More and more travelers to the Eastern Shore are choosing to miss the heaviest travel times by coming to Ocean City early and leaving late. The following are a few activities, some of them free, to keep you entertained before check in and after check out.
Boardwalk - Ranked in the top three Boardwalks in the Nation by the Travel Channel, the three-mile Ocean City, Maryland Boardwalk is a treat just to stroll or take the Boardwalk Tram. Beginning at the Inlet and extending to 28th Street.
The Ocean City Visitor's Center in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center offers advice, information and loads of coupons to local eateries and attractions. www.ococean.com
Art League of Ocean City - Continuous exhibits featuring local & regional artists, complemented by a monthly reception, held the first Friday of each month, February - October 5-7p.m. Free and open to the public. Galery open Tuesday - Sunday 1-4p.m. www.artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433
Assateague Island National Park - 410-641-3030 and State Park - 410-641-2120) features a wonderful aquarium, a theater and a children's discovery room in the Visitor's Center. And, there are the famous wild horses on the island, nature hiking, biking and walking trails. www.nps.gov/asis/
Maryland Coastal Bays - 410-213-2297. Get together with nature and take a canoe or kayak trip. www.mdcoastalbays.org
Beach Concerts - every Wednesday evening mid-July through August from 8-9:30p.m. - enjoy free concerts right on the beach, just steps from Ocean City's world-famous Boardwalk at North Division Street. As the sun sets and the stars take over the sky, sit back on the soft white beach, view the sparkling blue ocean and dance beneath the moon.
Life Saving Station Museum - 410-289-4991- South end of Boardwalk at the Inlet. Chock full of Ocean City history, visiting this museum is a cultural event. Hours: June-Sept - 11 am - 10 pm and Oct-May - 11 am - 4 pm. www.ocmuseum.org
Trimper's Rides - 410-289-8617 - Among its 100 games, rides and amusements on the Boardwalk, Trimper's Rides also features a beautifully restored 1902 Herschell-Spillman antique carousel. www.beach-net.com/trimpers
Jolly Roger Amusement Park - 410-289-4902 - Home of Splash Mountain, Delmarva's largest full service water park, Speed World, the largest Go Kart complex on the East Coast, more than 25 amusement rides, games, shows, miniature golf and food & beverage stands, Jolly Roger offers something for all ages. www.jollyrogerpark.com
Boat Rentals and Fishing Trips - Bahia Marina - 800-575-3625 and Ocean City Fishing Center - 800-322-3065.
Frontier Town Western Theme Park - 410-641-0057 - Rt. 611 West Ocean City. A replica western town circa 1860 set on 38 acres has fun and entertainment for all ages. Stage coach and train rides, pony rides for the little ones and horseback rides for the adults, can-can shows, gun fights, etc. Shops and eateries inside the park. Also adjacent to the Theme Park is the Cowboy Golf and Waterslide. www.frontiertown.com
Miniature Golf - Old Pro Golf - 888-653-7761- Locations: 23rd St, 28th St., 68th St. and 136th St. Themed with fun and excitement in mind, you can have a ball at either of their locations in Ocean City. There's even one indoors (68th St.). www.oldprogolf.com
Golf Courses - All professional and very well manicured.
Ice Skating at the Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums - 800-641-0011,the only ice skating rink on the island. www.carouselhotel.com
Tennis Courts - Ocean City Tennis Center Location: 61St Street - 410-524-8337 www.ococean.com/mallard.html
Shopping -at Ocean City Factory Outlets - 800-899-8370- www.ocfactoryoutlets.com, on the Boardwalk and in specialty shops along Rte. 50.
OC Jamboree - 410-213-7581 -Rt. 611 West Ocean City - Ocean City's only live Music Theater. www.ocjam.com
Worcester County Tourism Office - 800-852-0335, serves up plethora of interesting activities such as bird watching, cycling, hiking and walking tours. www.visitworcester.org
Berlin Art Studios and Antique Shops - Berlin Chamber of Commerce - 410-641-4775. Located just minutes from the beach, Berlin's beautiful tree-lined streets, Victorian town center, Art Studios and Antique Shops, museum and historic homes captivate those who visit. www.BerlinMdCC.org
As always, enjoy our clean beautiful beach and experience awesome Ocean sunrises and Bay sunsets.
"Taking The Heat Out Of Summer Travel"
The Downtown Association - 410-289-1413, located at 605-A Baltimore Avenue. Offering a fascinating walking tour of Historic Downtown Ocean City. Brochures are available at 40th st. Visitor Center. www.downtownassociation.net
Evening Bonfires - every Thursday evening mid-July through August 8p.m. - gather with friends & family around a bonfire on the beach at North Division Street. Each week features a different guest speaker. A great way to capture an ocean memory.
Restaurants - Whatever your culinary desire, chances are its available here in Ocean City. Simply go to www.ocvisitor.com and click on "where to dine" for information.
Beach Club - 410-641-4653.
Eagles Landing - 410-213-7277 www.eagleslanding.com
Lighthouse Sound - 410-352-5767 www.lighthousesound.com
Pine Shore - 410-641-3300 www.pineshoregolf.com
Ocean City Golf Getaway - 1-800-4OC-Golf www.oceancitygolf.com
Ocean City Parks and Recreation at Northside Park - 410-250-0125 features walking and biking trails, crabbing pier, ADA playground, summer camp, Sundaes in the Park, Bonfire on the Beach, Fourth of July festivities and more, most of it free. www.ococean.com/rec.html
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