Every city has its charms, but it’s rare to find one that ticks as many boxes as Maryland’s Ocean City. From fantastic boardwalk attractions to stunning natural landscapes, this coastal community has a lot going for it. We teamed up with Expedia.com to share a few reasons why you’ll want to visit Ocean City again and again.

To start planning your trip, check out all of the Ocean City hotels on Expedia.com.

  1. First of all, Ocean City has one of the best boardwalks in the world.

Flickr/m01229 Ocean City’s boardwalk is the perfect blend of old-school nostalgia and modern attractions. You can get rid of a few quarters in the arcades, win a giant teddy bear with your darts skills, whirl around on a 100-year-old Trimper’s Carousel, or float into the clouds on the pier’s giant Ferris wheel which offers stunning views of the boardwalk. Back on land, drop some cash at the countless boutiques and shops that line the boardwalk or dig into some fresh lobster at a local eatery. Explore the 2.5-mile boardwalk on foot, or rent a bike to zip between attractions in no time.

  1. And it’s packed with some of the coolest rides in the country.

Flickr/Kristina Dymond Trimper’s Amusement Park has been luring in boardwalk visitors with its carnival atmosphere and dazzling lights for over 100 years. Between modern rollercoasters, timeless rides like the spinning teacups, and live shows in the theater, you can easily spend all day at Trimper’s. Plus, who can resist the scent of warm funnel cakes, gooey cotton candy, and fresh popcorn?

  1. Summer here starts and ends with a bang.

Ocean City Summer in Ocean City is a special time, so it’s no surprise the city celebrates its beginning and end with two massive festivals. Springfest and Sunfest feature plenty of food, arts, and shopping in the Inlet parking lot near the base of the boardwalk. The festivals also host some incredible musical acts from local and national artists. Best of all, many of the shows are free to the public.

  1. But there’s still plenty to do in the off-season.

Flickr/Eric B. Walker Insiders know that Ocean City is actually a great winter destination. Smaller crowds, lower hotel rates, and plenty of space in the city’s most sought-after restaurants make visiting in the cooler months an attractive option.

  1. Including a winter festival that’s right out of the North Pole.

Facebook/Town of Ocean City If you swing by Northside Park during the month of December, prepare to be dazzled by a sea of twinkling holiday lights. The Winterfest of Lights celebration transforms this Ocean City park into a wonderland of illuminated displays and animatronic delights. You can ride through the park on a special holiday trolley, shop for gifts in Santa’s Village, or simply cozy up to someone special with a hot chocolate.

  1. No one does motorcycles like Ocean City.

Flickr/Harrison Group The city’s annual Delmarva Bike Week celebrates the best of bike culture with a week of barbecues, beer, and awesome bands. It’s also a great place to shop for a new hog or trick out your ride, as industry representatives and experts are on hand to pass out killer deals and hawk cool accessories.

  1. You can perfect your golf swing by the beach.

Google/Eagle’s Landing Golf Course Most visitors to Ocean City aren’t aware that there are actually more than 12 golf courses within 30 minutes of the beach. That means you can combine a beach day with some time on the links. The local courses range from beginner-friendly to PGA-level toughness, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re a true novice, why not ease into things with a round of mini golf at one of several spots along the Coastal Highway? Try Lost Treasure Golf for a retro, Indiana Jones style adventure. (13903 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City)

  1. There’s literally an island of wild horses right next door.

Flickr/Mrs. Gemstone Assateague Island is a world-famous isle populated by stunning wild ponies. The horses roam freely over the island and can be observed grazing, galloping, and sunning themselves on the beach. Human visitors can also take advantage of the island’s two swimming beaches, one of which boasts calm, knee-high water that’s perfect for kids.

  1. Speaking of nature, the beaches here are pretty much a dream come true.

Google/Addison Lickins With over ten miles of pristine, family-friendly beaches, Ocean City is an ideal spot for seaside fun. Plus, you can wake up to spectacular sunrises over the ocean and close out the day with a gorgeous sunset over the bay.

  1. And you can basically do any water sport here.

Pexels

  1. As you might have guessed from the name, Ocean City is paradise for anyone who loves to be out on the water. Charter a fishing boat, go on a thrilling jet ski ride, parasail over the waves, kayak around the bay, or even hop on an ocean tour boat. There are two beaches specially reserved for surfing. and plenty of spots to just chill on the sand with your toes in the water.

  2. You’ve never tasted seafood like this before.

Tripadvisor/Management Ocean City is home to some of the freshest seafood around, not to mention some of the most delectable crabs in Maryland. Try hotspots like Shark on the Harbor for impeccable eats right on the water (12924 Sunset Ave., Ocean City) or head to The Original Crabcake Factory for a taste of one of Maryland’s most iconic dishes (12000 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City).

  1. The art scene here is buzzing.

Google/Dennis Wright Thanks to organizations like the Art League of Ocean City, there’s something creative to see around every corner. Stop by the Art League’s two-story gallery to admire works by local and regional artists. You can also try your hand at pottery in their studio, schedule an art class, or even enroll your little one in an art-themed summer camp. (502 94th St. Ocean City)

  1. There’s history hiding wherever you look.

Flickr/Austin Kirk History buffs will be in heaven in Ocean City. The famed boardwalk actually dates back to 1902, and the city is home to the unique Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum where you can learn about storms, sea life, and the maritime history of Ocean City though shipwreck finds and old beach vacation artifacts. You can also check out over 200 samples of sand from around the world and even learn about local mermaids. (813 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City)

  1. Ocean City is a dazzling destination with endless appeal.

Flickr/Bob Mical Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend by the sea or want to pack as many thrills into your vacation as possible, a visit to Ocean City definitely delivers.

