere, you'll find lots of room in restaurants, shops and nightspots. Valentine's Day and Christmas also draw a crowd.
Drive, fly or hop aboard a Greyhound from surrounding areas to get to Ocean City. During peak season, when parking can be difficult and traffic slows to a crawl, the bus is the fastest and most convenient way to get around. Buses run 24-hours-a-day, year-round. Parking is difficult, particularly at the height of the season. Most public facilities such as shopping centers and restaurants offer free parking for patrons. There are also eight public lots, mostly around the southern end of town. The largest public lot is the Hugh T. Cropper parking lot at the inlet and the first 30 minutes are free. It may be the biggest parking lot in Ocean City but don't park there for nighttime activities. At times it can seem like all of Ocean City is trying to park there, so you will wait forever just to get in and out.
July and early August are the most expensive months to spend the night in Ocean City. Often, a minimum stay of two or three nights is required, so check in advance; reservations are essential for weekends. For many families, renting a condo or town house is the only way to go. With several bedrooms and bathrooms, full kitchens, and living rooms, these offer a convenient way to take everybody to the beach. Most of them rent out from Saturday to Saturday.
Ocean City is a place people have been taking their families for generations. Your first visit may be on your own or with family, but don't be surprised if you find yourself coming back with your great-grandkids!