Ocean City Beach

Ocean City, Maryland is the dominant beach resort of the Mid-Atlantic — a ten-mile barrier island city that attracts nearly 8 million visitors per year and operates so consistently full in summer that it is effectively the most popular beach destination between New York and Virginia Beach. The beach itself is a wide, well-maintained Atlantic sand beach with some of the warmest Mid-Atlantic water temperatures of any major East Coast resort, typically reaching 73–75°F in late July and early August and supporting excellent bodysurfing conditions on its consistently moderate surf.

The 10-mile wooden boardwalk that runs the length of the developed portion of the city is one of the longest in the world and is Ocean City's defining feature. From the Inlet at the south end — where the famous Thrasher's French Fries stand with its vinegar-only condiment policy has operated since 1929 — to 27th Street at the north, the boardwalk is lined with arcades, souvenir shops, beach rentals, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Trimper's Rides at the south end, operating since 1892, is one of the oldest amusement parks in continuous operation in the United States and a beloved OC institution housing genuine antique carousel horses and vintage rides alongside modern family attractions.

Ocean City's resort district is served by a remarkable network of boardwalk tram buses and an extensive municipal bus system (the "OC Bus") that runs the full length of the island, making it possible to explore the city from inlet to north end and back without a car once you've checked into your hotel. This unusual level of in-destination transit for an American beach resort, combined with the sheer density of accommodation (over 12,000 hotel/motel rooms plus thousands of condominium units) and restaurant options, makes Ocean City one of the most complete and accessible East Coast resort destinations.