Ocean City, MD: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

When to Visit Ocean City, MD

The busiest time of the year to visit Ocean City is during the summer running from late May until early September. The temperature is ideal for water sports and activities and sunning on the beach and stays in the low to mid 80-degree range. Rainfall is average during the summer months. Visitors can expect to pay a higher rate during the summer and should be prepared for crowded conditions. It is recommended to book a reservation at your hotel of choice months in advance to secure a guest room or suite. During the spring and fall, rates are lower from late April to late May and September and October. Temperatures average from 60 to 70-degrees which is comfortable for golfing, visiting state parks, or other outdoor attractions. During the winter from November to March, while prices are the least expensive, many attractions and shopping venues are closed. Overall, Ocean City receives over 200 days of sunshine each year, around 46 inches of rain, an average of 13 inches of snow, and an average comfort level for humidity.

Best Discounts in Ocean City, MD

At Sleep Inn & Suites Ocean City, take advantage of both AAA and AARP discounts and relax in comfort near the beach and the boardwalk. Non-smoking suites feature a pillowtop king or queen bed, work/desk area, large Sleep shower, balcony or partial ocean view, free Internet, and refrigerator or coffeemaker. Along with reasonably discounted rates, guests receive a complimentary breakfast, free self-parking, and free newspapers. Guests also have access to laundry facilities, use of the 24-hour business center, fitness center, outdoor pool, coffee shop, and restaurant. Another hotel to consider, also offering AARP/Senior and AAA discounts, is the Courtyard Ocean City Oceanfront by Marriott. This 4-floor hotel has easy access to the beach and is near to local shops and attractions. Choose a guest room with 2 queen beds with a balcony or ocean view, decorated with soft colors and lighting and comfortable and modern furniture. The hotel features an array of amenities such as free Wi-Fi, fully equipped fitness facilities, sun-drenched indoor pool and whirlpool, dry cleaning/laundry service, convenience store, and ATM. The Captain's Table Restaurant and Captain's Table Bar please palates and quench thirsts. Outside, the beachside patio is the perfect place to catch a few rays of sunshine while enjoying a cup of coffee.

Best Value Options in Ocean City, MD

For superior customer service and attention to detail, Hilton Suites Ocean City Oceanfront offers high-quality standard and double rooms and suites overlooking the ocean. The 4-star hotel features the comforts of home with fully equipped kitchens, flat-screen TV, and complimentary wired and wireless Internet. Snuggle down in pillowtop bedding, refresh under a rainfall showerhead or jetted bathtub, and enjoy the view from a furnished balcony or patio. Dining and beverage options are available at one of three restaurants, and from the bar, beach bar, or poolside bar. A 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers, conference center, laundry facilities, arcade room, fitness facilities, and outdoor pool are just a few of the amenities available. The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel & Conference Center is dedicated to exceptional service for both vacationers and business travelers with 338 spacious rooms and 310 suites situated on 10 floors. Both vacationers and business travelers have access to the indoor swimming pool, fitness and health center, solarium, spa, garage, games room, ATM, restaurant, bar, and a hair dresser. Accommodations are beautifully decorated and feature entertainment options including TV, in-room movies and radio. Rooms also have a safe, telephone, voicemail access, and wireless Internet. For business purposes, the hotel provides 13 meeting rooms, office or business center, fax availability, conference facilities, and has a group booking rate of 10/10.

Things to Do in Ocean City, MD

While visiting Ocean City, there is no need to worry about a lack of things to do. First and foremost is the 3-mile Ocean City Boardwalk for fresh air and sunshine and a variety of activities along the way. A beautiful place not to be missed is Assateague State Park and the Assateague Island National Seashore with its historic 1833 lighthouse and its famous wild horses that roam freely within the park. In neighboring Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia, a little over an hour's drive away, the refuge also hosts these free-spirited ponies. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the Antique Classic Car Museum, art lovers can peruse the Laurel Art Center, and those interested in unusual and odd displays won't be disappointed at Ripley's Believe It or Not. Get a glimpse of the past at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Everyone of all ages can “get their skate on” at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park, tee off at Embers Island Miniature Golf, or experience all the fun and action at the Jolly Roger Amusement Park.

Whether a visit to Ocean City is for business or pleasure, for singles, couples or families, visitors have a variety of attractions and things to do. From miles of beach to venues along the Boardwalk, as well as reasonably priced and quality hotels, Ocean City offers an exceptional sun, fun, and surf environment.

A visit to Ocean City Recapped

Those seeking for a peaceful weekend by the shore avoid summer resorts at their peak like a plague, unless if it's Ocean City. The ten miles of amusement parks, boisterous boardwalks, and broad Atlantic beach become filled with hordes of visitors, especially during college Spring Break. But the crowds are always worth it at the Eastern Shore's number one summer resort. There's no wonder why Ocean City is always booked year-round, the use of the 10-mile coastlines are for free. Itineraries ranging from golf tournaments, seaside weddings, and family fishing are enjoyed at will. At night, the coastline transforms into a venue of different amusements. Guests choose from rides, performances, or arcades. There's the Boogie on the Beach, Catch a free Movie Under the Stars, and Enjoy Sundaes in the Park for free. The White Marlin Capital of the World may seem to be too crowded at times, but you can always find an escape into Assategue Island National Seashore. The 37-mile stretch of undeveloped marshland may offer that peaceful weekend, but try it only after you've reaped all the freebies.

