Ocean City Things to Do

This is a no-brainer right? Going to the beach is a must-do activity. There's something there for everyone: sand, waves, people-watching, snoozing, beach combing, and more and more!

Most major beaches charge you to set foot upon their sand. Wildwood is the only big free beach around here. Tags are sold at most entrances from boardwalk to beach. If you go early enough and miss the tag sellers, don't worry, they spend all day, walking up and down the beach, searching for tagless tourists. As a teen, it was a rite of passage requirement to not pay and spend the day avoiding the roving beach patrols.

Take a walk on the beach and boardwalk. Start at 5th St. on the Boardwalk. The fishing jettie (rocks) is right in front of you. Walk south past the volleyball courts. On your left is the 'surfing beach, or 7th St. as the locals call it.' On your right is Gillians Wonderland Pier. It is the largest and oldest amusement park in town. In the summer when the boardwalk is packed with people it is pretty common to have your friends or family meet you at the 'W' or one of the other letters. 7th St. Surf Shop is just past Wonderland. They rent surfboards and give free surf lessons during the summer months. The stores, arcades, restaurants, and amusements continue for 1 mile to 15th St. Along the way you should check out the Music Pier. Its the only building on the ocean side of the boardwalk and its between 8th and 9th Streets. During the summer season there are concerts and other events worth checking out. (I'll try to link a schedule later) Jilly's arcade is on 12th St. after that the boardwalk narrows and the stores end at 15th St. You'll see the fishing pier on that block. Along the way don't forget to have a slice of Mack & Mancos Pizza. There are a few on the boardwalk and its probably the most famous pizza restaurant in town.
The boardwalk was originally made to keep people from tracking sand back onto the train that they came in on. That was the primary transportation in and out of Ocean City during the early years. Ocean City is a dry town so you will not see any bars or liquor stores in town. We call our town 'the Worlds Greatest Family Resort' My Scottish friend Dave was a little worried about that fact the first time he visited, but the second time he visited he stayed for a couple months.

Check out some of the natural sites on the island. Ocean City is a barrier island, and as the name implies is protects the mainland from the effects of a constantly moving ocean. Between the mainland and the island there is a series of bays and marshlands which are home to many ecosystems. The pic is of an Osprey I see everyday when I go to check the waves. I'll try and bring down my lenses and get some better pics of him/her.

If you are a child of the 80's-90's, this place is a must. Tetris, Pac-Man, air hockey, Missile Command, Centipede all the old greats. And they have new greats like South Park pinball. Great way to spend a rainy day at the beach.

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Against all odds in this demolition/condo-crazed community, there is an area that stands as an example of what has been allowed to be lost. Come see it while you still can.

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The fishing in Ocean City is great! My favorite months are November-January when the Striped Bass are running.
There is good fishing almost year round.