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Please tell me more about the boardwalk tram. Is it in action now, at what hours? Can I get on and off repeatedly? Cost? How far North and South does it go? Are there parking lots near any regular tram stops? I am unable to walk more than half a small city block. And what are the "House Rules?
Submitted by John E, Lewes,, on May 8, 2011
Perryville MD
Insider since: 2008
Here is all the great information from the www.ococean.com/travel-tools website:

The Boardwalk Tram 

The ocean breeze, beach, sand, and family atmosphere are just a few of the reasons why you will want to ride the Ocean City boardwalk trams during your visit to Ocean City! The comfortable boardwalk trams can take you the whole length of the boardwalk, which travels from the Inlet to the North Booth at 27th Street. The Boardwalk tram will stop at most any location along the route to load or discharge passengers. The best part of the half-hour ride will be the detour that takes you on the pier close to the ocean where you can see, hear, and sometimes even feel the ocean water. Now you know you are in Ocean City, Maryland!

Tram fare is $3.00 per person, per boarding, one way ride. Discount fare punch cards are available at $20 for 8 rides. Inquire at either Tram Station or with a Tram Conductor.

New unlimited ride pass, which costs $6, a passenger can get on and off the Boardwalk tram as much as they like between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. The unlimited ride pass will not be available during Springfest, Sunfest, OC Air Show weekend, July 4th weekend or Labor Day weekend. Unlimited ride passes will be sold at both north and south ticket booths and on any tram.

Please note: The tram operation is subject to prevailing weather conditions. See the station operators or call 410-289-5311 or 410-723-1606 for further information.

Schedule                        Dates                               Times
Springfest                 May 5-8, 2011           10am - Midnight / Thur-Sat
                                                                   10am - 6pm / Sun

 Summer                  May 27-Sept 5            11am - Midnight / Daily
                                                                   10am - Midnight/Holiday W/E &
                                                                                Special Events

Sunfest                    Sept 22-25, 2011        10am - Midnight / Thur-Sat
                                                                   10am - 6pm / Sun

There is also a Paratransit Curb-to-Curb Service available.  In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Ocean City Transportation offers curb-to-curb, or curb-to-beach service to eligible disabled residents and visitors of Ocean City. All eligible patrons may call the Dispatch Office at 410-723-1606 to make a reservation for the Paratransit van 365 days a year. Reservations need to be made at least one business day prior to service. Paratransit service is offered from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Our staff of well-trained drivers offers our patrons a safe ride to their destinations. We can even deliver you right to the front entrance of Springfest or Sunfest events. We can also connect you to DART at the North end and Shore Transit at the south end, if necessary.

Fares: 
"The Bus" for Coastal Highway and "The Trolley" for downtown – $3 for an interchangeable Ride-All-Day pass from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. the following day or $1 per boarding.

West Ocean City Park & Ride – $1 for the shuttle service and free parking.

ADA ParaTransit – $3 Ride-All-Day or $1 per boarding. By appointment/reservation only. Call 410-723-1606.

Discount Coupons – 20 passes for $15 for the Coastal Highway, Trolley Routes and Park and Ride shuttle service.

Note: The buses, trolleys, trams and paratrasit vans are cash or ticket only. You may purchase discount coupons with credit or cash at the following locations:

  • Boardwalk Tram North & South Booths
  • City Hall, 3rd Street & Baltimore Avenue
  • Convention Center Box Office, 40th Street
  • Ocean City Police Department, 65th Street
  • O.C. Recreation Complex/Northside Park, 125th Street

Have a great time!

Answered: May 9, 2011
Where is the best area to stay? Can you park your car for the week? Where does the boardwalk start and where does it end?
Submitted by Janice S, Feasterville, on May 8, 2011
Perryville MD
Insider since: 2008
I personally prefer a mid-town location (25th-45th Streets) because it is away from the bustle of the Inlet, yet close enough for easy access to many activities, restaurants, boards, etc.

