Ocean City, Maryland
Just south of the Delaware-Maryland state line, Ocean City is a beach town on the Eastern Shore that’s perfect for families, couples, and travel with friends. Renowned for 10 miles (16 kilometers) of wide coastline, it features an array of outdoor recreational pursuits and exciting attractions, many of which are situated along its acclaimed wooden boardwalk, which is more than a century old, but invariably bustling.
Must-Do: Take a leisurely bike ride down the Ocean City Boardwalk, or simply stroll, shop, and indulge in sweet treats. Enjoy games, rides, fishing, and more, at Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park. One of the boardwalk’s most unique attractions, Ocean Gallery World Center, is an art gallery constructed using recycled materials and antique building parts from around the world.
Eat: Start your day at The Bayside Skillet, known to locals and visitors for its gourmet crepes, overstuffed omelets, and freshly squeezed juices since opening in 1977. The Shark on the Harbor’s delectable dinner menu boasts blackened striped bass, a beast burger (a blend of bison, elk, boar, and wagyu), and duck duo (seven-spiced duck breast and crispy leg confit). And try Ocean City’s cocktail creation: Orange Crush. Created at Harborside Bar & Grill in 1995, it’s a mix of vodka, triple sec, and juice from a whole orange with a splash of Sprite or Starry.
Day-Trip: Drive a little more than an hour south to Wallops Island and Chincoteague Island in Virginia to explore NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center, one of the major rocket launch sites in the U.S. Then head to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, a 14,000-acre (5,666 hectares) property with nature trails, kayaking, and a variety of wildlife residents, including bald eagles, heron, and ospreys. From Chincoteague, take a boat tour to nearby Assateague Island to see its famed wild horses.
