What Part of the Ocean City, MD Beach Area is the Best?
If you've ever been to Ocean City on the eastern shore of Maryland, you probably know that there are 3 different "sections" or "areas" that people commonly refer to when discussing different locations in OC. These 3 areas are Downtown, Midtown, and North Ocean City. When buyers who are interested in purchasing in OCMD reach out to us, a common question we hear is "What part of Ocean City, MD is the best"?
For the purpose of today's blog, we'll leave out West Ocean City and focus solely on the strip of land that's sandwiched by the Assawoman Bay and Atlantic Ocean. We'll go into more detail later about what defines these "area's," but first, let's talk a bit about how Ocean City, MD as we know it today came to be!
What we now call Ocean City, MD originally dates all the way back to 1875 in what we now call the "downtown" area (more on that later). At first, this was nothing more than a small fishing town! Then, the construction of the first Beachfront Inn marked the beginning of the transition to Ocean City as we know it today.
In 1933, a major hurricane passed through this relatively quiet beach town and created the inlet. Guess what? This caused the fishing industry to boom as there was now direct access to the Atlantic Ocean from the Assawoman Bay. This was the true turning point that began the transformation of our little beach town.
Downtown
We'll begin in what locals know as "Downtown Ocean City." We define this area as being from the inlet all the way to 40th street. Downtown OC is in the southern end of town and was the first part of our town to be developed. Downtown OC is home to City Hall and is connected to everything inland via the Rt. 50 bridge. The Downtown area is the "heart" of Ocean City.
So, you may be asking "what is Downtown Ocean City, MD like?" We'll touch more on the specifics below, but downtown OC is probably the "busiest" part of town. If you like being in the heart of it all, seeing families passing by left and right, being able to walk to pretty much any attraction or restaurant you want, so on and so forth, then Downtown OC is for you!
How are the beaches in Downtown Ocean City, MD?
The beaches in Downtown Ocean City are probably the busiest in town. While this may be a negative to some, it doesn't mean you can't find space to relax on the beach. You can still enjoy some peace and quiet on the beach. While there will always be a few rowdy groups no matter where you go, for the most part, everyone is very respectful.
What is the Boardwalk in Ocean City, MD like?
If you've never been to the Ocean City, Md Boardwalk, we HIGHLY recommend you pay a visit. If you're a parent looking for family friendly activities, or even just a morning stroll by the beach, you're going to love it.
Our Boardwalk is consistently ranked as one of the top boardwalks in the country! There are shops, restaurants, arcades, and everything in between!
Restaurants & Attractions in Downtown Ocean City
There are simply too many famous Restaurants & attractions in Downtown Ocean City to name, but we'll name a few of our favorites that are all different in their own respects. If you happen to check any of these awesome restaurant's or attractions, post a photo and tag our Instagram or Facebook account!
Fine Dining: Spain Wine Bar.
On the Boardwalk: Dough Roller, Piezanos Pizza, Bull on the Beach.
Breakfast: Brass Balls Saloon, Crepe Daddy, Laytons.
Locals Favorites: Embers, Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar, Shotti's Point.
Arcades: Sportland Arcade, Fun City Arcade
Amusement Parks: Jolly Roger, Trimper Rides
If you're looking to take a vacation to Downtown Ocean City, or if you need a place to stay when you come condo shopping, contact our friends at Central Reservations!
Properties in Downtown Ocean City
In Downtown Ocean City you'll find a lot of different types of properties. From newer large condo buildings such as South Beach and Belmont Towers, to older & more historic buildings, Downtown OC has every type of property you can imagine.
When people reach out to us to begin their Ocean City, MD condo search, they often have a misconception that peace and quiet can't be found in Downtown OC. While it is a bit more difficult to find in Downtown, there are communities such as Harbour Island, which is a gated community with tennis courts, pools, and beautiful properties. It's a great place to find some peace and quiet in the hustle and bustle in Downtown OC!
Midtown Ocean City, MD
Moving North, we'll take you along to Midtown Ocean City, MD next. We define Midtown OC as stretching from 41st to 92nd Street. This area "Moving up to Mid-Town Ocean City, which unofficially stretches from 41st Street to 92nd Street.
Midtown Ocean City, MD can often be forgotten about. It's where people going to downtown or North OC travel straight through to get to their destination after they cross the Rt. 90 bridge on 62nd Street. If you're searching for real estate in OC, for WHATEVER reason, don't forget about midtown! There are so many benefits to being in Midtown OC that go unrealized!
Beaches in Midtown Ocean City
The beaches in Midtown Ocean City, MD are less crowded than downtown, and at times even North Ocean City. If you're looking for some true peace and quiet, the Midtown Beaches are the best place to enjoy just that! There's even a small stretch of beach that locals call "the desert."
Restaurants & Attractions in Midtown Ocean City
Midtown Ocean City, MD is home to two of the most popular attractions in all of OC, Seacrets Bar and Grille and Fager's Island. Both Seacrets and Fagers can provide you with whatever experience you’re in the mood for that day!
By day Fager's is a great place to have a scrumptious waterfront lunch or dinner with your family. By night, Fager's has a happening night life and is filled with people dancing and mingling with friends. The same goes for Seacrets! By day, Seacrets is a great place to have a casual lunch with your family. By night, it's busy as could be, and even has its own "Nite Club" area!
