Vacation spots in Maryland (Ocean City: condos, hotels, college)

[AnthonyB]

I've heard good things about Ocean City. I have two small kids, 3 and 5 and want to spend a quiet week somewhere on the beach which won't rip me off and where the kids can spend their time digging in the sand. I would prefer to be a little away from a boardwalk (expensive attractions and drunk youth) if possible but within easy reach for day trips.

Is Ocean City for me?

[westsideboy]

I wouldn't say that OC is quiet. It is of a more party beach. The beaches in Delaware are more family oriented. Try Dewey or Bethany Beach.

[Zippy7fo]

Wow.....OC is not what your expecting. Its a huge beach environment with Hotels and vacationers for miles. Its not small nor quiet with all the traffic and visitors. Its still a great experience just don't expect it to be quiet with very few people....

[jessy0780]

If you want to stay in OC, the best places for families is closer to the Delaware line. The higher the street number and farther from the big condos, the more room on the beach. We usually stay around 128-130 st, and have never had a problem finding a spot on the beach, plus parking is better up there too. It's still an easy ride to the boardwalk, but we actually prefer the Rehoboth boardwalk, it's less crowded and the games for kids are cheaper.

[Icy Tea]

At work we have an Ocean City Md/ Atlantic City NJ debate. He says AC is too crowded and dirty( he's never been there, of course) while OC is quiet and family themed. I've never been to OC but it sounds like a party beach for teens and college kids and looks pretty crowded on the web cams. AC is what it is( a dump), but the boardwalk and beach is always nice and seems more adult oriented(fewer amusements now) and is getting more and more upscale( pricey restaurants, malls and stores). I've been to cape May NJ recently and found that town and boardwalk pleasant, how does that compare to OC? Assateague sounds like a place I'd like to visit.
So is OC's boardwalk built up like AC's, with hotels and motels everywhere and is it comparably crowded, like AC without casinos or is it much quieter?

[Njrover0216]

Ocean City, MD is similiar to Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach. It does not have has many resorts and things to do as both of them, but it is catching up. There doesn't seem to be as many college people at OC, like in Myrtle. OC is very busy, but mainly with families. Another great beach that some overlook is Rehobeth Beach in Delaware, it is about 30-40 minutes north of OC. There is also a HUGE outlet there in Rehobeth, remember DE is tax free! I think that is the beach for you. It is within an hour from all the beaches mentioned here:Lewes, Bethany and OC.

OC is more like Myrtle Beach rather then Atlantic City. There are rides, hotels, motels, buffets, beach shops, and clubs along the board walk. Off of the board walk there are theme parks, mini golfing, etc.