Ocean City Maryland - Cool Stuff to Do in OCMD All Year Round

Ocean City, Maryland is a 10 mile stretch of sparkling white sand and surf, a Boardwalk, restaurants, bars, amusements parks, miniature golf, shopping, frequent festivals and special events.

Of course, a mid Atlantic beach resort offers all the typical fun of a summer vacation, and Ocean City, Maryland has done so since the Atlantic Hotel opened on July 4, 1875. While much of the old town has been lost to storms and real estate development, downtown Ocean City still retains a quaint, old fashioned charm.

Its pristine beach is wide, safe, and well guarded. Ocean City, Maryland is a wonderful place to visit all year round with each season offering its own special appeal.

A barrier island set between the Atlantic Ocean and Sinepuxent Bay, Ocean City is great place for fishing and bird watching. The level terrain make it a highly walkable town whether you prefer long strolls on the beach a low tide, or a walk down the 2 1/2 mile Boardwalk.

I can think of no place that I'd rather be than on the beach in Ocean City. The soft sand, the clean beach, and the rhythm of the waves create both excitement and serenity. Summer water temperatures rise to a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Waves run between 3 to 6 feet high, great for body surfing, bogey boarding, board surfing, or just plain having a wonderful time.

After the guards leave the beach at 5:30 PM, you can surf fish, swim-at-your-own-risk (sometimes it's so beautiful, you can't help yourself), chat, read, or enjoy the peachy golden glow of late afternoon.

On any spot in Ocean City, its a short walk to the Sinepuxent Bay to watch a glorious sunset.

There are restaurants galore, shops, and a multitude of fanciful miniature golf courses featuring dinosaurs, jungles, and tropical paradise themes spread within walking distance of almost anywhere you care to stay.

Accommodations include 1 - 3 bedroom condos, townhouses, large single homes, motels, and hotels to fit any budget. There are funky old time apartments, or luxury dwellings - ocean front, bay side, and in between.

For the best fun for the whole family, check out Trimper's Rides, a collection of rides at the south end of the Boardwalk which included indoor vintage rides including a 1902 Hershell-Spellman Carousel, the oldest continuously running carousel In the USA.

Marty's Playland, just north of Trimper's is a large arcade offering vintage and new games, an Ocean City classic since the 1930's; open every day of the year except Christmas Day. The claw machines, or the miniature cranes of Diggerville are nearly 100 years old.

Several Head-boats offer off shore fishing in the Atlantic Ocean or the Sinepuxent Bay

Ocean City Life Saving Museum - check out the history of Ocean City with the special exhibits, including shipwreck artifacts, old time bathing costumes, old photographs of Ocean City's bygone years all presented in a beautifully restored old building once slated for the wrecking ball. The museum also offers interesting material on the history of the US. Life Saving Service, a federal organization created before the US Coast Guard to aid ship wrecks and shipwreck victims.

Events

On the 4th of July, Ocean City offers two excellent fireworks displays; one near the south end of the boardwalk and another at Nothside Park on 127th Street and the Bay. Every year the Boardwalk Fireworks display follows a live concert. You can spread out your blanket in the sand and enjoy the beach, the smells of popcorn and cotton candy and watch the sky light up to celebrate Independence Day. (Traffic and parking is terrible in town on the 4th of July. If you plan to attend the downtown firework display, leave your car at the Park and Ride on the west side of the Rt 50 Bridge and take a bus or walk over the bridge into town.)

The Art League of Ocean City at 94th Street offers an ongoing exhibit that features the work of local artists. The Gallery is open Tuesday - Thursday from 11:00 AM to 4:00PM and Friday til Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. On the first Friday of every month, the Art League presents an art reception that is open to the public.

The White Marlin Open is the world's largest bill-fish tournament with over 250 boats and huge prizes, from August 6 - 10, 2012.

Fishing during the summer months can bring you flounder, black sea bass, surf kingfish, and sand sharks. Late summer brings in pan sized blue fish, sea trout, and croakers. For detailed information on Ocean City fishing, check out Sue Foster's site, Fishing at the Beach where she details who is catching what, where they are catching fish, and the kinds of bait and equipment they are using.

Birdwatching is great on the beach, at the inlet, or on the Bay. Wetland areas offer waders including Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Tricolor Heron, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Green Heron, and Glossy Ibis.

Gulls include Laughing Gulls, Ring Billed Gulls, Greater Black Backed Gulls, and Lesser Black Backed Gulls. Commonly seen Terns include Common Terns, Fosters Terns, Royal Terns, Least Terns, and occasionally Caspian Terns.

Osprey and Brown Pelicans can be seen regularly at the beach and on the Bay.

Late summer brings Skimmers, Sanderlings, and Oyster Catchers.

Ocean City is beautiful in the Fall. The crowds have thinned dramatically, and the waves seem higher and crisper. There is less humidity in the air and the beach is cooler yet the water is warm enough for swimming comfortably, often into October.

