An Explosive Population
Over a typical weekend in the Summer, Ocean City hosts between 320,000 and 345,000 travelers. That works out to multiple millions throughout the year. Truly, the industry of this location is those who are looking for some vacation downtime. To that end, there are attractions for all kinds.
From amusement parks for the very young, to amusement bars for the nightlife set. Then there's the pounding surf of the Atlantic which, in Maryland at least, isn't nearly so cold as northern climes nor so nauseatingly warm as southern currents.
The city itself is regularly temperate, only getting uncomfortably hot for several weeks out of the year—during which time the beach is the perfect place to go refresh yourself. This is another of many reasons Ocean City is a must-see locale along the east coast.
Big Small Town
The regular population of Ocean City is about 8,000. That means that if you hit it on the off-season, it's a sleepy little getaway with attractions for everybody, and usually at discounted rates.
Certainly, it's not quite as festive when there aren't thousands of travelers everywhere you go, but that can be more amenable to some tourists.
There are quite a few “big small towns” in the country. These are usually of the resort variety, and cater to many people on a yearly basis who are traveling through. Some of the best restaurants can be found in such locations, so be on the lookout if you do decide to make an Ocean City trek.
Plenty Of Hotels
Consider that a town of 8,000 catering to 320,000+ throughout the summer every weekend must have requisite amenities. The key is finding hotels which fit your budget.
Certainly, there will be top-dollar five star locations, and there will be bottom-dollar motor hotels with beds that serve as breeding grounds for small crawling things. When you’re searching for Ocean City, MD hotels, there are definitely better deals available--just check out Princess Royale Hotel, for starters!
There's also RV campsites, which are becoming a popular mode of travel in today's economy. As financial districts fail and industries like housing become insecure, people are looking to other means of living. The point is, whatever kind of weekend living arrangements you need, they can be found in Ocean City.
The only caveat is booking far enough in advance. If you're going to see the city during the tourist season, it makes sense to get there on a Wednesday or a Thursday on a booking made several weeks to a month prior, then stick around till Monday. If you can stay a week, you'll truly get a feel for the rhythm of the city.
The Under-Explored East Coast
People are always traveling to the west coast, but oftentimes Americans forget the many exciting adventures available up and down the eastern seaboard. From St. Augustine in Florida to Ocean City, Maryland, and even up to Maine, there are a plethora of boardwalks and fine dining, not to mention hidden beaches and life-changing memories.
(Photo by premierehdr via Flickr)
Article written by Bilal