Your All-In-One Guide for
Living in Ocean City, Maryland

Learn about Ocean City, Maryland

• Introduction to Ocean City
• A Brief History of Ocean City, Maryland
• Weather, Climate & Travel Options
• Top 10 Things to Do in Ocean City
• Restaurants, Nightlife, & Local Culture
• Homes for Sale & Real Estate Market
• References

Welcome to Ocean City, Maryland

With a brilliant coastline and delicious cuisine, Ocean City is the very definition of a sleeper hit. More people than ever are turning to this quaint, seaside location for a fresh start in life or to build their real estate portfolios.

Don’t let this city’s deceptively small size fool you. Ocean City remains a shining beacon in Maryland’s history and has shown stable growth for the past several years. In fact, depending on your lifestyle and goals, it could be the best place to raise a family or work from home.

If you’re a real estate investor, Ocean City is a particularly trendy spot to start honing in on beach house rentals or affordable apartments.

No matter where you stand, there’s something fascinating to learn about this endearing city. Our guide will break down Ocean City’s fascinating history, a slew of fun things to do during your visit, and its growing real estate potential.

Ocean City’s Proud Development in the 19th and 20th Century

Ocean City used to be a rather isolated barrier island, a term referring to an island with a natural barrier like a mountain range or ocean. It was a small town that was best known as a friendly fishing village, seeing little trade or activity compared to nearby Virginia.

The town would proceed to grow rapidly when the U.S. Life-Saving Service set up a stronghold in 1878, using the island’s proximity to dangerous ocean channels to better help shipwreck victims.

Throughout the late 1800’s and 1900’s, construction projects would emerge to gradually carve this little fishing village into a lively beachside resort town. Boardwalks and bridges would connect isolated areas together, helping more people move in or establish new businesses.

Even nature itself seemed to support Ocean City’s development, with a massive hurricane creating a natural inlet in 1933. While the storm destroyed many railroad tracks, clever engineers took advantage of the open space to make the physical change permanent. After building a few harbors, the area became a key trade point for transportation and fishing.

Ocean City’s Gradual Bloom Into a Peaceful Beachside Destination

With such a dynamic history and adaptable people, it’s not hard to see how Ocean City became the picturesque location it is today. The Chesapeake Bay and Bridge Tunnel established in 1964 later connected the Virginia Tidewater Region to facilitate even more travel, trade, and tourism.

Ocean City would proceed to see long boardwalks, entertainment centers, water parks, restaurants, and hotels crop up over the next several decades. This rapid development over the course of the past two centuries is enough to stir up excitement for what the next several years hold.

Climate & Weather Overview

When it comes to general weather, Ocean City tends to waver between sunny, wet, and breezy. The temperatures can still dip pretty low to ten degrees Fahrenheit in the middle of winter, thanks to heavy cloud coverage due to the surrounding ocean. If you’re someone who gets cold easily or enjoys a more dynamic climate with varied weather patterns, Ocean City is for you.

Getting Around Ocean City

This city has plenty of travel options for visitors, real estate agents, or families who want to set up a new life. You can swing by the West Ocean City Park and Ride Shuttle Service to easily finish up day-to-day activities. Their fares range from free to just a few dollars, so it’s easy to save money on a rental car and enjoy the sights.

People on vacation usually enjoy the Coastal Highway Beach Bus to move through different transit stations. If you feel like visiting the iconic Ocean City Boardwalk, just catch the Boardwalk Tram to save some time.

There’s always something to do in Ocean City, so you’ll want to become well-acquainted with these travel methods to enjoy as much as possible.

Enjoy the Scenic Ocean City Beach

Is it any surprise why this option is first on the list? Sea lovers will adore the breathtaking sunsets and shimmering white sands of Ocean City Beach when they first arrive. The city works hard to maintain these beaches’ beauty, using tractors and grading machines to remove rubbish every single night.

This coastline stretches for an impressive ten miles, giving you a front-row seat to crystal blue waters and plenty of water-based activities. You can push your stamina to its limit with a few swimming sessions or sign up with a local scuba diving school to glimpse the local ocean sea life.

These beautiful beaches are even guarded in the summer by one of the top-ranked lifeguard teams in the country, making them some of the safest to enjoy.

The city is also known for its passionate surfing culture, so don’t forget to bring your surfboard and wetsuit. All in all, this location is ideal for active travelers, families with kids, or solo travelers who miss the call of the ocean.

Stroll Along the Ocean City Boardwalk

The Ocean City Boardwalk offers a beautiful view and plenty to do in one handy location, ranked as one of the top boardwalks in the nation. This wooden boardwalk is lined with several restaurants, small businesses, and hotels to keep people entertained on a tight schedule.

