Ocean City’s beach always elicits found memories from me. Whether it’s the memory of jumping my first big wave or the feel of my yellow sand bucket as I carried water to fill my sandcastle’s moat, Ocean City has always meant family fun.
I was quite surprised when visiting the beach this year. Ocean City seems to be attracting a following of trendy college kids. They hang out on the beach dressed head to toe in J-Crew, chatting on their cell phones as waves dance around their ankles. This new trend seems harmless enough, and Ocean City still maintains its family-friendly reputation. You can choose to splash in the waves, read a good novel in your beach chair, or catch a nap and tan at the same time. Be sure to run up to the boardwalk, where an array of stores selling colorful boogie boards, water-skimmer boards (appeared very popular with the preteen crowd), or plenty of sandcastle building gadgets can be found.
Although the beach in Wildwood is free, you will have to endure lots of obnoxious teenagers and hyper college students. In Ocean City, beach tags will cost you $8 per person for the week or $5 per person for the day and is well worth the few extra dollars for the clean and wholesome atmosphere.