Getaway Guide: Weekend Road Trip To Ocean City
No summer is complete without a visit to Maryland's most popular beach. Ocean City is truly a destination that comes with its own culture and rules, but for most every visitor it all comes down to having fun and eating some of the best seafood around. It is also a long-standing favorite for Senior Week, so be cautious planning trips during the first two weeks of June to avoid over-crowded beaches.
Getting There
From Baltimore, plan on a drive time of roughly three hours for this 140-mile trip. For many travelers, U.S. 50 East/Bay Bridge is the most convenient and quickest route to take. However on a holiday weekend, consider avoiding the Bay Bridge as traffic is well-known for piling up miles before the bridge. Once you get across the bridge and into friendly Eastern Shore territory, enjoy a half-way pit stop at Easton, a small historic town with excellent shopping, live performances and music venues. It's never too early to start enjoying classic Eastern Shore favorites like crab cakes, oysters and a Bloody Bay Mary, which includes oyster juice and comes in a glass rimmed with Old Bay.
Generals Kitchen House of Chipped Beef
7400 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, Md. 21842
(410) 723-0477
Hands down one of the best breakfasts you'll ever eat. If you like chipped beef, this is a clear choice. Other delicious options include huge omelets, fresh ham, French toast and hot coffee topped off with fast and friendly service. This restaurant is a local and traveler favorite, so be prepared to wait in line if you arrive during peak breakfast/brunch hours.
Assateague Island
7307 Stephen Decatur Highway
Berlin, Md. 21811
(888) 432-2267
www.assateagueisland.com/
Price: $30 per night for primitive campsites/$40 per night for campsites with electrical hookups
Located just a short drive south of Ocean City, Assateague Island National Park is Maryland's only oceanfront park and the perfect choice for vacationers on a strict budget. The best part of the island is that it's home to herds of wild ponies who will come and visit you throughout your stay — an unforgettable experience for any nature enthusiast or animal lover. Assateague State Park is also ideal if you want to avoid O.C.'s overcrowded beaches but still be close enough to the city to enjoy shopping, dining, etc.
Duckaneer
The Talbot Street Pier
311 Talbot Street on the Bay
Ocean City, Md. 21842
(410) 289-3500
www.theduckaneer.com/
Price: $19 per adult (ages 4 and up)/$9 per child
Do this because every child — and adult — should go on a real treasure hunt to find hidden pirate booty. Duckaneer is a fun, family favorite guaranteed to bring out the kid in anyone. While on this high-seas adventure, prepare to get soaked in the heat of a buccaneer water battle onboard a real 55-foot pirate ship. Also, meet with the shipmates who help each kid live out those pirate dreams with face painting, songs and buried treasure. Jump on the Duckaneer for a sunset cruise to truly get the best views of the bay.
Bahama Mamas Crab House
221 Wimcimico St. (also located at 132nd Street and Fenwick Island)
Ocean City, Md. 21842
(410) 289-0291
bahamamamasocmd.com/
Home of delicious jumbo blue crabs, some of the most stunning views the city has to offer and a world-famous crab deck, Bahama Mamas rocks a 14-year history serving up the best crabs in the city. Its friendly and comfortable atmosphere is complimented by live music nightly and, of course, there's always the mouthwatering smell of crabs and Old Bay in the air. Plus there are three locations, so no matter where you stay, delicious blue crabs are right around the corner.
Holiday Inn Ocean City
6600 Coastal Highway or 1701 Atlantic Avenue
Ocean City, Md. 21842
(877) 859-5095
www.holidayinn.com
Price: $70 to $500 per night
With Jacuzzi tubs, WiFi in every room and a great beachfront location, these Holiday Inn Ocean City hotels consistently receive the highest of praises by all ages, making this a great place to stay year after year. Close to many popular attractions, a lot of the best features of these hotels are on location: enjoy a dip in the pool, relax on the beach, work out at the tennis court or cook a low-cost meal in a fully equipped kitchenette (available in each room). For a family dine-out option that doesn't break the budget, take advantage of the kids-eat-free promotion at the hotel's Sterling Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar for children ages 12 and younger.
Fager's Island
201 60th Street in the Bay
Ocean City, Md. 21842
(410) 524-5500
www.fagers.com/
Fager's Island is a hotspot for enjoying the best of Ocean City's nightlife, award-winning fine dining and spectacular sunsets. Featuring some of the best live bands in the area and amazing deck parties, it's always a great time on this island. For families, visit during Sunday brunch for a scrumptious meal and live jazz music.
Related: Where Would You Rather Vacation?
Keri Ann Beazell is a Baltimore writer following the latest developments in arts and culture, natural wonders, lifestyle and pets. She enjoys promoting thought-provoking discussions, education, new ideas and smiles among readers. Follow her on Twitter at @KtBlue16 and online at Examiner.com
