Anyone vacation at Ocean City, Maryland???

[Piglet]

We are planning on going to Ocean City, Maryland for vacation this year, probably in mid June. My DH and I went there for our honeymoon too many years ago, but haven't been there since.

Any suggestions on decent but also decently priced hotels?? Also, any suggestions on some things my DD (6 yo) would like to do?? We will probably spend a little time at the beach but we aren't really the type to sit on the beach all day. I have checked out the websites, and definetely plan on checking out the boardwalk. What else????

Melinda

 

[Saffron]

Asseteauge or Chincoteague Islands are just a short drive away, maybe 20 minutes? They are islands that have wild ponies. If you or your son are into nature, hiking, moors etc. you will love the islands! The beaches are great for finding beautiful shells too.

Sorry I can't help you with the hotels. It's been a very long time since I've been there.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

We've stayed at the Carousel, and it's nice. Usually, though, we rent a condo from Moore Warfield and Glick. I like to stay up between 50th and 95th street, away from the hustle bustle of the boardwalk area.

Honestly, though, if you aren't beach people why are you going to Ocean City? There are things to do (Putt Putt, Jolly Roger's Amusement Park, etc.) but mostly there's just the beach.

 

[luv2nascar]

we really like ocean city, md
try www.oceancity.com for some ideas on hotels and calendar of events
I think we are going for a long weekend in May for Crusin weekend when they have a car parade on the boardwalk
we really like the paradise plaza. it also has a website www.paradiseplaza.com
it is kinda expensive but very new and completely clean
its at 9th and boardwalk
we only stay on the boardwalk and since I'm pregnant I think be closing to the end of the boardwalk will be important since we usually walk it every night
for the middle of may when we are going weekdays at $109 & weekends (fri & sat) are $139 per nite
but like I said it is very clean, new, small balcony w/oceanfront rooms, and kitchenette (microwave, refrig, sink)

 

[Piglet]

addicted - we will spend some time on the beach, as my DD wants to play in the sand and ocean. But will probably not go there every day all day long.

Was just wondering what other things there is to do there???

Thanks everyone for the info and I have checked some of those links. I just have a hard time deciding where to stay because you know all the hotel websites make each one sound so nice.

Melinda

 

[Breezy_Carol]

Find out when senior or beach week is before you go. In this area, all of the high school seniors go down for the week after graduation. Not a time for a family to be there. Our graduation is around June 8.

 

[Spoisal]

Since you are not "beach people" you might be happy staying "bayside" instead of "ocean front" which is MUCH cheaper. I also agree with what another poster said about getting a condo - it turns out to be more economical than a hotel and you get a kitchen & stuff (which is nice with kids- so you don't have to go out for EVERY meal). Try www.MWGBEACH.com - we have used them a couple of times & had good experiences.

 

[snoopy]

I have to second addicted's advice - if you aren't going to play on the beach all day long, there really isn't much to do in O.C.

But, if you are really wanting to go anyway, I would advice you to rent a condo through Moore, Warfield and Glick. A much better bang for your buck than renting a hotel room - many of which are old and not terribly clean.

Here is their website:

Moore Warfield and Glick

You can even rent on-line.

We prefer the close-by Dewey or Rehobeth Beach in Delaware. Ocean City can be fun though, very touristy, but for first timers the boardwalk is fun. Jolly Rogers is o.k., and they have a few waterparks, but after a trip to WDW its hard to measure up in these areas. Ocean City does have terrific restaurants, I'd recommend Mario's (a great Italian restaurant that has been around for many years), Fish Tales Restaurant (a great place for adults and kids - a big playground with sand for the kids, huge porch swings and hammocks for the parents to have a cocktail while waiting to be seated), and good food; Seacrets (kind of like Fish Tales, but more elaborate - and more pricey!); Fager's Island (a great place to check out the incredible bay sunset!); General's Kitchen (THE diner to have breakfast - but get there early, all of the locals and people who live in Md., Va., and D.C. know about this place); and The Hobbit (kind of fancy, but very good).

Let me know if you have more specific questions. I've been to OC about bazillion times in my lifetime, so I can probably answer any you have.

 

[Patio]

I love Ocean City and I have been there several times without stepping foot on the beach. My kids prefer a pool, so they rather swim at the hotel. We really like the Coconut Malorie, bayside at 59th Street, next to Fager's Island. They have beautiful rooms, with standing balconies, that are very clean. The pool has a pool bar and we always see couples and families here.
We have also stayed at Dunes Manor Hotel, which is oceanfront at 28th Street. It's at the beginning of the boardwalk and the rooms are clean, with oceanfront balconies. There is an indoor-outdoor pool which is great for cold or rainy weather. This was also great for couples or families.
Last year I stayed at Holiday Inn Oceanfront, 67th Street. Nice rooms with a stove and refrigerator. There is an indoor pool and a terrific outdoor pool. There is an outdoor area that serves lunch, kids eat free. This place had lots of people, noisy at times, because of the outdoor swim-up bar. They do have nice hammocks to lay in.
My parents rented a townhouse in Bethany Beach, Delaware, which was also great. Large rooms, community pool, biking, etc..

Our favorite restaraunts are Phillips Seafood, Ponzetti's Pizza, Fager's Island and the waterfront place at the inlet ( can't think of name right now, sorry ). Love Dough Roller for breakfast.

We enjoy miniature golf, horseracing at Ocean Downs and the boardwalk at night.

Have a great trip!!

 

[Piglet]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Thanks a bunch Patio for your reply. My DD likes the pool too. She also wants to rent one of those bikes that can fit 3 people.

Melinda

 

[Belle1962]

Our fav restaurant HOOPERS right before you cross the Route 50 bridge into the city. Unfortunately it had suffered a fire and last year when we went only the bar portion had been rebuilt. Hopefully they'll have the entire building done this year. You can't go to OC without having MD crabs!!!!

We usually rent from relatives OR use our free hotel points (Holiday Inn).

Almost any of the first few weeks of June will be grad weeks and then don't forget the MD Firefighters week mid-June.

 

[AJB]

If you can find out when the fireman's convention is, avoid that week like the plague. Hotel rooms are at a premium that week. And like BreezyCarol said you still get some kids down there on their ":Senior Week". Lots of unruly teenagers with no regard for others safety. Can't really help you with hotels since we haven't been there in years, all I know is they require at least a 3 night min.