If you rent a condo through a vacation realtor or accommodations at a local hotel, they include free parking during your stay.  There is bus transportation throughout the town which is $1/ride or $3 all day.  Great way to get around town!

The boardwalk runs from the Inlet to 27th Street.  There is a boardwalk tram that you can catch at any point on the boards.  Fare is $3.00 per person, per boarding, one way ride. Discount fare punch cards are available at $20 for 8 rides.  In addition there is an unlimited ride pass, which costs $6 per person.

Have a great time!
Anna G.
Answered: May 9, 2011
What is the senior fare for "locals" or OC property owners on the Boardwalk tram?
Submitted by Mary M, Easton, on May 5, 2011
Johnstown Pa
Insider since: 2009
I'm not aware of any discounts for locals or property owners. But here is the info on regular fares:

Tram fare is $3 per person, per boarding, one way ride. Discount fare punch cards are available at $20 for 8 rides. Inquire at either tram station or with a tram conductor.

New unlimited ride pass, which costs $6, a passenger can get on and off the Boardwalk tram as much as they like between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. The unlimited ride pass will not be available during Springfest, Sunfest, OC Air Show weekend, July 4th weekend or Labor Day weekend. Unlimited ride passes will be sold at both north and south ticket booths and on any tram.

Please note: The tram operation is subject to prevailing weather conditions. See the station operators or call 410-289-5311 or 410-723-1606 for further information.

Answered: May 6, 2011
Please send me an Ocean City brochure. showing calendar of events from July 6 - July 16, Also, very important PLEASE send where we can find nature or hiking trails - Thank you so much.
Submitted by Jean P, Troy, on May 2, 2011
Linthicum MD and OC MD
Insider since: 2008
Here is a calendar of events for you:  http://www.ocean-city.com/calendar/#2011_07 
http://ococean.com/events

http://www.beach-net.com/events/eventsmdjul.html


There is paved walking trails at Northside Park in north Ocean City.

There is also plenty of hiking trails in Worcester County in which Ocean City is located.  Here is a link to visit their site:  www.visitworcester.org

Assateague Island offers plenty of nature and hiking too:  www.assateagueisland.com
Answered: May 5, 2011
We are looking for a more romantic setting for a honeymoon in Ocean City. We don't want to be far away from the boardwalk and other activities (we don't want to have to drive everywhere), but we do want something nicer than "spring break". We also need to plan a few things to do (we're not really into drinking the days away). Any suggestions on nice hotels and/or activities?
Submitted by Nicole B, Erie, on May 3, 2011
Linthicum MD and OC MD
Insider since: 2008

Fun activities can be strolling the beach and boardwalk, playing miniature golf at many of the fine locations throughout of all Ocean City, shopping, dining at bayfront restaurants like Macky's, Fagers Island, and De Lazy Lizard at sunset for some amazing million dollar views! (Bring your camera)

Four very nice hotels include:

The Hilton on 33rd (Ocean Front)  (Boardwalk goes up to 28th St)
www.hilton.com/OceanCity

Holiday Inn Suites on 17th and Boardwalk + ocean front
www.holidayinnoceanfront.com

The Edge and Lighthouse Inns on 59th and the Bay
www.fagers.com

Answered: May 5, 2011
Hello, my husband and I are going to Maryland May 11th to the 15th is the boardwalk open during the week?
Submitted by Melanie R, Freeland, on May 2, 2011
Centreville, VA
Insider since: 2010
The boardwalk is always open!

At this time of year most of the shops will be open during the week, especially if it is sunny. You will have no trouble finding places to go and places to eat while strolling the boards in May.
Answered: May 5, 2011
Can you rent a party bus or something similar. Don't really need a bus, looking for transportation around to clubs for a 50th birhtday pary. Thank you!
Submitted by Cathy D, Baltimore, on May 3, 2011
Centreville, VA
Insider since: 2010
There are several businesses in OC that can meet your needs. Here are links to a few of them:

Ocean City Limousine: http://www.oceancitylimo.com/
Lovin' Life Limousine: http://www.lovinlifelimos.com/
Surfside Limo: http://www.surfsidelimo.com/

All fo them offer services that would meet your needs.Tell them an Insider sent you!

