Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City is a year-round resort that is most popular in the summer. It has 10 miles of white sandy beaches, a famous boardwalk, and many shops and eateries. At the southern end of the boardwalk is the Ocean City Life Saving Station, which shows the history of the town.
Wild ponies roam the beaches and dunes of Assateague Island National Seashore, a 37-mile long barrier island south of Ocean City. One legend says the ponies are descendants of horses that survived the shipwreck of a Spanish galleon. Another says they were brought to the New World by early settlers. Maryland's only ocean park, Assateague State Park, has campsites, bike trails and rental boats so both residents and visitors can enjoy the shore.
Ocean City is known as the White Marlin Capital of the World, but the bay and ocean waters also offer sea bass, sea trout, flounder, shark, dolphin fish, tautog, bluefish, tuna, cod and wahoo. Located on the Atlantic coast, Ocean City is a glittering strip of boardwalks and high-rise condos stretched along wide, white sand beaches. It was designated an "All-American City" in 2001
If you're going there to deep-sea fish, the best time is mid April-early November. The quieter waters surrounding Ocean City, the bays of Assawoman, Sinepuxent, and Montego, attract fishermen, sailors, parasailers, and kayakers who like calmer water. The inlet at the south end of the island was created during a fierce hurricane early in the 20th century, thus creating a shortcut to the ocean
Even if they don't like to fish, visitors love this family friendly destination. Among the major attractions is a 10 mile long beach and a 3 mile long boardwalk filled with fun. Summers are crowded and offer non-stop entertainment. Bicycling on the boardwalk, spending time on the beach and in the surf occupy the morning and early afternoon hours. After that, there is a choice of several amusement parks and fascinating places such as the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum and the Ocean Downs harness-racing track (races take place May-September). Flea markets are held on summer weekends, and an outlet mall is located outside of town. There is fast food in abundance as well as restaurants in which to sample the fresh seafood!
The boardwalk, which stretches to 27th Street in the oldest part of Ocean City, is crowded with hotels, some of them dating back to the 1920s. Restaurants, ice cream stands, and shops fill in between. It ends at the fishing pier with amusement rides, including a huge Ferris wheel. A second boardwalk is being developed as a Bayside promenade: a 14-foot-wide path running along the west side of Philadelphia Street from the inlet to Talbot Street.
Ocean City is well known as a beach for families with younger children. It has dozens of miniature golf courses with upbeat scenery, water slides, amusement parks, roller coasters, haunted houses, parasailing, kayaking, skateboard parks, laser tag, even indoor ice skating.
There are volleyball nets on the beach; soccer, lacrosse and baseball "camps"; batting cages; and a Wild West theme park complete with rodeo and ceremonial dances There is a 100-mile scenic bike trail that circles Worcester County. Ocean City is home to the largest white marlin tournament in the country. There are two dozen golf courses nearby, and more under construction. The local outlet mall has more than 60 national-brand stores.
5,500-seat Arthur Perdue Stadium, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds, the Baltimore Orioles' Class A South Atlantic League team, is about 25 miles from Ocean City on Route 50. Ocean Downs Racetrack is 10 minutes away and features a late June through August racing season. The clubhouse is open year-round, with simulcasts of thoroughbred and other harness tracks
