Unofficial Start To Summer Kicks Off In OC

OCEAN CITY, Md. (WJZ)--After a brutally cold winter many of us are looking forward to warmer weather.

Tracey Leong explains where thousands are heading for the sunny unofficial start to summer.

If you are looking for something to do this summer, look no further than Ocean City.

Your vacation is just a drive away.

Ocean City inviting you to dive right in.

"Between the boardwalk, the crabs and the water, you can't beat it," said Chris Fieden.

"People are ready for that beach after a long cold winter," says Donna Abbott, Ocean City Tourism Director.

Ocean City Tourism Director Donna Abbott says their beach is the perfect spot to be this summer.

"We are conveniently located, we have a free beach, we have free activities, great restaurants and hotels, we've got the full package here," said Abbott.

In a city whose economy relies on tourism it's a package they depend on.

This Memorial Day Weekend they're expecting more than a quarter of a million visitors

And businesses are ready--fishers popcorn offering a tasty escape.

"Come see us we are ready for you," said Erin Mumford, Fisher's Popcorn.

And stores along the boardwalk overflowing with beach souvenirs.

"Makes people want to come here, makes business even better," said Soyna Taylor, Sassy's Beachwear.

The city hugging the Atlantic Ocean offering an experience for people of all ages.

"I love everything about it, its awesome," said one visitor.

Leong:  "When people come to the boardwalk, what would you recommend for them to do?"

"They have to get up early in the morning and ride their bike on the boardwalk," said Rick Meehan, Ocean City Mayor.

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan says of all the weekends you can't miss the kickoff!

"When you go to work, back to school on Tuesday, you're the one with a tan," the mayor said.

This summer Ocean City is expecting more than 4 million visitors.

For a rundown of what you can expect this summer on the boardwalk CLICK HERE.