Have a great time!
Answered: May 5, 2011
What time does the boardwalk open and close in June 2011?
Submitted by Donna W, Trevose, on May 4, 2011
Centreville, VA
Insider since: 2010
The boardwalk itself is always open.

Most businesses close at around midnight and reopen around 10AM. Bars stay open a little bit later. Breakfast places open around 5AM.

Bikes are allowed on the BW from 2AM to 11AM at this time of year.

You can get more information about the Boardwalk at http://ococean.com/things-to-do/boardwalk
Answered: May 5, 2011
Heading back to OC after 10 years. My husband and I will be at Springfest, 2011 staying at the Holiday Inn on Atlantic Ave. For Friday's lunch we'll eat at the fair but wanted your recommendation for fine dining (preferably not buffet) that Friday perhaps in walking distance from hotel? Harrison's Harborwatch's menu looks good but not sure we want to walk back after being at Springfest all day so would like other options? For breakfast we're thinking of heading to Fractured Prune. And is there live entertainment near hotel with dance floor - latin, swing, etc?
Submitted by Pauline L, Falls Church, on May 4, 2011
Centreville, VA
Insider since: 2010
Either the Holiday Inn at 17th or 67th Streets could be considered Atlantic Avenue. However, I suspect you are at the Holiday Inn Suites at 17th Street. A new restaurant named Bombora opened this year in the Beach Plaza a few weeks ago. The Insiders all got a chance to preview this restaurant and the food was excellent. I ate there a few days after its official opening and really enjoyed the food and the view of the boardwalk. It is a very elegant setting that overlooks the boardwalk. Bombora is in the Beach Plaza at 13th Street, so it is an easy walk 2 minute down the boardwalk from the Holiday Inn at 17th. See http://www.bomboraoc.com/ for more information. Another great place that is an easy walk from the Holiday Inn is Captain's Table in the Courtyard By Marriott on 15th Street on the Boardwalk. I have eaten there with my family several times, including for our Christmas Dinner, and always enjoy it (http://www.captainstableoc.com/). All of their food and their service is consistently outstanding.

Some other great fine dinning places are Fagers Island at 60th Street on the Bay. They have a Cafe side that is more casual and a fine dining room. Both offer spectacular views of the bay and a great places to watch a sunset (http://www.fagers.com/). Another one of my favorite places is The Hobbit. It is at 81st Street on the bay. The food and the views here never disappoint, and it may be an even better place the Fager's to watch the sun set over the bay (http://www.thehobbitrestaurant.com/). Galaxy 66 is also a great option. They offer less of a view in their dinning room, although they have a rooftop bar with great views, but have great food and a very nice atmosphere. It is at 66th Street on Coastal Highway, so if you are at the Holiday Inn at 67th Street it is right across the highway (http://www.galaxy66barandgrille.com/).

None of these places are buffets. You cannot go wrong with any of them.

Have a great trip!
Answered: May 5, 2011
Getting in on May 5th. Any good Cinco de Mayo celebrations?
Submitted by Michele C, Stewartstown, on April 29, 2011
Perryville MD
Insider since: 2008
1.  Springfest - This year's event starts on Cinco de Mayo!!!  What a great way to celebrate.  Great food, great vendors, great crafts, all in a FANTASTIC vacation spot!  www.ococean.com/events

2.  The American Red Cross is holding a Cinco de Mayo fundraiser at Jive.  For more information visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/redcrosslowershore/4575409891/.

3.  Fager's Island will be having specials and a great band to celebrate.

4.  Sunset Grille will also have specials as well as a mariachi band.

5.  Coconuts Bar and Grille (Castle in the Sand) is having their opening on May 5th as well as celebrating Cinco de Mayo.

6.  Tequila Mockingbird - a definite must for Cinco de Mayo.

Thank you!
Anna G.
Answered: May 2, 2011