Things to do in Ocean City

Even though this resort town has a considerably small year-round population, thousands of out-of-towners flock to Ocean City every season. So book that ticket, update your Facebook status and get ready for the adrenaline rush of vacationing.

1. Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum

You don't have to go far to find Ripley's Believe It or Not! This museum of the weird is on the southern end of the boardwalk, near the fishing pier. Step inside the converted warehouse to discover shrunken heads, stand next to a replica of the world's tallest man or find a 12-foot tall Transformers robot made from car parts. Challenge the crazy mirror maze, filled with corners, dead ends and tiny lights that bounce reflections back and forth—they even send in a search-and-rescue team every half hour, just in case you get lost!

2. Ocean City Life-saving Station Museum

When you step inside the historic Ocean City Life-Station Saving Museum, you can almost feel the spirits of those who braved the Atlantic to save foundering ships and their crews. The building, at the southern end of the boardwalk, dates back to 1891. It was saved from the wrecking ball by local citizens and is now a cherished museum. Discover artifacts from sunken ships, and get a kick out of the seahorses in the aquarium room and the shark jaws on display—those toothy grins are sure to bring out "oooohs" and "aaaaahs" from your little ones.

3. Talbot Street Pier

Fun for the whole family begins at the famous Talbot Street Pier. Prepare to get soaking wet on the OC Rocket, a watercraft that zips along offshore enticing dolphins to play in the bow waves. Board the Duckaneer and go pirating off the coast. But, first you'll need a bit of face paint and a couple fake tattoos to get that authentic pirate look going. Search for hidden treasures and fight off another mob of pirates that are trying to board your 55-foot long vessel. Your trusty water canons ensure you'll win the battle. Traveling without the kids? Join friends, on a sunset pirate cruise instead. And if fishing is your passion, board the Happy Hooker—you just might land the big one.

4. Jolly Roger Park

Get your stomach turning at the Jolly Roger Amusement Park, located right off 30th Street and the Coastal Highway. Take on the thrill of a rollercoaster and the aggressive spirit of a go-kart on the Cyclone ride, the world’s first cart coaster. Hit the mini links at Treasure Golf, where pirates lurk behind the greens. Zip down the Master Blaster water rollercoaster at Splash Mountain or have some good, old-fashioned fun at Speedworld with go-kart racing. Feeling brave? Check out Xtreme Ziplines and gasp at the views of sand and sea below as you fly along on steel cables 60 feet high.

5. Holiday Highlights

Planning on being in town for the holidays? The first weekend in December brings the annual lighting of downtown, including a 50-foot tree. Santa arrives via the Ocean City Christmas Parade, a hometown affair featuring high school bands, floats and clowns. Northside Park is done up with more than a million lights. Tour the animated exhibits on the Winterfest Express train, get photos of the kids with Santa and stop for hot chocolate in the pavilion. Everyone celebrates New Year's Eve with the brilliant fireworks display. Take part in the chilly Penguin Swim on New Year's Day, then go home and brag to your friends that you actually jumped into the Atlantic Ocean in mid-winter.

6. Assateague Island

Head to Assateague Island National Seashore, a 37-mile barrier island, to check out more than 300 wild ponies, or set up a tent and wake up early for a picture-worthy sunrise. Every site has cold-water showers, toilets and drinking water, so don’t you worry—you don’t have to completely rough it. Firewood from out of state is not permitted, yet can be purchased locally.

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