Fun Fact- Seacrets was ranked as one of the top 15 entertainment venues... in all of the United States. Pretty cool for a “bar” in Ocean City, right?!
Here are some of our other favorite Restaurants & Attractions in Midtown OC! Planning on visiting one of these establishments? Post a photo and tag our Instagram or Facebook account!
Fine Dining: The Hobbit Restaurant
Family Restaurants: Dead Freddies, Bad Monkey, & Ropewalk.
Locals Favorites: Longboard Cafe, Mione's Pizza, & The Bayside Skillet
Mini Golf: Nick's Mini Golf & Old Pro Golf
Properties in Midtown Ocean City
Midtown Ocean City also has just about every type of property that you could dream up. Midtown is home to the luxury high-rise building- The Gateway Grand Condominium. It is also home to an area locals know as "Little Salisbury," which has everything from single family homes to bayfront condos, townhomes, and everything in between!
We'll tell you once more- Midtown Ocean City is an area that is often overlooked. We, however, think that's wrong! By being in Midtown OC, you have quiet beaches, two of OC's most famous restaurants/attractions, a number of awesome restaurants, and so much more. That's without even mentioning that by being in the smack dab middle of OC, you're not too far from anything. Drive 15 minutes North or South and you can be ANYWHERE in Ocean City!
North OC & Highrise Row
As we continue on north, we're going to finish today's blog off with an area commonly referred to as North Ocean City, which is also home to the infamous High-rise Row (also known as Condo Row). In our eyes, North OC begins where the High-rises begin. So, North Ocean City, MD begins on 93rd Street and stretches all the way to the MD & DE line on 145th Street.
As we mentioned before, 'High-rise' or 'Condo' Row is within this area of North Ocean City, but many think of it as being an area of its own. For the purpose of this blog, let's stick to North Ocean City being the home of High-rise Row.
North Ocean City was the last area of our town to be developed. Areas such as Caine Keys and Caine Woods were developed in the 1960's, and plenty of other buildings were built in the 80s and the 90s. If you're looking to buy in a "newer" building, North OC or High-rise row is a good area to begin your search.
Beaches in North Ocean City & Highrise Row
While many think that the beaches in High-rise row are the most crowded in OC, this is a bit of a misconception. While these buildings are huge (some housing north of 400 units), at the end of the day, that's not enough to pack out the Ocean City beach. Once you get past High-rise row, and you're in the heart of North Ocean City, the beaches are usually very quiet and relaxing.
Restaurants & Attractions in North Ocean City & Highrise Row
There are a number of Restaurants & Attractions in North Ocean City, MD for you to enjoy while you're in town! North OC is home to Northside Park, which is probably the most popular attraction in this area. Northside Park is where OC sets off their July 4th fireworks show, but the fun doesn't stop there. Northside Park has a playground, bike trails, baseball fields, and tons of summer camps!
North OC is also home to the Gold Coast Mall, which has an awesome movie theater that was just renovated!
North OC is also home to some other amazing restaurants. Here are a couple of our favorites:
Fine Dining: Cafe Mirage
Family Restaurants: Tail Chasers, Lombardi's, Alley Oops Uptown (also an arcade!)
Locals Favorites: Liquid Assets, Bull on the Beach, The Original Crabcake Factory, The Original Greene Turtle
Properties in North Ocean City & Highrise Row
North Ocean City, MD is probably the most diverse area of those that we've mentioned. As you now know, there are A LOT of High-rise condo buildings from 94th Street to the end of "High-rise" or "Condo" row on 118th St. Once you get past High-rise row, there are TONS of smaller condominiums that are perfect for those looking for a humble beach retreat.
On top of that, there are single family homes that are on the bayside of OC, as well as trailers, waterfront townhomes, and just about every other type of property you can think of.
North Ocean City is also home to Caine woods. Caine woods is an area on the bayside of North Ocean City that stretches from 136th Street to 145th Street. Having a home here still gives you all the benefits of being in OC, as you're just a short drive away from being on Coastal Highway, but you're a bit more tucked away so you can enjoy some peace and quiet. To view Caine woods homes for sale, click here!
So, which part of Ocean City, MD is the best?
After we gave you all of this awesome information- we still have to answer our original question. What part of the Ocean City, MD beach area is the best??
Well, unfortunately we don't really have an answer for you. In Ocean City, there truly is something for everyone. No matter your preferences, we can find you a beach house that you'll love. SO many realtors make the mistake of not identifying their client’s needs & wants- and just search for every home that fits their clients price range and criteria.
Our team wants you to find a beach property that is right for you. We don't just want another sale... we want YOU to be happy with YOUR decision. We want you & your family to make memories at your new beach place for years to come!
Thanks for reading!
We hope you enjoyed this blog all about the different areas in Ocean City, MD! Our goal is to share the most relevant and helpful information we can with you so that you can be the most informed beach buyer there is.
If you're interested in learning more, or are thinking about buying or selling, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Grant Fritschle
Email: grant@grantf.com
Cell: 410-430-5880
Office: 410-524-6400
Jon Barker
Email: jon@markf.com
Cell: 410-935-3810
Office: 410-524-6400
See you at the beach soon!