Even though the beach is the main attraction in Ocean City, Maryland, you may be wondering what else you can do on your trip there. Below, you’ll find five fun things to do away from the beach.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Besides the beach, the boardwalk is easily the second most famous attraction here. It’s three miles long and lined with affordable Ocean City hotels, restaurants, arcades, specialty shops, and amusements. It’s also where some of Ocean City’s most famous attractions, including the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, are located. Whether you want to walk, ride a bike, or take the tram, the boardwalk is easily accessible and fun for everyone.
Tanger Outlets Ocean City
Located just a few minutes away from the Ocean City boardwalk, the Tanger Outlets Ocean City is the perfect place to spend the day shopping. This outdoor shopping center has almost 40 stores including popular names like Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, and Gap. Bargain-seeking shoppers can find some great deals on electronics, clothing, jewelry, and housewares. Best of all, if you work up an appetite while shopping, you don’t have to go far to refuel. There are also plenty of places to eat in and around the outlets.
Assateague Island National Park
Image via Flickr by deanwissing
Assateague Island National Park begins just south of Ocean City and stretches down into Virginia. The island is most famous for its wild horses. These horses, sometimes called Assateague Ponies, are allowed to roam free on the island. There’s some debate on the origin of the horses. Some believe they’re the descendants of horses that swam to shore after a Spanish shipwreck off the coast, while others say they come from domestic horses that were once kept on the island instead of on the mainland.
Northside Park
The largest and most popular park in Ocean City is Northside Park. The complex takes up almost 58 acres and includes a lighted soccer field, three lighted softball and baseball fields, two playgrounds, a fishing lagoon, a picnic area, and miles of walking and jogging paths. Plus, the park hosts many different types of activities throughout the year. For example, in the summer, people come out for Sundaes in the Park, which is held every Sunday. Everyone can buy their own sundae, and then stretch out on a blanket or chair and listen to the live music and entertainment.
Historic Ocean City
People sometimes forget that Ocean City was once a small fishing village with history and architecture. The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) has put together a self-guided walking tour that features many of the historic buildings of the town including Trimper’s Amusements, Violets are Blue House, and The Inlet Indian.
While relaxing in the sun, playing in the sand, and swimming in the ocean are certainly popular activities in Ocean City, they’re also not the only things to do there. What are some of your favorite places off the beach that you love to visit?
Kristen McCalla is a writer and avid blogger who lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, cat, and dog. When she’s not writing on her blog, 31 Million Seconds, she enjoys traveling and exploring all over this beautiful country.