Ocean City, Maryland’s Boardwalk is a great place to enjoy some family fun! This popular vacation destination has something for everyone. After spending the day on the beach, there is plenty to do after the sun sets.
My name is Anthony. I will be your walk-around guide throughout this exciting adventure. We took a few days out of our schedule to experience this iconic seaside community. It was well worth the stay!
During this time, “The Endless Summer Cruisin Car Show” was in full swing. There were hundreds of custom and classic hotrods on the the island. This means our adventure will become a two part series.
Here are s few tidbits regarding Ocean City, Maryland and its boardwalk. The elongated-barrier island has approximately 6,900 fulltime residents. In 1869, the first ‘beach-front cottage’ was built and began renting to guests. Since that time, over 340,000 people come to what has become a vacation haven during the summer months. The boardwalk which stretches 3-miles, was constructed in 1902 and given the name, “Atlantic Avenue”. After being seriously damaged in a storm, it was rebuilt in 1962.
We utilized the “Cambria Ocean City Bayfront Hotel” as our home base. With that said, we began our tour from there.
Ocean City is unique in the fact that it’s located on a fairly narrow island. The boardwalk is one of the city’s main attractions. There are several nautical styled signs like the one on the corner of Talbot Street and the boardwalk. They direct people to certain restaurants and other various establishments in and around the area.
From the southern inlet, which was created by a powerful 1933 Chesapeake-Potomac hurricane, to the Delaware and Maryland state lines meet is approximately 10 miles long. The majority of the island is no more than 6 to 7 blocks wide.
After having breakfast, we made our way to the Boardwalk. We were told that it shouldn’t be to busy during the morning hours. The sky was a beautiful baby blue and there wasn’t a cloud in sight! But with the special event, summer winding down and the weather being absolutely gorgeous, people were out and about and enjoying the festivities.
The “Endless Summer Cruisin Car Show” was in full swing. This annual event brought additional visitors and participants to this oceanside community. There was classic rock playing through speakers along the boardwalk, the distinct aroma of local cuisine filtering through the air, and the sound of parading cars told us that this was going to be a fun filled day.
As the day progressed, we toured the many different establishments that lined the wooden thoroughfare. Of course there has to be a “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!”
What’s Halloween without a “Haunted House?” This historic attraction was built in 1964 by Granville Tripper and Bill Tracy. Tracy was considered one of the greatest haunted house designers in the profession.
Ocean City Maryland’s Boardwalk has a plethora of eateries, one-of-a-kind shops, and family friendly entertainment. Places like Thrasher’s Fries, Fisher’s Popcorn, Dolle’s Candyland and Dumser’s Ice Cream are locally owned and operated. There are also several family fun centers like Sports Land and Jolley Roger Amusement Park & Ferris Wheel!
Just on the other side of the Boardwalk is another amenity we can’t forget to mention. There’s a big beautiful beach where people can spend the day doing whatever they like. While the kids play in the sand, parents can work on their tans. There’s nothing like a day on the beach. You can take a refreshing dip or ride a wave. Life can be grand without a worry in the world!
There are a few ways to travel up and down the boardwalk. Obviously most people either walk or ride a bike. However, you can choose what type of bike you cruise around on. There are beach cruisers, tandems, front riders {the peddler sits behind the passenger} and electric beach wheelchairs. And if you really want to get noticed, why not try a “Boardwalk Car”. These one-of-a-kind peddle powered cars look to be a hoot! I’ve never seen anything like them.
This was a new and exciting adventure for us. If I am not mistaken, Ocean City, Maryland’s Boardwalk is the only boardwalk we have ever toured. We hope you enjoyed this portion of our 2-part series. Take a few minutes to watch our true-to-life video that is attached below. Stay tuned!
“You, Me and the Dock would like to give a big shout out to Ray Shields & his staff at The Cambria Ocean City Bayfront Hotel. They provided excellent customer service, quality rooms, great views and is ideally located to everything Ocean City has to offer!”
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Video: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publishing Provide By: You, Me and The Dock
“Love, Laugh & Travel Lots!”