Events:

Delmarva Bike Week centers in Ocean City in mid September (actually the last week of summer, but after Labor Day seems like Fall). Motorcycles invade the Eastern Shore for themed activities, displays, workshops, entertainment, special vendors, and fun. If you are not interested in motorcycles, you will be when you check out the incredible variety of types of cycles there are.

Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show in mid September at the 40th Street Convention Center features classic, antique, and contemporary jewelry as well as loose stones, gems, beads, and all jewelry related items.

SunFest , September 20 - 23, 2012. For 36 years, Sunfest has been held at the Inlet Parking Lot on the southern tip of Ocean City featuring 180 crafters, food, hayrides, and entertainment. The huge extravaganza happens during Ocean City's best weather and admission is FREE!

Berlin Fiddler's Convention in late September. Main Street, Berlin, a few miles west of Ocean City hosts a free concert, an acoustic fiddling contest, crafters, and food vendors in the quaint, historic town.

October festivals include the Family Campfire on the Beach, Winefest on the Beach, the Ocean City Coin and Currency Show, Harbor Day at the Docks (highlighting OC's maritime history and heritage), and Oktoberfest at the Convention Center on 40th Street.

Endless Summer Cruisin' at the Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway. On October 7 -8 you can check out 1500 hot rods at a car show featuring street rods, classics, and custom creations.

Christmas Craft Expo and the Fall Festival of Fine Art, on November 3& 4, 2012 at the 40th Street Convention Hall featuring Christmas related crafts, painters, sculptures, and artisans.

Winter-fest of Lights. In late November until January 2, a small train takes you on a trip through a world of Christmas lights including religious and secular themes. At 127th Street, Northside Park.

Holiday Shoppers Fair at the 40th Street Convention Hall with Santa for the kids, children's activities and vendors selling crafts, jewelry, candles, art, and more.

A Victorian Christmas in Berlin with horse and carriage rides, home tours, and music. Events go on the whole month of December in the quaint town of Berlin, several miles west of Ocean City, south of Route 50.

Fishing

In the Fall, the bluefish come in with the cooler water, as well as Tautog, striped bass, and sheepshead.

Birdwatching

Fall is the time to check out migratory birds as well as sandpipers, waders, and fall warblers. Late fall bring sin the Great Cormorants, Red Throated Loons, grebes, Brant's Geese, and Mergansers. Migratory ducks include Scoters, Scaups, Eiders, Red Heads, Gadwalls, and Buffleheads.

I love the stark winter beach and the nearly empty Boardwalk in the winter. Ocean City is usually a bit warmer than further inland due to the warmth of the Gulf Stream current. And if it's cold, you can wrap up and enjoy the brisk, clean ocean air.

Events

Nautical and Wildlife Art Festival at the 40th Street Convention Hall, January 15 & 16 2011.

North American Craft Show at the 40th Street Convention Hall, January 15 & 16, 2011.

East Coast Commercial Fisherman and Aquaculture Trade Expo on the last week in January at the 40th Street Convention Hall.

Seaside Boat Show at the 40th Street Convention Hall features 350 boats, 140 exhibitors, and is the best and biggest indoor boat show on the Eastern Shore. February 18, 19, and 20th, 2011.

Fishing things start to cool off in winter but you may catch some big stripers (Rockfish). The mackerel run offshore begins sometime in March.

Bird Watching - Winter is a great time for checking out birds in Ocean City. Besides the ducks that winter in the area, you may see an occasional pelagic (those birds that spend most of their time out at sea) such as Razorbills, Murres, and Skua. Gannets are a common sight as they fly over the ocean. Some charter boats offer winter birding trips out to sea where you may see Shearwater, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Dovekies, Black-legged Kittiwake and Atlantic Puffin.

After being cooped up all winter, there is nothing like the fresh air and sunshine at Ocean City. Property owners are out sprucing up their buildings and there is a general buzz of excitement. The beach is relatively empty but often warm enough to spend a pleasant day walking or relaxing.

Events

Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival. Check out the incredibly beautiful carvings of wildfowl by master carvers and artisans at the 40th Street Convention Center April 27 - 28, 2012.

Springfest at the Inlet Parking Lot on the southern tip of Ocean City, May 3 - 5, 2012 features arts and crafts, entertainment, food vendors, and more under a big top.

Ocean City Air Show on June 7 - 10, 2012. A free air show that can be seen all along the entire length of the Boardwalk featuring military jet demonstrations, sky divers, formation flying teams, celebrity pilots, and Coast Guard demonstrations.

Arts Alive at 125th Street. 100 artists displays ceramics, drawings, paintings, fiber arts, glass, wood carving, and sculpture with a juried art show. Including children's activities. June 16 - 17th.

Maryland State Firemen's Accociation Conference and Parade. As spring goes into summer, check out the Fireman's Parade from the Inlet to 9th Street. The conference is from April 12 - 15, 2012.

Fishing

Early in the spring, catch a boat out to sea for the mackerel run. In shore catch stripers, blues, and kingfish.

Bird Watching Spring is time for the return of migratory local birds, including gulls, and waders as well as spring warblers and Willets. In spring, anything is possible!