Not exactly a ‘local’ beach, but want to address the closest ocean beach to the DC area. With a little traffic this is about three hours, so best for at least an overnight. There are plenty of stay there options. Last year we stayed at an Airbnb which was a one bedroom with a bunk bed and queen in the bedroom. It was less than a block from the beach which was awesome, but pretty much anywhere you stay in Ocean City itself will be walking distance to the beach given its narrowness. This year we took advantage of my parent’s Marriott points to stay at the Residence Inn.

Ocean City is a big beach. 10 miles of wide open beach so plenty of space even when we have been there during the most crowded weekends in the summer (you guessed it 4th of July!). Last year we stayed near the top and it was very low key on the beach given the smaller condos/buildings. This year we were in the middle and it was also pretty wide open and no problem getting a spot in view of the ocean, while not feeling on top of each other. We took a jaunt on the boardwalk which is also huge and at the bottom third of the beach. That seemed more crowded by the ocean.

Staying bayside at OC in a hotel that has a pool had its perks. Our last night featured a gorgeous sunset while the kids frolicked in the pool and I enjoyed some creative cocktail from the bartender. Other plugs for this hotel were the small but full kitchen, separate lounge area, and a patio overlooking the bay. Downside was it was a tad annoying to walk to the beach (having to go around the divide on the main road), and it was very windy.

Ocean City’s beach itself is beautiful. It is soft sand, massive, and generally clean. It’s free and has few rules (bring your cabana!). The water itself is pretty cold, which I saw as a perk since I don’t love going into the ocean all the way and it kept the kids from going to far in. Bathroom breaks might be an issue if someone needs to poop. Otherwise, enjoy the pee, Ocean!

If you are going into Ocean City, you should go in knowing what to expect. To be honest I was a bit turned off on our first visit. It’s one large, busy highway going the ten miles through with buildings builts in the 70s/80s on each side. Lots of condos, a bunch of chain and local restaurants and activities. Plenty of mini-golf. If you have been to Cape May, it’s pretty much the opposite vibe and look. From our hotel deck, I could hear the bands every night playing at the busy Fager’s Island. It brought me back to singing 80s karaoke songs, and from two blocks away and 8 floors up I can hear the party-goers singing as well. That’s the vibe here. Carefree 80s.

Ocean City is ripe with activities besides the beach as well, making it a great place for families or trips with people that need to be active and do different things. Of course plenty of mini-golf opportunities, but we also enjoyed a short visit to Berlin, MD for lunch and ice cream, a trip to Assateague (see next post), time on the boardwalk, and going to the Jolly Roger Amusement Park. The park was a bit pricey (you pay per ride), but it was a fun little distraction doing the race cars.

Also want to put in a plug for seeing a bunch of Horseshoe Crabs. Love those ladies and gents. Go on with you badass blue blood self with saving humans.

We didn’t go this time, but there are also tons of other activities, including different boat adventures. We saw lots of people jet skiing, kayaking, and such. A family blowing up a paddleboard and launching into the bay for the sunset looked dreamy. Also saw people doing yoga on paddleboards in the morning.

What I liked:

• Big beautiful beach
• Soft sand
• Cold water keeps the kids from worrying me
• Lots of nearby activities
• Not crazy far for an ocean beach

Not a fan of:

• Bathrooms lacking
• Food in general is meh
• The boardwalk was a little raunchy

Concluding thoughts…

I liked OC more the second time around. And my frequent searches on zillow for a cheap condo here may say something about how I feel about the place. 🙂