Ocean City, MD Attractions

In 1962, Assateague Island National Seashore, just south of Ocean City was established for the purpose of protecting Assateague Island in the states of Virginia and Maryland. Known primarily for their hundreds of wild ponies and over 350 bird species, Assateague has over 37 miles of beautiful pristine beaches. Visitors can walk or bike Assateague's many trails or join a popular "marine eco-tour" which offers them a chance to see more of the refuge and its wildlife by boat. Ranger-guided programs are available and are a great way to each older kids about the barrier island environment.

Over the bridge in west Ocean City, this replica western town circa 1860 is set on 38 acres and is great for all ages. There are stage coach and train rides, pony rides for the little ones and horseback rides for the adults, can-can shows, and gun battles in the street. You'll also find golf and a water park, as well as a family campgound.

There are many places to pick up a kite in Ocean City; but The Kite Loft, which has two locations in Ocean City (one at at 511 Boardwalk and the other at 131st & Coastal Highway)is arguably the best. There are literally thousands to choose from, including simple diamond kites, delta kites and stunt kites. The friendly folks at the Kite Loft are always willing to lend a hand and help anyone learn to fly.

Marty's Playland arcade has been around since 1930, almost as long as Trimper's, and is one of the largest arcades around. You'll find all the usual suspects: video games, pinball, skeeball, cranes, skill and air hockey. It's a great place to get out of the heat and cool off for a few minutes.

Start the day off biking or walking the the 2.9-mile boardwalk. In addition to traditional bikes, Ocean City's bike rental shops offer a variety of options including bicycles built for two, low-riders just for fun, bikes with tag-a-longs for toddlers and surreys (four wheel bikes) that can hold up to six people. There are rentals on the boardwalk at 1st Street, 2nd Street, 12th Street, 14th Street, Division Street, among others.

Planet Maze Funplex has three unique areas, two of which are great for a rainy day. Planet Maze itself is a soft-play maze with balls to jump in, giant slides, foam forests, ropes and swings. Kids ages 8 and up will enjoy Laser Storm laser tag; and there's also mini-golf, with 18 holes of outdoor fun.

Diet be darned! There are few places that you must go to if you're at the boardwalk and looking for a snack. You must visit Thrasher's for their French fries. Located in the center of the ride part of the boardwalk, Thrasher's has been serving their fries, fresh cut, fried and doused with vinegar for over 70 years. And don't even think about asking for ketchup; these amazing fries are served like English chips. Fisher's Popcorn has been a family treat on the boardwalk at Talbot Street since 1937. Kids will love watching them make their famous caramel popcorn and Dumser's Dairyland, which has three locations on the boardwalk, has some of the best soft serve ice cream in the world. No trip to Ocean City is complete without homemade saltwater taffy from the Candy Kitchen, which has the best taffy and fudge in town. A family-owned business, the Candy Kitchen has 22 locations in the Ocean City area.

Here you can choose from a variety of adventures including an eco tour to the famous Assateague Island where you can watch wild ponies in their natural habitat. Speed it up with a trip out into the ocean on the O.C. Rocket, one of Ocean City's fastest speedboats, or take it slow with a fishing trip on the Happy Hooker. Kids will love a ride on The Duckaneer, an action-packed pirate ship, complee with water cannons.

Established in 1887, Trimper's Rides and Amusement Park has been been a staple on Ocean City's Boardwalk since anyone can remember. Located on the boardwalk near the inlet, the area includes over 100 rides and games. Relive your childhood on Trimpers newly restored 1902 Herschel-Spellman antique carousel featuring hand-carved wooded animals of every imaginable shape and size.