Tell me about Ocean City Maryland

[TwingleMum]

We are going to visit OC Maryland in 2 weeks. Can you tell me not to mis sights and eats??? Thanks so much. Is Baltimore very far?? We are driving down from NY and I thought the boys might like to see Camden Yrds. TIA

 

[jaminmd]

Baltimore is about 2.5 hours away. OC is very nice & clean. There are plenty of places to eat but none that stick out as spectacular (for us anyway). The boardwalk is fun, too. The Delaware beaches are about 20 minutes north & they are nice as well. Have fun!

 

[Nascia]

We love OC and just returned Sunday from a week long stay. We stayed at the Breakers Hotel on 3rd and the Boardwalk. It was excellent and I would highly recommend it. We had an oceanfront suite and had plenty of room.

As for things to do, there's plenty. The kids loved being in the ocean during the day. We enjoy eating at Shenanigans and the Dough Roller. They also liked going down to the pier to do the rides at night. We also spent some time doing go-carts along Rt. 50. The people watching was fun too. We saw performers on the boardwalk each night. Although we didn't do it this trip, we like riding the surrey bikes down the boardwalk in the morning. I went para-sailing during a girl's only trip earlier this year. That was awesome and something I would like to do again. We would have liked to do some mini-golf but never really got around to it.

 

[MJMouse]

Which end of OC are you staying in??

Some of our favorite eats (in no particular order)...

1. Brass Balls Saloon (open air eating on the boardwalk)
2. Bayside Skillet (Best Crepes and Omelets... yum)
3. General's Kitchen (Breakfast)
4. La Hacienda (expensive but excellent mexican)
5. Duffy's Tavern (great local Irish Bar... family friendly)
6. Harpoon Hannah's (good food, great atmosphere... go at an off time, it gets really busy... last time we went about 2pm on a Sunday... sat on the deck right by the water... lovely way to start a vacation)
7. Dumsers Dairyland (Ice cream... obviously)

 

[TwingleMum]

Hi guys!! We are staying at the Clarion Fountainbleu. The boys are sooo excited about going to another state. I told them about Chintocique (I know I murdered the sp) Misty was a favorite book of mine growing up. Thanks for the suggestions. We love crepes so I'll definately check out Bayside skillet. Are the amusment parks expensive??

 

[Ohiodislover]

Fisher's popcorn
Thrasher's Fries
I will 2nd The bayside skillet, and Harpoon Hannahs
Tequila Mockingbird's-Mexican
FishTales is also good

Have a great time!!

ETA--thought of another favorite. Bull on the Beach. Wonderful pit beef sandwiches. Also Big Peckers is good

 

[Ohiodislover]

Hi guys!! We are staying at the Clarion Fountainbleu. The boys are sooo excited about going to another state. I told them about Chintocique (I know I murdered the sp) Misty was a favorite book of mine growing up. Thanks for the suggestions. We love crepes so I'll definately check out Bayside skillet. Are the amusment parks expensive??

The amusement rides at the end of the boardwalk, or more like carnival type rides, and are rather high, IMO. There is a waterpark, but I really don't know much about it.

Tons of putt-putt, laser tag etc. Set a budget w/ your kids, or they will nickel, and dime you to death Trust me.

Last year we took a boat ride that included Assateague Island to see the ponies. My girls 13, and 9 had fun.

If you decide to take a daytrip to Baltimore, do it on a weekday. The bridge traffic is the pits Fri-Sun.

 

[MyHappyPlaceWDW]

how old are your twins? I have 9 year old twin boys. We went to OC in APril for their BD. Thrashers fries, fischer pop corn, and the dough roller are our favs

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks for all the great tips

 

[Ohiodislover]

Thought of another place

Fractured Prune--MOST wonderful donuts EVER!!

 

[Abbie]

You've gotten plenty of great ideas here! You mentioned Chincoteague....that might be quite a hike, it's actually in Va and I'm not sure there's a quick way to get over there. However, Assateague Island is just across the inlet (you can see it from OC but it takes about 20 minutes to drive there). If you feel like getting up early, head over there around 6 or 7, you will be almost guaranteed to see the wild ponies. They will come right up to your car, my kids always loved that. Don't feed them or try to pet them, though, they are wild!

As far as restaurants, I'm trying to remember the name of one that is bayside....it is right on the water and the tables are in the sand where the kids can play while waiting for dinner. It's a lot of fun, if I remember the name I'll be back!

