The Maryland coast, stretching along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, maritime heritage, and culinary delights. Maryland’s coastal cuisine is a highlight of the region, with fresh seafood, particularly blue crabs, oysters, and rockfish, taking center stage in dishes like crab cakes, steamed crabs, and oyster stew. Visitors can also indulge in local specialties like Maryland crab soup, Old Bay-seasoned fries, and Smith Island cake, a decadent dessert made with multiple layers of moist cake and frosting. With its blend of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights, the Maryland coast offers an unforgettable escape for visitors seeking sun, sand, and seafood along the Mid-Atlantic shoreline.

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1. The Same
   1. Beach
   2. Ocean City Boardwalk
   3. Dining and Nightlife
   4. Assateague Island National Seashore
2. Summary

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The Same

Most people visit Ocean City for the beach and we were not the exception. Ocean City boasts over ten miles of pristine sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and building sandcastles. The beaches are well-maintained and offer amenities such as restrooms, showers, and beach equipment rentals. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or simply a connection to nature, Ocean City has plenty to offer.

We actually visited Ocean City together so there was a ton of overlap but also still some differences.

Beach

We all love the ocean and spent as much of the day as possible on the beach.

• Swimming: Nothing like a refreshing dip in the ocean to cool off. We probably stay in longer than most.
• Sunbathing: Lounge on a beach towel or sunbed and soak up the sun’s rays. The Dinks got more relaxing in than the rest of us. Remember to apply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin from sunburn.
• Building Sandcastles: The family spent time build sandcastles with moats, towers, and bridges sounds elaborate but nothing close to what some of the professionals can build
• Collecting Seashells: The family took leisurely stroll along the shoreline to collect shells. Nothing crazy cool but the kids enjoyed it.

Ocean City Boardwalk

The iconic Ocean City Boardwalk is a hub of activity, lined with shops, restaurants, amusement parks, and entertainment venues. We enjoyed walking along but you can also rent a bike to explore this lively promenade, which offers stunning ocean views and a festive atmosphere.

Dining and Nightlife

Ocean City boasts a diverse culinary scene, with numerous restaurants offering fresh seafood, international cuisine, and classic beach fare. After dark, the town comes alive with bars, clubs, and live music venues, providing plenty of options for entertainment.

• Blue Crab – Known for its sweet and tender meat, the blue crab is a prized delicacy enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Maryland is famous for its blue crab harvest, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay region, where the crabs are abundant.
• Orange Crush: The original is from Harborside Bar and Grill but they now are served everywhere (Including Virginia Beach) and they make all different flavor “crushes.”
• Crab Cakes: A must-try in Ocean City, these are made with fresh Maryland blue crab meat, often seasoned with minimal fillers to highlight the sweet crab flavor.
• Clam Chowder: Rich and creamy, this soup is a favorite, featuring clams, potatoes, onions, and celery.
• Seafood Platters: Restaurants offer various platters featuring a mix of fried seafood like shrimp, scallops, oysters, and fish.
• Thrasher’s French Fries: These are famous for being hand-cut, twice-fried, and served with a variety of toppings, enjoyed especially along the boardwalk.
• Dolle’s Salt Water Taffy: This sweet treat is a classic Ocean City candy, known for its chewy texture and variety of flavors.

Assateague Island National Seashore

In addition to the beach, we both took time to adventure outside of Ocean city to Assateague island. Assateague Island National Seashore is a pristine barrier island located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, known for its stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and untouched natural beauty. Famous for its population of wild horses, known as Chincoteague Ponies, that freely roam its sandy shores.

• Beaches: The seashore boasts miles of pristine sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, and surfing. Visitors can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Atlantic Ocean while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
• Wildlife Viewing: Assateague Island is famous for its wild horses, which roam freely throughout the island. Visitors can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, but are advised to keep a safe distance and refrain from feeding or approaching them. In addition to wild horses, the island is home to a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, ospreys, and migratory shorebirds. (I just love the horse that was waiting patiently to use the porta john.
• Outdoor Recreation: Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding at Assateague Island. The island features several scenic trails, waterways, and fishing spots, allowing visitors to explore its diverse ecosystems and landscapes.
• Educational Programs: The seashore offers a variety of educational programs and ranger-led activities, including guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and junior ranger programs. These programs provide visitors with valuable insights into the island’s natural and cultural history, as well as opportunities to learn about conservation efforts and environmental stewardship.
• Visitor Centers: Assateague Island features visitor centers with exhibits, displays, and information about the island’s history, ecology, and recreational opportunities. Visitors can stop by these centers to obtain maps, brochures, and other resources to enhance their experience on the island.