A summer trip to Ocean City, Maryland, is a tradition for many Chesapeake Bay area families. My Maryland friends speak fondly about childhood vacations at this historic beach town. On a recent weekend visit to Ocean City, I discovered that you can have as much fun in OC during the off-season as you can during the summer — all it takes is a bit of advance planning and a weather-appropriate wardrobe. You’ll save some money, too.
Beaches and Boardwalk
While it might be too chilly for a bathing suit or shorts, Ocean City’s sandy beaches and famous boardwalk still offer plenty of off-season opportunities for family fun. Walk on the beach, build a sandcastle, or ride a bicycle on the boardwalk.
If you want to rent a bicycle, Bike World usually opens on pleasant off-season weekends (call ahead). Several Ocean City hotels rent bicycles to guests. Guests of the Ashore Resort & Beach Club can borrow bikes. Ocean City has no bicycle use restrictions during the off-season except during Sunfest (mid-October) and Springfest (early May), so you’re free to explore as your schedule permits. Remember to sample some of Ocean City’s famous snacks and treats when you get to the boardwalk.
Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
Ocean City’s beaches attracted vacationers as early as 1869. Volunteer life-saving teams were unable to keep up with water rescues along the coast. In 1878, Congress created the U.S Life-Saving Service, replacing volunteers with life-saving stations staffed by paid employees. The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, housed in the city’s 1878 life-saving station, chronicles the history of life-saving efforts in Ocean City, showcases local marine life, and displays memorabilia from Ocean City’s past. Don’t miss this informative, eclectic museum.
Indoor Fun for Active Families
Most Ocean City outdoor attractions shut down during the off-season, but your family can stay active and busy indoors. Old Pro Golf’s two indoor mini golf courses are great places to wait out the rain. The 68th Street course features an Undersea Adventure theme, while the 136th Street location (closed Mondays) takes you to a Safari Village.
If mini golf isn’t your jam, try mini bowling at Alley Oops’ Uptown and Midtown locations. In addition to mini bowling, your family can play arcade games or try their luck on the claw machines. Alley Oops’ extensive menu includes kid-friendly options, served on a souvenir frisbee.
The Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos’ indoor ice rink is open to the public on most off-season weekends. The Carousel hosts hockey conventions during the winter months; the rink is reserved for hockey teams during conventions. Call the front desk for the ice rink’s updated schedule.
Shows and Concerts at the Performing Arts Center
Ocean City’s Performing Arts Center used to be a convention center exhibit hall, but you’d never know it. This attractive state-of-the-art 1,216-seat theater hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, including concerts, musicals, comedy acts, tribute bands, and game shows.
Ocean City Ghost Walks
Chesapeake Ghosts’ storytellers conduct Haunted Ocean City Ghost Walks on off-season Friday and Saturday evenings beginning in March. The tour begins near the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and loops through the city’s historic district. If tales of paranormal events and hauntings intrigue you, this spooky walk is sure to entertain. (Note: This tour includes descriptions of murders and deaths.)
OC’s Iconic Snacks
If you’re new to Ocean City, now’s the time to sample some of the boardwalk’s famous snacks.
Thrashers French Fries still makes French fries according to founder J. T. Thrasher’s original — and secret — recipe. Stand in line with your fellow off-season travelers and find out why Thrashers customers have been lining up for fried spuds since 1929.
Dumser’s Dairyland isn’t as old as Thrashers (Gladys Dumser opened her ice cream stand in 1939), but it’s still a favorite with locals and visitors. Owner Donald Timmons still uses Mrs. Dumser’s original ice cream recipes. The results are downright delicious. Three locations (49th Street, 123rd Street, and West Ocean City) are open during the off-season; Boardwalk locations’ hours vary.
Fishers Popcorn’s Boardwalk and West Ocean City locations are open all year long (limited hours on weekdays) in case you need a popcorn fix. Flavors range from kettle popcorn and cheddar popcorn to a variety of caramel options. Try the Old Bay© seasoned popcorn for a spicier popcorn experience.
Dolle’s Candyland has been making saltwater taffy and other tasty treats at its original location since 1910. The fourth generation of Dolles continues the candy making tradition Rudolph Dolle Sr. began. Dolles’ Boardwalk, West Ocean City, and Berlin, Maryland, locations are open during the off-season; closing hours vary.
Lodging
Ocean City hotel rates drop drastically in the off-season. Outdoor pools will be closed, so you’ll need to find a hotel with an indoor pool if your family enjoys swimming. Ocean City has many pet-friendly hotels. Expect to pay a pet fee if you bring Fido along. Ask about parking fees when you book your room.
Aloft Ocean City, on the Bayside, has an indoor pool. One dog under 40 pounds stays free in your room, making this hotel popular with dog-lovers.
The recently renovated, pet-friendly Ashore Resort & Beach Club is on the ocean just north of 100th Street. Some rooms have “standing” (small) balconies. The oceanfront Tide Room restaurant is spacious and welcoming. The daily resort fee covers parking and use of bicycles.
The Residence Inn by Marriott has an indoor pool and allows up to two dogs per room. Rooms in this award-winning Bayfront hotel include kitchenettes or full kitchens and balconies.
Off-Season Travel Tips
Ocean City hosts many conventions during the off-season. Ask if your hotel is hosting a convention before you book your off-season getaway.
Year-round attractions are generally open on weekends; many are closed on at least one weekday. Check attractions’ websites for winter hours.
Ocean City restaurants tend to close early, often by 9:00 p.m.
For more great guidance on what to see and do in Ocean City, check out visitmaryland.org
By Nancy Parode