Who's been to Ocean City, MD?

[Allie322]

We were thinking of stopping in Ocean City, Maryland on our way back from Williamsburg in July. Has anyone stayed there, and if so, where? Is it family friendly? And lastly, does anyone know of one of those restaurants where you can buy a bucket of crabs and they give you a mallet, and let you have your way with the crabs?!!?!?! (I saw one on the TV show "Homicide" once and have wanted to do that ever since!)

TIA!

 

[shamrock bunch]

We've gone there quite a few times. There is a Boardwalk w/ lots of shops, arcades, and there is a little amusement park at the end. There are plenty of places to get fresh crabs. We usually stay around 22-25 street to be close to the Boardwalk. There are lots of hotels on the Boardwalk, just look up oceancity.com.

 

[Razor Roman]

I spent a weekend in OC, MD in the first week of August and it was so crowded! I couldn't believe how crowded things were.

It's definately family friendly, but there are large numbers of HS/College age kids around, and sometimes they can say things that make even grown-ups blush. Other than that, you should have no worries. It's definately a nice place to visit.

If you want to stay Near OC but not quite in it, Roheboth, DE is the next town over and it's a little cheaper and less crowded, which is nice for the beach, and you can drive in to Ocean City for the Boardwalk.

Another fun thing to do if you're driving is drive up through Deleware and take the Cape May - Lewes Ferry into Cape May, NJ. It's a nice break from driving (although it is more expensive and slower than driving )

 

[Chipmunk]

Ocean City is too big, crowded, and commercial for us. We usually vacation at Rehobeth Beach in DE. It has smaller boardwalk. If you like a lot of action, go to Ocean City. If you have a family with small kids, go to Rehobeth. You can also take the Ferry in Lewes Deleware and go to Cape May, NJ which is still pretty nice. The boat ride is fun too especially if you have kids. Lewes is close to Rehobeth.

 

[snoopy]

Ocean City is a lot of fun, however, I'd prefer to stay at the nearby Bethany Beach, or a little further down the road, Dewey Beach or Rehobeth Beach (about 20-30 minutes from Ocean City). All are more family friendly and a lot less tacky. But, if you have your heart set on Ocean City, there are a ton of places to stay there. We had friends who stayed here last summer and they really enjoyed themselves -- be careful in choosing accomodations, though -- Ocean City charges an arm and a leg, and most hotels are old and very run down. Your best bet would be to rent a condo, but they are usually available for a minimum stay of a week.

Hard crabs are plentiful in Ocean City! They have all you can eat places everywhere. I don't mess with the all-you-can eat places though -- the crabs are usually small and a lot of work to pick through for just a little bit of meat. We like to get a dozen large or jumbo, well worth the trouble it takes to pick through.

Any more questions, please let me know!

 

[Christine]

I have spent time in OC almost every year of my 40 years!!! Yes, it is crowded (last week in July/first week in August are *peak* weeks), and honky tonk--but we still enjoy. Plus it is not "big" like Myrtle Beach. I find it EXTREMELY manageable. There are lots of families. It is very expensive to rent nightly there, so be prepared.

My cousin just bought a condo there and will probably not have it fully rented this summer so if you need a place, PM me.......

 

[Allie322]

Thanks for all of the info! Now you've really got me thinking! Any recommendations on a place to stay in Rehoboth Beach? Planning a Disney vacation is so much easier!!!