Located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Ocean City has been a popular summertime vacation destination since the late 1800s. Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, this beautiful beach town offers endless opportunities for fun whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple or with the entire family. With tons of attractions, restaurants, bars, shopping and nightlife, there is something for everyone here, not to mention the beautiful beach.
Go to the Beach
Of course, the best thing to do in Ocean City is to go to the beach. There’s a whopping 10 miles of beautiful beach for relaxing, swimming and playing in the sand. There is no fee or beach pass required and there are lifeguards on duty from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., although the beach is technically open until 10 p.m. There are beach umbrellas and chairs available for rent if you don’t have your own and if you get hungry while you’re sunbathing, there are lots of restaurants and snack stands within walking distance.
Stroll Down the Boardwalk
Probably the second most popular thing to do in Ocean City is to stroll along the historic boardwalk that runs for three miles, as it has been named one of the top ten boardwalks in the country. Starting at the inlet end of the boardwalk, there are amusement parks to ride including a giant Ferris wheel and a carousel that dates back to 1902, lots of arcade and carnival games, and of course, plenty of food. Along the way, you’ll also find a variety of restaurants, beach shops, bars, hotels and a few unique attractions like the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium.
Have a Donut at the Fractured Prune
The name may sound a little strange, but the donuts at Fractured Prune are amazing and have been an Ocean City staple since 1976. In fact, people will line up early in the morning just to get their hands on one. Although, you can actually get a hot donut no matter what time of day you come in. Not only can you enjoy a hot donut, but you can also decide what goes on it. You can choose from 19 different flavored glazes and 13 different toppings, which include everything from cookie crumbs and crumbled bacon, to mini-marshmallows and vanilla wafers. Or choose from one of their specialty flavors like French toast, s’mores or peppermint patty.
Ride the Rides at Jolly Roger
Jolly Roger is the largest family amusement park in Ocean City and has been a family favorite for over 50 years. In addition to plenty of rides, games, miniature golf, there is plenty of carnival-style food and the park is also home to two unique attractions. Speedworld features the largest collection of go-karts and tracks in the country, while the Cycle Cart Coaster is the world’s first cart coaster. This five-story coaster is over 1,500 feet long and combines go-karts and roller coasters, giving you a thrilling ride you’ll never forget! The park also features Splash Mountain Water Park, which was named the “Best Small Waterpark on the East Coast” by Funworld Magazine.
See the City from Above
If you’re feeling adventurous during your beach vacation, why not try out parasailing and see the city from high up above? Paradise Watersports gives adrenaline junkies the opportunity to get a birds’ eye view of the Delmarva shore with parasailing anywhere from 400 feet to 800 feet above the water! The whole operation is done with hydraulics and you’ll take off and land on the back of the boat, so you’ll stay dry the whole time. Unless you ask for the “special dip” where the staff will let you dip your toes in the water before returning to the boat!
Visit Jamaica in Ocean City
Another must-see stop during your Ocean City vacation is Seacrets, which is a restaurant, raw bar, tiki bar and nightclub all rolled into one that will make you feel as if you’ve just stepped into Jamaica. During the day, you can enjoy a delicious meal with the family outdoors under the palm trees or even with your feet dangling in the bay. At night, you can have some adults-only fun at the nightclub, tiki stage and beach stage that features live music all summer. While you’re there, make sure to try a signature tropical drink like Electric Lemonade or the house specialty – Pain in de Ass, which is made with several layers of rum runner and pina colada.