Visitors love slathering on some sunscreen, then taking a long stroll through the Boardwalk to see what catches their eye. Some of the most popular places to grab a snack are Fisher’s Popcorn, Thrasher’s French Fries, and Dolle’s Candyland. Keep some spare change on you so you can grab a souvenir or two at their local gift shops, too.

Learn From the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum

Another reason why the Ocean City Boardwalk is such a great spot is its proximity to major attractions. We briefly touched on Ocean City’s history as a safe haven for shipwreck victims, but you can learn far more when you visit the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum.

This historic building is all the way at the southern point of the Boardwalk and provides visitors with a front-row seat to the city’s compelling history. The museum’s summer programs are a great opportunity for families to educate their children on how Ocean City came to be. You can also grab a few treats at the gift shop or snap a photo of the nearby Assateague Island.

Enjoy Ocean City’s Abundance of Parks

When you’re ready to enjoy a full day of thrills and souvenirs, Ocean City is more than happy to oblige. Some of the top spots are the lush Northside Park and the exciting Ocean Bowl Skate Park.

Families love to visit Northside Park to enjoy a peaceful picnic or let their kids play in the outdoor jungle gyms. Meanwhile, active skaters will have a blast at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park. It’s a 17,000-foot park with vert ramps, mini ramps, and an impressive pool bowl for both new and experienced skaters.

Want even more places to visit? Gorman Park is another fun spot if you enjoy working up a sweat on the tennis court or crave a game of racquetball.

Enrich Yourself at the Art League of Ocean City

Ocean City gets a lot of attention for its seafaring and fishing history, but it also has plenty to offer visiting artists. This non-profit facility provides a haven for local artists to learn new crafts, share their work, and host events.

Since their exhibits are rotating and limited-time only, double-check their schedule before they arrive. You may walk away having seen some of today’s most compelling painters, sculptors, and poets.

Go Fishing at Several Piers

It’s impossible to talk about Ocean City without touching on its amazing fishing opportunities. As you can imagine, being surrounded by the ocean gives visitors and new residents plenty of opportunity to practice.

The Oceanic Fishing Pier is one of the most popular starting points thanks to its readily available rod rentals and fishing supplies. You’ll also get a lovely view of Assateague Island as you wait for the fish to bite. Some of the most common catches here include flounder, seabass, and bluefish. If you’re patient, you may even glimpse rays or sharks.

If you feel like experimenting, consider visiting the Free Fishing Pier or the Ocean City Fishing Pier. Each one offers something new with different proximities to nearby businesses or unique views overlooking the ocean.

Rent a Boat to Assateague Island

We’ve touched on Assateague Island multiple times, but what makes this island so noticeable? This charming barrier island is a brief boat ride from Ocean City, offering you another side to Maryland’s lovely ecosystem.

Assateague Island boasts 37 miles of glimmering beaches, regularly drawing visitors who want to kick back their feet and enjoy some of the most stunning views nature has to offer. During your trip, you’ll experience a diverse array of marshes, forests, and bays. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as kayaking, hiking, and dining at fine seafood restaurants.

One of the most memorable sights is the island’s wild horses, which you can sometimes glimpse on a nature cruise.

Have a Blast at the Trimper Rides of Ocean City

If you have a family that wants to get their blood pumping at a theme park, Trimper Rides has everything they could want. This exciting attraction offers a diverse range of rides to suit just about any taste.

For those who want a particularly thrilling experience, Endeavour’s open-air seats will provide an amazing view of the entire city. If you prefer slower and more relaxed rides for younger kids, they’ll have a grand time at the Bumper Cars or Teacup rides.

There’s plenty of food to enjoy and games to play at the Trimper Rides, too. When you’re done, you can return to the nearby Boardwalk and see what else Ocean City has to offer.

Grab a Camera and Glimpse the Local Wildlife

Have you ever wanted to glimpse a whale or dolphin in the wild? You might just get your chance when you visit Ocean City and sign up for available tours.

While whale and dolphin sightings are rare, you can increase your chances of seeing one of these beautiful creatures by timing your visit carefully. Winter tends to see more whale sightings due to their migrational patterns, while they’re much rarer during the summer.

Alongside whales and dolphins, you can go scuba diving and see eels, spider crabs, and hammerhead sharks.

See the City From Above With Parasailing

There’s something extra special about seeing the city from the view of a parasail. As you soar through the air, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean and the glitter of the surrounding city.

It’s not hard to find a certified and experienced parasailing company in Ocean City. Make sure to also check out their jet ski rentals if you want even more freedom to roam around.

The Best Restaurants in Ocean City

You can’t go wrong with fresh seafood, fried treats, and more wine than you can possibly drink. However, there are several types of cuisine you can try sampling while getting to know the city better.

Spain Wine Bar

Do you want to enjoy a spectacular view as well as amazing food? The Spain Wine Bar is a rooftop eatery that serves up mouth-watering Spanish dishes with a front-row seat to the bay and nearby city.

