ocean city, MD?

[silverrr]

anyone ever been there for vacation? DH and i are considering a short (3-4 night) getaway there because it's not that far and it has a beach and it isn't the jersey shore.
can anyone recommend it? is 4 days enough there or too much?
is it fun?
is it reasonably priced?
recommended hotels/restaurants?
area to stay that we should avoid?
what else is there to do besides beach and mini golf?
if you didn't like ocean city, why?

[MinEaston]

I would say it all depends on what you're looking for in a beach resort. I'm not into the boardwalk and tourist scene like that, so when I go to the beach I go to the Rehobeth, DE area. But we only do day trips. We prefer the shores of the Chesapeake :D , of which I can speak volumes on where to go and what to do...

[newbiker2003]

delurking to chime in

I agree. there's nothing wrong with O.C. if you are looking for mini-golf, beach, boardwalk, etc. and they do have cheap public transit. Assateague Island is nearby and provides a more rustic (altho still crowded) option. I'm biased since I grew up in Fenwick Island, DE but i prefer the DE beaches (fenwick island, bethany beach and rehoboth beach). Still crowded but a bit more lowkey and family oriented. Rehob has great shopping and dining and still has beach and boardwalk. Since we live nearby, we only do daytrips too. for a hotel/motel, all locations will probably be pretty expensive unless you travel in-land a little (and where's the fun in that?). You might do better with a week's rental of a small cottage. I think there is definitely enough to do within an hours drive to make 4 days to a week doable. whatever you decide, have fun!

[linsleyd]

The summer in OC, MD is crazy! If you like to drink and go on the boardwalks, it's a good place. There are a ton of families, teenagers on the boardwalks; hard to get a hotel room or get into a restuarant.
The Flamingo is a good low key hotel on the beach. The Barefoot Mailman is excellent if you have a dog.
We've always gone off season so I know better places that are good then.
Iquana Surf is a great restuarant, the Salty Dog and Fishtails are great local bars.
Not sure what else.....

[Meg O'C]

Originally posted by silverrr
anyone ever been there for vacation? DH and i are considering a short (3-4 night) getaway there because it's not that far and it has a beach and it isn't the jersey shore.


And just what is wrong with the Jersey Shore, might I ask? ;) Just kidding! To each her own. I love the coast in general, so whether in Belmar, NJ or the Outer Banks of NC (which used to be so much more peaceful than they are now), I am happy. Seriously though, there is great variety in NJ in terms of shore towns, surely (pun intended) there would be one to your liking!

[AndreaU]

Shameless plug for a college friend's family's restaurant... Hall's http://www.halls-oc.com/ :D

[Lynn B]

We vacation with The Whole Family every summer for a week or 2 at nearby Bethany, and we love it. We always go to Ocean City at least once, sometimes twice. OC is FUN! Crazy and crowded and all that other stuff that makes visiting it a blast. The kids loved the amusement rides when they were younger, and the boardwalk is a "must do" (IMHO).

And we LOVE Fager's Island for dinner at sunset and Nick Idoni's really is the BEST place for ribs!!! :D

Lynn

[CindyWeightWatcher]

I loved the boardwalk. We were only there for one night, stayed
at the Sheraton and had a good time.

[Veronica]

Originally posted by Lynn B
And we LOVE Fager's Island for dinner at sunset and Nick Idoni's really is the BEST place for ribs!!! :D I second Lynn's recommendation for Fager's Island. Go at sunset for a beautiful view.

I've been going to O.C. since I was a kid. It's a family tradition to have a crazed time at Ocean City every year, but it's not my first choice if just my husband and I are going on vacation. It's a fun, crowded, action-packed place with something for everyone. Here's a link to the Ocean City beach cam to give you an idea of the boardwalk: www.oceancitycam.com (http://www.oceancitycam.com/). Also click on the links below the picture for a peek at Bethany and Rehoboth.

I've also been to Rehoboth many, many times. I like the low-key aspects of it better.

[lindrusso]

We stayed in an area just north of OC in Bethany Beach. I loved it there because it was not crowded at all - very peaceful - mostly houses and only a few hotels. I think it was part of or adjacent to a state park area which created a buffer from all the noise and congestion that some beach areas have. When we wanted more action, we would head the 20 minutes south to OC. Not as convenient - you can't walk to dinner - but very nice.

Last year we did Wildwood, NJ and stayed right off the boardwalk. Too much action and cheese for me, but it was fun anyway. :D But the one BIG thing that NJ was missing was the all-you-can-eat crabs.

Next time....something in DE, MD or VA. What's the point of going to the beach if you can't eat crabs????! ;)

Have fun! We are east coast people currently "stuck" in IN and we miss the beach! I grew up going to Bethany or Rehoboth every year..... :(

[tigermorris]

yes, Nick Idoni's is the BESt place for ribs, Fager's Island is also a very relaxing place to have brunch, sittig outside looking out at the water. The best sub is at Devito's at 144th street, beach side of the street.

If you are looking for a great dinner restaurant, a little pricey, try Galaxy Bar and Grill on about 80th street.

Let me know if you want other reommendations as my folks own a condo there.

[Veronica]

Originally posted by tigermorris
yes, Nick Idoni's is the BESt place for ribs, Fager's Island is also a very relaxing place to have brunch, sittig outside looking out at the water. The best sub is at Devito's at 144th street, beach side of the street.We love Nick Idoni's, too. Forgot to mention that earlier. We'll have to check out Devito's this summer. Our favorite place for subs is Anthony's way down on 17th or thereabouts. You can't miss it. There's a big steamship round sitting in the window. The BEST sandwich in O.C. IMHO

[silverrr]

thanks for the responses so far..i have a few more questions for those of you that have gone to OC.

how is it in september? this is when DH and i are planning a getaway. are things still open? how is the temp usually?
we're thinking shortly after labor day.
is is what i hope, which is not crazy, but lots of things to do still?
like mini golf and shops and stuff?

also, i'm interested in possibly staying at the holiday inn express in OC, which is near 126th street. how far is this from 'the action?'
is it way too far from any kind of fun? we don't want to be in a noisy area, but we want to have access to *some* things.

[linsleyd]

September is a great time to go, the crowds have died down but it's still generally warm and everything is still open. 126th St isn't that bad but you will either have to take the bus or drive places. The boardwalk begins around 21st St and really doesn't pick up until the lower numbered streets.
Hope that helps, I haven't been in about a year so some things are a bit fuzzy.