Ocean City, MD, is the best place to release all the stress that weighs you down. The gentle surf, soft sand, brilliant sun and excellent boardwalk is a family fun paradise.
There is an amusement pier around the southern end of the boardwalk. An old carousel is in the shelter of the Trimpey playland. A mirror maze will keep you occupied while you try to find your way through the mirrors and plate glass panels. A haunted house is scary enough for the average child but may be a little mild for a teen or adult. This is the area for children's rides.
There is also an amusement park (old style - not modern) farther up the main drag and several shopping areas (including an outlet mall at Fenwick Island, DE). Miniature golf courses dot the area and some have all day passes.
The ocean pier has a large roller coaster and ferris wheel along with several other rides. Most of them are for older children or adults.
Food is available all along the 2 1/4 miles of the boardwalk. Want a funnel cake? Lemonade? Crabs? Breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? It is all there. Thrasher's Fries are a boardwalk fixture and now have several satellite stores so you don't have to walk all the way to the ocean pier.
Stores abound and carry everything from sunscreen and beach toys to T-shirts and coffee cups (and everything in between).
The surf is gentle enough for small children and yet the waves are large enough for body or boogie board surfing. There are even a few true surfers in the morning hours. The sand is soft underfoot and will give your legs a real workout. Umbrellas and beach chairs are available for rent if you don't care to (or can't) bring your own. There is paid parking in a lot at the south end of town and along many of the side streets close to the boardwalk. Free parking is available a block or two away and at most of the hotels (if you are a patron).
The sun is not quite as strong as it is farther south, but it can still give you a serious burn if you are not careful. Use sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself and your family members.${QuickSuggestions} If you plan to rent a condo in the area, be prepared to bring your own linens (sheets, towels, etc) and cleaning supplies along with your food. Most condos have bedspreads, pillows and cooking utensils, but anything else is your responsibility. Some of the rental agents can arrange for linen rental if you ask. This is a big help to those who are flying in. There is no maid service in the condos.
If you are renting at a hotel, there are several that have kitchenettes and suites. Check with the chain or individual manager to see if maid service is included in the cost.
Beach paraphernalia is available for rent at several stalls on the beach. Umbrellas and something to sit upon are really a necessity. The rays of the sun are intensified by the reflection off the sand. Bring sunscreen!!! Even if you think that you have a good "base tan", you can still burn quickly.
Save some of your calories for the boardwalk treats. Fries, ice cream, salt water taffy, fudge, pizza and the occasional cold drink make the walk more pleasureable. This is not the time to have a strict diet plan. You will probably walk off most of the calories anyway!
Give the kids a day at the miniature golf course - they can play all day for a nominal fee and even switch between courses that are owned by the same company.
Farther from town, in West Ocean City, is Frontier Town. It is a western themed park complete with "saloon" and "gunfight". Next door is a small water park.
Steamed crabs are a staple during the summer. There are several restaurants that specialize in all-you-can-eat. If you have never had steamed crabs or are unfamiliar with "picking" them, ask for help and your server will gladly explain the process. If you are not a seafood fan, these restaurants also have chicken, burgers, etc..
Fun can be found in all corners of this town
${BestWay} Ride a bike on the boardwalk until 10AM during the peak season of the summer and all through town all day long. Bikes and surries are available for rent at many corners in town or on the boardwalk. The town is very flat and it is an easy pedal from one end to theother. Remember, the boardwalk is just over 2 miles long and very flat, so you can ride it twice during your one hour rental time (or once if you stop for refreshments).
The city bus runs from one end of town to the other. There are several one way streets in the older section of town and you might have to walk a little to get from the stop to your destination. It won't be too far since the whole island is only about 4 blocks wide.
Paid parking is available in the major lot at the south end of town and in the blocks adjacent to the boardwalk. If you don't want to pay $1 an hour, park a block or two off the beach and walk. Most of the restaurants and hotels have free parking for their patrons, but they frown on you taking up their spaces if you are not actively using their facilities.
From journal Casual Living at the Ocean