Ocean City, Maryland, is the ultimate summer playground, known for wide beaches, sumptuous seafood, and of course, classic boardwalk fun. Ten miles of free, sandy beaches make Ocean City a favorite destination for catching waves, building sandcastles, and soaking up the sun. And the 3-mile boardwalk packs in the fun with roller coasters, mini golf, kiddie rides, and so much more.
Where to Stay
Ocean City offers a range of accommodations, but staying near the boardwalk puts you right in the action. For families, Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites is a primo pick. It’s right on the beach and an easy five-minute walk from the boardwalk. This all-suite hotel has family-friendly perks too, like a game room and a kids’ pool with water slides and faux palm trees.
For a quieter retreat that’s still close to the fun, Ashore Resort & Beach Club is a great choice. Located a 10-minute drive north of Jolly Roger Amusement Park, this stylish oceanfront stay offers hotel rooms and suites. Enjoy a pristine stretch of beach, three beachfront restaurants, a taproom, a coffee shop, and complimentary use of bicycles, beach chairs, and boogie boards.
Where to Eat
Boardwalk icon Thrasher’s French Fries has been serving its legendary crispy, salty fries since 1929. Dumser’s Dairyland is another beloved tradition that’s a must-stop for soft serve ice cream. Don’t be surprised if a cone becomes part of your nightly beach routine.
For an upscale dining experience, Fager’s Island is a standout for deck seating and white-tablecloth service. This bayfront restaurant boasts sunset views and a menu that features prime rib, pan-seared scallops, jumbo lump crabcakes, and cream of crab soup. Harrison’s Harbor Watch is another top pick for fresh seafood as well as pastas and steaks.
Where to Play
Beyond the boardwalk, Ocean City is jam-packed with activities and attractions. For water fun, Paradise Watersports rents jet skis and pontoon boats, and offers parasailing for breathtaking aerial views of the coastline. Assateague Island National Seashore, a 15-minute drive from Ocean City, offers unspoiled beaches, easygoing nature trails, and the island’s famous wild horses.
Looking for indoor fun? The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum lets you delve into local maritime history, while Ripley’s Believe It or Not! features two floors of oddities, including a collection of shrunken heads. It’s a quirky escape from the summer heat.
Where to go for Boardwalk Fun
The beating heart of Ocean City’s charm is its classic 3-mile boardwalk, filled with rides, games, and old-school fun. Pirate-themed Jolly Roger Amusement Park delivers high-energy thrills with roller coasters and go-karts. There’s also mini golf, an arcade, and a water park.
At Trimper Rides, an Ocean City landmark since 1890, nostalgia is everywhere, starting with the iconic boardwalk arch. Classic rides, including a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, a vintage carousel, and a haunted house bring old-school boardwalk fun to life. If you’re in the mood for games, Marty’s Playland has pinball machines, skee-ball, and other retro faves.
Feature image courtesy Ocean City Tourism/Photo by Rachel Smith Photo
This story originally ran in our May Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