'I've seen a lot of people in my life. Good and bad. Mostly bad. They make me thank my stars for still being a small-town guy from Ocean City.
Michael Sorce, more popular as his alter-ego and radio personality Don Geronimo, had this to say when confronted with a question that solicited his opinion of his hometown. These words, in a rather uncanny way, sum up the life in Ocean City, Maryland. 

Founded just after the conclusion of bloody civil war that saw people of Maryland fight many tough moral and loyalty crises, Ocean City has outdone some of the big fish of tourism in past few years (talking about fish, it must be mentioned that the official nickname for Ocean City is the World capital of White Marlin). 

Casting a cursory look at the size and the profile of Ocean City, you would be forgiven to think that it is just another American town, nestled cosily at the Atlantic coast in Maryland “ of all states! Well, that reading holds true for about 80% of the calendar year. 

The city, however, transforms itself like a magical shapeshifter when summer finally arrives. A modest mean population of below 10,000 is enough to dismiss any chance of this city being well-known outside the state itself. But come summer months, this number spikes through the roof “ and then some. During any good, sunny summer weekend, Ocean City greets more than 200,000 people, a whopping 2000% rise in its population, almost in a space of few days. Discounting non-happening months, Ocean City still hosts over 6 million people every year, surpassing more famous cities like Albuquerque and Hartford quite handsomely. 

Blessed with pristine white sand beaches and gently chaotic waves that present some rare surfing opportunities on the east coast, Ocean City is an aquatic delight for tourists who wish to spend a weekend away from the banalities of their routine lives. 

Low-Priced Hotels in Ocean City 

There seems to be no clear trend when it comes to comparing various hotel and resort establishments that are present in Ocean City. While the city itself seems to provoke heightened interests among tourists only during summer months, there is no distinction between on and off season, as far as hospitality industry and their pricing strategies are concerned. A quick comparison of average nightly prices for a hotel in Ocean City over every month of last five years reveals a fairly steady trend. 

Considering this, it can be deduced that it's quite easy to find cheap hotels, irrespective of the time of your visit. Most of these Ocean City hotels are, however, sold out during summer months. Hence, if you are planning on turning your summer holidays in some warm weather of Ocean City, you might be required to book a hotel well prior to your visit! 

Staying in Style When in Ocean City 

That typical attribute of all places counted among tourism hotspots “ a host of luxury resorts that vie to offer the finest of amenities to their guests who rarely think twice before coughing up a few hundred dollars “ is not entirely foreign to Ocean City. It makes sense in a larger scheme of things as Ocean City is almost entirely dependent upon the revenue generated via tourism. 

There are over one dozen luxury resorts present in Ocean City. These range from standardized versions of prestigious hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott. 

Staying at one of these luxury hotels in Ocean City can be a prominent highlight of your trip to Ocean City, as the comfort levels and amenities accorded to you by respective hotel managements are nothing short of royal! 

Must do Things in Ocean City 

It doesn't really matter if you are traveling to Ocean City for just a short weekend trip or a lengthy stay of relaxation. There are some sights that you just cannot leave unvisited. 

The most famous landmark and a sort of identity of Ocean City is the extensive spread of old-fashioned boardwalk in North Ocean City. A visit to these parts is sure to teleport you straight to the heady days of moonlighting and lives based around adventure, hardship and exploration. Trimper's Carousel present in North Ocean City is another great entertainment zone brimming with exciting rides and water sports that appeal to tourists of all ages. Covered extensively by prominent national media outlets, Trimper's Carousel is overflowing with enthusiastic tourists all summer long. 

Before Sightseeing in Ocean City 

So, you have planned out your trip to Ocean City, got all the places books and your tickets printed out. But have you ever wondered what you need to know before actually going out on a sightseeing trip in and around Ocean City? Well, here are a few pointers to help you help yourself! 

• Ocean City is, despite being a coastal city, is not as sweltering or humid as cities down south, most notably in Florida. So, you will still do yourself a great deal of good by carrying some extra pairs of regular clothing, instead of a bag full of swimwear! 
• Being equipped with usual beach accessories like sunglasses and Panama hats is also recommended. 
• Many hotels in Ocean City do provide complimentary stashes of sun blocks and moisturizers, but it's always in one's own interest to be well-prepared. 

Getting Around in Ocean City 

Ocean City is not really a metropolis that would ask of you difficult tasks like changing five subway stations or hopping buses after buses just to get to another point in the city. If you are without a car of your own in Ocean City, the first thing you need to do is rent a car. Having a car at hand will allow you to get around in Ocean City with ease, as public transport is not a really appealing prospect in cities that are the size of Ocean City. To make the matters even easier, Ocean City hotels of good repute (excluding cheap hotels that offer no-frills services) do provide discounted car rentals for their guests.