Ocean City MD. I don't get the appeal???? (neighborhood, malls)

[cry_havoc]

Originally Posted by I'm Retired Now

I went out to Ocean City MD to check it out over the Labor Day Weekend.

I don't understand the appeal. Please help me understand why people spend hundreds of dollars for a tacky motel room per night in one of the most tacky towns in America!

Miles of gas stations, Taco Bells, Strip Centers, on the main road without any attempt at landscaping or environmental or architectural controls. It might have been pretty forty years ago but now it is commercialism gone wild.

To me, if I want to see the ocean I want to go to a beach in a place like Hawaii, The beautiful Oregon Coast, Big Sur in California, or the rocky shore of Maine.

Ocean City is the worst beach town ever. What is it's appeal?

That doesn't sound any different from Myrtle beach.

[marlinfshr]

It sure isn't for everybody. Just like every other tourist town. 25 years ago I hated it and much preferred Hatteras and the rest of the outer banks in NC. At that time I loved surf fishing, hated crowds and did not go out. Then I got into liking bars and nightlife and started to see the good in OC. For the past 20 years it's been my real home even though I've lived in places such as S. FL and Costa Rica in that time span as well. I love Ocean City now. If you want a beautiful beach with no development, there is always Assateque a little to the south. However, just like OC, don't go on a summer weekend.

OC and the surrounding area has a lot to offer but it's not for everyone. I actually like the boardwalk, a good way to walk several miles and not be bored. I also like the fishing, both inshore and offshore. Now that I'm not travelling as much any more in the winter the hunting in the surrounding areas keeps me occupied and is pretty good as well. It may not exactly be cheap for a vacation (is anyplace though?) but it isn't too bad to live here. The surrounding areas are still affordable and the taxes are lower in Worcestor county.

Even though I don't go out much anymore it is still nice to have the option to do so with all the clubs and bars, as well as plenty of late night food joints. Yea, there are parts of the town that is tacky but that is about normal for most tourist towns.

Another thing that makes it popular is that it's a safe, family resort within a few hours of Wash, Balt and Philly. A lot of that "tackyness" is what draws families to the beach. There is plenty to do for the kids. As mentioned, it's not cheap but neither are other tourist towns.

Now begins my time of the year. For the next couple month's everything is still open but the crowds are gone. I live on the west side of the bay (Assawoman) right out of town so this is the time of year I start to regularly cross that bridge into town.

[DaveinMtAiry]

I think we've seen some pretty good answers here. I totally understand the OP's position. I visited OC with friends who grew up in other parts of the country and they saw what he did, a tacky town of endless strip malls. It's hard to explain the appeal unless you grew up going there I guess.

On the plus side it is much less expensive than the nicer beach towns such as Rehobeth. Complaining about the traffic on Labor Day weekend, or saying it is not as nice as Hawaii or Big Sur, is hardly a fair criticism. Hamburger is not as good as lobster but it's cheap and available and pretty damn good in it's own way. If you don't want traffic you may want to try another weekend.

[wrestlingterp]

Originally Posted by DaveinMtAiry

I think we've seen some pretty good answers here. I totally understand the OP's position. I visited OC with friends who grew up in other parts of the country and they saw what he did, a tacky town of endless strip malls. It's hard to explain the appeal unless you grew up going there I guess.

On the plus side it is much less expensive than the nicer beach towns such as Rehobeth. Complaining about the traffic on Labor Day weekend, or saying it is not as nice as Hawaii or Big Sur, is hardly a fair criticism. Hamburger is not as good as lobster but it's cheap and available and pretty damn good in it's own way. If you don't want traffic you may want to try another weekend.

I grew up going to OC but it has changed for the worse. If you are much over 25 years old there isn't much of an appeal.

Then again I now wake up every morning and look out on the ocean and I don't have to deal with Maryland taxes and politics anymore.

[rwfloberg]

I enjoy the rowdiness and nightlife, but the prices in Ocean City can be certifiably insane

[bande1102]

Rule no 1: don't go over Labor Day weekend or any other holiday. Heck, don't go on weekends. I go during the week and it's a totally different experience.

The appeal? the beach, duh. I just got back today and the beach was amazing. The water was clear, the temp was awesome and the there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Low tide was awesome and the swimming was great.

Here's how I spent last night: stayed at a clean, cheap hotel for less than $100. Walked to Fish Tales and watched the sun set over the water while I sat outside with my feet in the sand and a cold beer in my hand. This morning I checked out, spent the day at the beach, used the hotel pool and change room (most will let you on check out day). Then I walked the boardwalk and enjoyed Thrasher Fries w/vinegar and enjoyed the religious sand sculptures, wondering, like I always do, how does the sculptor do it? Then I sat on a bench facing the beach and just enjoyed it. That, my friend, is what's appealing about Ocean City.

[e30is]

Yep, I generally go to OC during the months of September or fall. Its DE for me when I do go in the summer, and that would only be on the weekdays (if work permits otherwise).

[choccity]

I never got the Ocean City appeal either. But because it's close it has appeal, I guess ?

[Noble Savage]

I'm not much of a beach person, I prefer the mountains. I don't go to OC very much, some in the off season. I think Atlantic City is worse.

[DaveinMtAiry]

Originally Posted by bande1102

Rule no 1: don't go over Labor Day weekend or any other holiday. Heck, don't go on weekends. I go during the week and it's a totally different experience.

The appeal? the beach, duh. I just got back today and the beach was amazing. The water was clear, the temp was awesome and the there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Low tide was awesome and the swimming was great.

Here's how I spent last night: stayed at a clean, cheap hotel for less than $100. Walked to Fish Tales and watched the sun set over the water while I sat outside with my feet in the sand and a cold beer in my hand. This morning I checked out, spent the day at the beach, used the hotel pool and change room (most will let you on check out day). Then I walked the boardwalk and enjoyed Thrasher Fries w/vinegar and enjoyed the religious sand sculptures, wondering, like I always do, how does the sculptor do it? Then I sat on a bench facing the beach and just enjoyed it. That, my friend, is what's appealing about Ocean City.

Those who say they don't get the appeal may want to read this post again.