 

[Nascia]

double post

 

[wdwmom2]

Thought of another place

Fractured Prune--MOST wonderful donuts EVER!!

What she said!!! Just look at my tag.

The Captain's Gallery is a wonderful place for crabcakes.

The Jolly Roger is a nice water park. Did that one year with the kiddos.

If you like a seafood buffet, we have tried many. We like the Bonfire the best!

If you want to visit Baltimore, it is about 2 1/2 hours due west on Rt 50. Too far for me to leave OC for a day. But that is just me. I live about 1 hour west of Baltimore, so for me it wouldn't be worth it. Maybe you could hit it on the way home. When you leave Baltimore, you could hop on I-95 to take you back to NY.

Can't wait till September 17th. We will be there for bike week!!!

ETA: Pick up a free Sunny Days guide that is available in MANY of the hotels and restaurants there. LOTS of listings for restaurants, attractions and such. It also has coupons in it!!!

 

[wdwmom2]

As far as restaurants, I'm trying to remember the name of one that is bayside....it is right on the water and the tables are in the sand where the kids can play while waiting for dinner. It's a lot of fun, if I remember the name I'll be back!

Maybe Secret's???? They serve good food there, and right on the bay. Was there in June for a wedding. They did a wonderful job at catering!

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I took two day trips with a friend already this summer, and forgot how much I used to like going there when I was a teen and we camped in DE. I'm heading back in a couple of weeks too! We'll be there two nights during Labor Day week and I can't wait to go. I'm looking forward to getting off the beach and boards to explore other things around the area. I don't think I've ever been there after dark.

We are considering going to Assateague (state park about 8 miles away), but haven't nailed down any plans. It will be a budget vacation, and if I'm satisfied with the motel I will reserve again for next year. (crossing my fingers that it's not a total dump)


I can only speak for Caruso's pizza. We ate there a couple of weekends ago. The pizza was really good. I can't offer much advice about what to see and do otherwise, but I'll be watching this thread for ideas. Bull on the Beach sounds yummy!

 

[3boymthr]

We were just down in that area - not OC; but just north of there in Delaware. We stayed in the cottages at the Indian River Marina in DE Seashore state park and went to Dewey Beach & Bethany Beach & Fenwick Island. We go to this area every year to visit my MIL.

The boardwalks are a blast and there are lots of places for mini-golf, etc. both on and off the boardwalks. I second the pp you have to try Thrasher's Fries (but they fry in peanut oil if that's a concern) and Bull on the Beach. Also on your way down or back try Grotto Pizza (in Rehoboth, Dewy or Bethany Beach).

Make sure to stop and get an area guide from the info booths as there are lots of coupons available for area activities.

The beaches are awesome. The water is really warm and lots of surf. We saw some dolphin and a shark (a big one - the dorsal fin was two feet across - I have photos even).

DH took the kids fishing and crabbing also. We didn't catch anything, but the kids had a lot of fun. If you can't go in OC you can go in DE at the state park - they also have charter and headboat tours available at the Indian River Marina. DE Seashore State Park was also offering a Catamaran Tour on Thursdays this summer for $13pp.

We went go-karting when we were there but it does get expensive - we paid $25 for four rides - per person.

 

[dare2dream]

I went with DH to look at job at a church in OC today. He is an electrical contractor.

As we drove in from route 50 I mentioned how wonderful the selection of brochures and coupon books is at the Tourist Information Center right off the main highway. You did not mention the ages of your boys but I remember getting a coupon there for money off the regular cost of jet skiing. My kids loved that.

Lots to see and do in OC. Have a great visit and enjoy our 'shore' hospitality. We here on Maryland's beautiful Eastern shore often joke that there is no life west of the Chesapeake Bay.

 

[LaraK]

Definitely do the Bayside Skillet for breakfast...fantabulous food! I love boardwalk food, Bull on the Beach and Thrashers. JR's also has good ribs and prime rib.

Remember that you don't need your car. For a small fee you can ride the bus.

 

[Ohiodislover]

As far as restaurants, I'm trying to remember the name of one that is bayside....it is right on the water and the tables are in the sand where the kids can play while waiting for dinner. It's a lot of fun, if I remember the name I'll be back!

Maybe Fishtales.

 

[TwingleMum]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the info. I also heard there is a water park near?? Is it any good???