Get Answers from the OC Insiders

For hotels to look into for a family I would recommend

OC consist manly of hotels and condos to rent. Yes there are a few homes to rent but their not advertised like condos and hotels. And maybe your getting the Carolinas confused with theMaryland beaches because yes they rent beach house in the Carolinas' but not in Ocean City. Check the condo rental agencies in OC like

cbvacations.com or

http://www.holidayoc.com

And since you're a first time visitor, send for a couple of OC visitor guides to help you see all that OC has to offer

www.ococean.com/visitor-guide

www.oceancity.org/vacation-guide

Also, when you find places on your "must do" list, check their websites for online coupons to print off before your trip.

All of the beach vendors have booths at the OC Job Fair at the OC Convention Center on March 17th - the link is http://oceancitychamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/2011-ocean-city-job-fair.  You can also apply on-line at http://85andsunny.com/.  There are several other vendors as well, but I do not have websites for them.  My fellow Insiders may have more information.

 

Yes. The OC Greyhound Station is in the West OC park and ride lot. I know you can take the bus easily from New York City and New Carrollton, MD (near DC and Baltimore).

How about a spa day together with a massage?
http://www.creativedayspa.com/services.cfm
Stop in Park Place Jewelers on the boardwalk and pick something memorable out for the two of you like an OC charm for you and an OC tie tack for him.
Have a romantic sunset dinner.  Fagers, Fresco's, or BJ's on the Water will all have good food and great views of the sunset overlooking the bay.
You may get lucky and find someone with horses available to rent and ride on the beach, or just rent a bicycle built for two and ride the 2.5 miles of boards.
Head over to the Ocean Downs Casino and have some fun.
Get a jacuzzi room and be sure to bring some bubbles!
Lots to do. Most of all, just relax and enjoy each others company

The rides and water sports aren't open, but you'll find plenty of bars and restaurants open. Movies, bowling ally, laser tag, ice skating at the Carousel, and of course.........the beach and boardwalk are all open for you to walk or ride a bike. You'll find bike rental places open as well on and off the boardwalk.
As for special activities, the Reach the Beach Cheer and Dance Competition will be taking place at the Convention Center and the St. Patricks Indoor Soccer Tournament as well.

I'm sorry, but dogs are not permitted on the beach or the boardwalk in the summer between May 1 and October 1. There is a dog park available for your dog to play on 94th St. You'll need to obtain a pass for your pooch to use it.  And if you're walking your dog anywhere in OC, it must be on a leash.
http://oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/dogplayground.html

Trimper indoor rides are normally open all year on weekends (limited operating hours) and Jolly Rodgers pier rides are in my link:

Oh my yes, the boardwalk will be still in full force for many weeks after September. OC has become a year around vacation spot. Of course some things do close up but there is still plenty to do. Looking at the events calendar for the last week in September you have  Sunfest between the 20-23 and the Winefest on the 28th.

Things are starting to reopen in mid April. On weekends, especially if it is sunny, many of the shops and other places on the boardwalk will be open. It is impossible to name the specific shops that will be open as most shops don't have fixed schedules in the off season. However, most weekends Marty's Playland, Thrashers, Dough Roller, Kite Loft, Ocean Gallery, Ripley's, a few Jewelery Stores, and some T-shirt shops seem to be open. In April many of these places will be open during the week too.

Here are a few ideas that are generally good year round, especially on weekends:

Miniature golf (great indoor courses at 68th and 136th Streets) and lots of great outdoor courses all over town.

Go Ice Skating at the Carousel.

Bowling at Ocean Lanes at 72nd street (call ahead to check for lane availability 410.524.7550) note: cash only.

Go to the  movies.

If it is sunny and warm, walk on the boardwalk, rent bikes,  and visit to Marty's Playland (our favorite arcade.)

Planet Maze (33rd Street) is also open and has an arcade and fun laser tag games.
Sometimes on nice days, especially on weekends, Baja Amusements in West OC may be running some go cart tracks.

Go to the Salisbury Zoo. It is a nice local zoo and it is free! They also have a huge playground in the park right next to the zoo. It is about a 30 minute drive from OC.

Visit the Assateague Visitor's Center. They have interactive displays, movies, and a touch tank that kids love. It is also free!

Delmarva Discovery Center - Lots of exhibits on cultural and ecological topics relevant to the Pocomoke River and Eastern Shore areas. Has some aquarium exhibits. In Pocomoke City, abut 50 minutes from OC. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Fee for entry.

In the off season I recommend people with kids  stay at a place with an indoor pool as that can also provide some great fun for kids who probably haven't been able to swim since September.

Lots of great restaurants are open year round including most restaurants in large hotels. Here is a list of a few, and I have eaten at most of them in the winter time, but I'd still call ahead to double check that they are open:
BJs on the Water - 410.524.7575 - 75th Street on the Bay
Captain's Table - 410.289.7192 - 15th Street on the boardwalk in the Courtyard by Marriott
Coins Pub - 410.289.3100 - 28th Street on Coastal Highway
Harpoon Hannas - 800-227-0525 - Route 54 / 142nd Street at the MD/DE line
Harborside - 410.213.1846 - West OC on the south side of the commercial harbor
Bonfire (weekends only) - 410.524.7171 - 77th Street
32 Palm - 410.289.6444 - 32nd oceanfront in the Hilton
Victoria Room - 410.289.1100 - 28th Street oceanfront in the Dunes Manor
Bayside Skillet - 410.524.7950 - 77th Street
Galaxy 66 - 410.723.6762 - 66th Street
Little House of Pancakes (breakfast) - 410.520.0407 - 74th Street
Fager's Island - 410.524.5500 - 60th Street on the bay
La Hacienda - 410.524.8080 - 80th Street
Greene Turtle - 410.723.2120 - 116th Street

Have fun in OC in the winter too!