Some of their best-known dishes are spicy chorizos, hot crab cakes, and hearty paella. As per the name, they also serve up a fine selection of wine and cocktails to top everything off.

Delmarva Boil Company

When you’re craving a traditional seafood boil, Delmarva Boil Company is ready to serve you the most classic experience. Their offerings include everything you know and love, from fresh crab legs to juicy corn-on-the-cob. They offer takeout and catering, so they’re well-suited to birthday parties or special events.

Sunset Grille

When you want a sweet spot between refined and casual, the Sunset Grille will meet you halfway. This beloved local eatery has a tasty menu ranging from fried fish to crab cake sandwiches. If you’re not a seafood fan, they also serve up American classics like house burgers and pulled pork.

The Hobbit Restaurant

Tolkien fans will have plenty to love at the quaint Hobbit Restaurant. Their elegant decor is only matched by their decadent menu, making for a fine dining memory you won’t soon forget.

In fact, they often recommend reservations due to high demand and the level of care they put into making each meal an experience. Their menu boasts local staples like tender scallops and stuffed filets alongside veal, filet mignon, and duck breast.

The Shark on the Harbor

Want to support local farmers while enjoying a fantastic meal? The Shark On The Harbor is a beloved restaurant for its commitment to sourcing from local fishers and focusing on organic produce.

This commitment to sustainability is a difference you can literally taste. Their menu regularly receives rave reviews for freshness and mouth-watering flavor, which is nothing to say of their cocktail selection.

Where to Enjoy Ocean City’s Nightlife

When you’re thinking of partying into late hours of the night, Ocean City will easily keep you entertained. There are plenty of fun activities, tasty food, and local culture to soak in well into the wee hours of next morning.

Seacrets

This nightspot is about as classic as you can get. Featuring multiple dance floors and a lovely view of the city at night, Seacrets is where memories are made and romance blooms. Their Caribbean-style food and cocktails almost make you feel like you’re in another part of the world entirely.

Ocean City Performing Arts Center

If you don’t feel like partying and want to catch a show instead, the Ocean City Performing Arts Center will whet your artistic appetite. The venue regularly hosts a mixture of stand-up comedy, theater productions, and concerts.

These events are usually unique and limited-time only, so keep a close eye on their schedule! The center is also quite active in the summer to take advantage of the warm weather and longer daylight hours.

District 24

Do you feel like getting some shopping done? District 24 is a dynamically expanding shopping district featuring local businesses, bars, and breweries.

Every time you visit, there’s a chance you’ll see a new small business opening up or a fresh new attraction to snap photos of.

Brass Balls Saloon

It’s time to put your singing to the test with the Brass Balls Saloon. This All-American restaurant and bar is known for having passionate karaoke sessions on the weekend, which is only the beginning of the good times you’ll have.

They also have an eating challenge for their massive quadruple burger that comes with a commemorative t-shirt.

Fager’s Island Bar

When you want a riveting nightclub, restaurant, and bar rolled into one, Fager’s Island Bar is the place to be. It offers an elegant mix of fine dining and live music to craft a truly unforgettable night.

Its prime rib is one of its best-known menu options and is only matched by the incredible waterfront view.

Ocean City is a Prime Pick for Waterfront Properties

Are you interested in exploring waterfront properties for your real estate portfolio? Ocean City already features an abundance of waterfront hotels, beach house rentals, and condos overlooking the incredible ocean view.

Affordable Rent is a Major Draw for Visitors

Not only is Ocean City a visually stunning location, it’s also one of the most affordable. Currently, the average rent ranges from $1,300 to $2,167.

With more and more people actively seeking out affordable apartments, you have an opportunity to meet rising demand in a trendy, smaller city.

Condos Are Well-Suited to Luxury Lifestyles

Ocean City is not only cozy and down-to-earth for fans of the beach, it’s also got a reputation as a luxury destination thanks to its hotels and condos. Family vacations, anniversaries, and luxury travelers all gravitate to this city to enjoy its waterfront views and easy access to the beach.

Ocean City Could Be Your Next Vacation Spot, Home, or Beachfront Property

From casual fishing spots to invigorating waterfront nightclubs, Ocean City offers a full-course travel meal in a deceptively small package. It provides a sleepier angle to Maryland than larger cities while still offering plenty of activities and attractions.

With the city’s pleasant climate, affordable rent, and reputation as a luxury vacation spot, it also makes for a potentially lucrative addition to real estate portfolios.

No matter how you approach Ocean City, it’ll leave a powerful impression that lingers long after you’ve left…if you ever leave at all!

References

• https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/maryland/ocean-city
• https://www.ococean.com/about-us/
• https://www.cbbt.com/
• https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/html/weather.html
• https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/ocean-city-maryland-recognized-by-top-travel-publications-as-leading-beach-destination/