There’s nowhere like this city by the sea. To find out more about visiting Ocean City, click here.

Flickr/m01229

Ocean City’s boardwalk is the perfect blend of old-school nostalgia and modern attractions. You can get rid of a few quarters in the arcades, win a giant teddy bear with your darts skills, whirl around on a 100-year-old Trimper’s Carousel, or float into the clouds on the pier’s giant Ferris wheel which offers stunning views of the boardwalk. Back on land, drop some cash at the countless boutiques and shops that line the boardwalk or dig into some fresh lobster at a local eatery. Explore the 2.5-mile boardwalk on foot, or rent a bike to zip between attractions in no time.

Flickr/Kristina Dymond

Trimper’s Amusement Park has been luring in boardwalk visitors with its carnival atmosphere and dazzling lights for over 100 years. Between modern rollercoasters, timeless rides like the spinning teacups, and live shows in the theater, you can easily spend all day at Trimper’s. Plus, who can resist the scent of warm funnel cakes, gooey cotton candy, and fresh popcorn?

Ocean City

Summer in Ocean City is a special time, so it’s no surprise the city celebrates its beginning and end with two massive festivals. Springfest and Sunfest feature plenty of food, arts, and shopping in the Inlet parking lot near the base of the boardwalk. The festivals also host some incredible musical acts from local and national artists. Best of all, many of the shows are free to the public.

Flickr/Eric B. Walker

Insiders know that Ocean City is actually a great winter destination. Smaller crowds, lower hotel rates, and plenty of space in the city’s most sought-after restaurants make visiting in the cooler months an attractive option.

Facebook/Town of Ocean City

If you swing by Northside Park during the month of December, prepare to be dazzled by a sea of twinkling holiday lights. The Winterfest of Lights celebration transforms this Ocean City park into a wonderland of illuminated displays and animatronic delights. You can ride through the park on a special holiday trolley, shop for gifts in Santa’s Village, or simply cozy up to someone special with a hot chocolate.

Flickr/Harrison Group

The city’s annual Delmarva Bike Week celebrates the best of bike culture with a week of barbecues, beer, and awesome bands. It’s also a great place to shop for a new hog or trick out your ride, as industry representatives and experts are on hand to pass out killer deals and hawk cool accessories.

Google/Eagle’s Landing Golf Course

Most visitors to Ocean City aren’t aware that there are actually more than 12 golf courses within 30 minutes of the beach. That means you can combine a beach day with some time on the links. The local courses range from beginner-friendly to PGA-level toughness, so there’s something for everyone. If you’re a true novice, why not ease into things with a round of mini golf at one of several spots along the Coastal Highway? Try Lost Treasure Golf for a retro, Indiana Jones style adventure. (13903 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City)

Flickr/Mrs. Gemstone

Assateague Island is a world-famous isle populated by stunning wild ponies. The horses roam freely over the island and can be observed grazing, galloping, and sunning themselves on the beach. Human visitors can also take advantage of the island’s two swimming beaches, one of which boasts calm, knee-high water that’s perfect for kids.

Google/Addison Lickins

With over ten miles of pristine, family-friendly beaches, Ocean City is an ideal spot for seaside fun. Plus, you can wake up to spectacular sunrises over the ocean and close out the day with a gorgeous sunset over the bay.

Pexels

  1. As you might have guessed from the name, Ocean City is paradise for anyone who loves to be out on the water. Charter a fishing boat, go on a thrilling jet ski ride, parasail over the waves, kayak around the bay, or even hop on an ocean tour boat. There are two beaches specially reserved for surfing. and plenty of spots to just chill on the sand with your toes in the water.

Tripadvisor/Management

Ocean City is home to some of the freshest seafood around, not to mention some of the most delectable crabs in Maryland. Try hotspots like Shark on the Harbor for impeccable eats right on the water (12924 Sunset Ave., Ocean City) or head to The Original Crabcake Factory for a taste of one of Maryland’s most iconic dishes (12000 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City).

Google/Dennis Wright

Thanks to organizations like the Art League of Ocean City, there’s something creative to see around every corner. Stop by the Art League’s two-story gallery to admire works by local and regional artists. You can also try your hand at pottery in their studio, schedule an art class, or even enroll your little one in an art-themed summer camp. (502 94th St. Ocean City)

Flickr/Austin Kirk

History buffs will be in heaven in Ocean City. The famed boardwalk actually dates back to 1902, and the city is home to the unique Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum where you can learn about storms, sea life, and the maritime history of Ocean City though shipwreck finds and old beach vacation artifacts. You can also check out over 200 samples of sand from around the world and even learn about local mermaids. (813 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City)

Flickr/Bob Mical

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend by the sea or want to pack as many thrills into your vacation as possible, a visit to Ocean City definitely delivers.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.