Beach Fun and More in Ocean City

Ocean City is the place to be in the summer for many along the East Coast. So many folks head "to the shore" in high season that the little beach town becomes one of the largest cities in the state. After you dig your toes into the pristine white sand that stretches out forever and walk knee-deep in the blue waves, you'll know that your ultimate beach vacation has begun.

Ten Miles of Paradise

The entire eastern shore of Ocean City is one long beach that lies like an ivory ribbon along the edge of the Atlantic. The town bills itself as the No. 1 family resort on the East Coast, and its 10 miles of spotless white sands support the claim. Every square inch of beach on this strip of barrier island is absolutely free and open to the public until 10 p.m. daily.

One Beach, Many Different Kinds of Fun

What beach isn't better with a boardwalk? For 3 glorious miles, Ocean City Beach is lined by a boardwalk ranked as one of the best in the country by the Travel Channel. Here you'll find thrills, chills and some good old-fashioned fun. Ride up, up and up in the giant Ferris wheel or shriek your way around curves on the roller coaster. The kids will love climbing onto the wonderful beasts of the two-level Venetian carousel.

Dive into Water Sports

You can't keep the clan out of the water in Ocean City, and with so many water sports available, it never gets boring. Once you've bodysurfed, try something new like zipping along on water skis, parasailing, wakeboarding or windsurfing. To dry off, ride the water rollercoaster in Splash Mountain Water Park. When you're ready to slow down, cruise over to the Assateague Island National Seashore to watch the wild ponies.

Get Active on Land

For a different take on the boardwalk, coast along on a bike—but you’ll have to start pedaling early in the day since it's only permitted before 10 a.m. You can do a wide variety of things aside from sunbathing in Ocean City; get a bird's eye-view of the teeming beaches on a plane tour from the local airport, check out two-headed animals and shrunken heads at the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum or catch a live show at the Seacrets bar.

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