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Did you know Ocean City, Maryland, is the white marlin capital of the world? Not only that, it’s one of the best beach towns on the East Coast.
Whatever the plans for your extended vacation, there is a place for you in Ocean City. Let’s take a look at some of the best options of where to stay during your Ocean City oceanfront getaway.
Why Ocean City, MD?
If you’re heading to Ocean City, MD, the best areas to stay depend on your itinerary and whether you’re traveling with friends or family.
Whatever the plans for your extended vacation, there is a place for you in Ocean City. Let’s take a look at some of the best options for your oceanfront getaway.
Downtown Ocean City
If you’re looking for the fun and excitement of a bustling city center, then Downtown Ocean City, Maryland, is the place for you. Here on the southern end of the island, you will be in the heart of the action.
Easily the most popular stretch of OC, Downtown offers the big city experience in a small town environment. Since everything is within walking distance, you can explore shops and restaurants, hit the beach, go for a swim, or park yourself along the boardwalk and people watch for an afternoon.
Stroll the famous Ocean City boardwalk with ice cream from Dumser’s Dairyland or the best coffee on the beach from A Latte Enjoy. You can take in the scenic views at one of Downtown’s many parks, such as Sunset Park or Inlet Park. Enjoy a playdate with the kids at the oceanfront Dinosaur Bone Playground.
Staying in Downtown OC also gives you easy access to favorite spots such as Surf Beach and the famous Ocean City Beach. You can enjoy the waves or the sand, whichever strikes your fancy, and you have the chance to get to know fellow seafaring adventurers like yourself.
This lively scene is one of the best areas to stay for easy access to the busier beaches, lively nightlife, and a wide array of the city’s best restaurants. With excellent short-term rental options, you can make Downtown OC your home away from home while you explore all that the community has to offer.
West Ocean City
If Downtown isn’t your cup of tea, there’s no need to despair. On the other side of the Isle of Wight Bay, West Ocean City has plenty to offer for your beachside getaway. Avoid the hustle and bustle of larger cities such as Baltimore and enjoy the scenic views this part of Ocean City puts on display while filling your time with plenty of activities. And do it all for a reasonable price!
West OC gives you the beach town experience without negating that small town vibe. You can stick close to the city and take in the local haunts, such as Stinky Beach. A great place to drop a hook in the water or take your dog for a walk, this used to be the best-kept secret of OC.
If you feel like getting out to explore the area, you’re a short jaunt from the beautiful Assateague Island. This 37-mile long barrier island offers amazing wildlife encounters, breathtaking views, and plenty of camping opportunities if you want to rough it for a day or two.
In West OC, you get access to beautiful golf courses, an abundance of seafood restaurants (try some of that famous Maryland Blue Crab), and a walking bridge to Downtown that’s easily accessible when you want to explore. There’s even a small amusement park to check out with the kids.
With excellent rental options that come in a variety of styles and sizes, you should have no problem starting your OC adventure in the west.
Midtown
Head up the coastal highway a bit and you’ll find yourself in Midtown, home to many of the most popular eateries in OC. Staying in Midtown gives you that authentic oceanside getaway a little removed from the hurried Downtown experience. But don’t worry! You’ll still have plenty to explore.
If you haven’t heard about Seacrets, Jamaica USA, then it’s time you remedy that. More than a restaurant, bar, and nightclub, Seacrets is an authentic Ocean City experience. Through and through, it’s the heart of Midtown and the main attraction for anyone looking for a good time.
Midtown is also home to some of the best boat rentals in Ocean City, MD. What could be better than taking the family out for a cruise on the Atlantic Ocean before grabbing a meal at the famous Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill?
Midtown is a fun, exciting, relaxed place to plant yourself as you explore all that Ocean City has to offer. With beautiful waterfront properties that you can call your own for the entirety of your stay, you can galavant around the area and make the most of your seaside vacation.
Staying in Midtown, you always have that place to relax when you need to just put your feet up for a bit.
North Ocean City
Stretching from Midtown to the Delaware line, North OC is a locale where you can slow down and truly experience the relaxed atmosphere that comes with an oceanfront excursion. With a quiet atmosphere and a slow pace, North OC is a great spot to park yourself and your family while you explore the area.
With the coastal highway, you have easy access to the quieter Delaware beaches. On the Maryland side, you’ll find Northside Park and plenty of local breweries. North OC is a great place for families to stay. Away from the action of Downtown, you’ll have peace and quiet with the same incredible scenery.
There’s no shortage of fun activities in North OC. You’ll be right next to the Delaware border, with plenty to explore there. You have Maryland Beach at your disposal, so make sure you get those toes in the sand. Not to mention the famous Original Greene Turtle, a great place to grab a meal, meet some locals, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the famous Ravens Rap Show while you’re there.
Staying in North OC gets you away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown and the noise of Midtown. With excellent ocean view properties available for rent, you’ll have the perfect spot to serve as a home base for nautical adventures.
Explore Ocean City
Whether it’s a three-day weekend or a 10-day adventure in Ocean City, MD, the best areas to stay should be easy to find on your next beachside adventure. The boardwalk is bustling, the breweries come with an ocean view, and there’s that sea air infused with the scent of salt-water taffy that you can’t find anywhere else.
If you’ve been thinking about seeing sites and chilling on the beach, do yourself a favor and book a place to stay. With all that Ocean City, MD has to offer, you can’t go wrong.
Featured Image Credit: By Lissandra Melo
