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Can we get a permit to have a bonfire on the beach? Or a cookout fire?
Submitted by Brenda C, Flanders, on July 14, 2011
Hunt Valley and Ocean City
Insider since: 2010
Trust me, with all the blowing sand on the beach, cooking out on the beach is not only illegal and it is also a sure way to ruin a good meal. 
Answered: July 18, 2011
How much is it to park in the big parking lot to te boardwalk? Why time do all the shops and rides open up on the boardwalk?
Submitted by Lindsey O, Baltimore, on July 13, 2011
Linthicum MD and OC MD
Insider since: 2008
The parking lot at the southern end of Ocean City is calleed the Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking lot.  Most people just call it the Inlet parking lot.  It has over 1200 parking spaces.  If you arrive early, you can get a good spot.  The charge is $2.50 an hour.  If you arrive early, sometimes you can get a free spot on one of the side streets up and down the main road.  You can also park just west of Ocean City in the Park and ride at 12848 Ocean Gateway (route 50) and ride the shuttle into town for $1 per person for an all day pass.

Trimpers indoor rides open at 1pm on weekdays and the outside rides open at 3pm on weekdays.  All the rides open at 12 noon on weekend.  Trimper's is home to the world's oldest continual running carousel. Be a part of history and be sure to ride it!  www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAQrA2_ClEE   The Jolly Roger pier rides open at 12:00 noon.  Be sure to ride the ferris wheel for an awesome view of Ocean City at the top.  (Bring a camera)

Different business open up at different times on the boarwalk. 

The restaurants that serve breakfast open around 6:00am
and the bike rental companies open around 7:00am
The stores that sell beachware open around 8-9am
Almost everything but the rides and lunch restaurants are open by 10:00



Answered: July 14, 2011
Do I have to have a license to fish in the bay off a public pier
Submitted by Kenny S, Gap pa, on July 12, 2011
Linthicum MD and OC MD
Insider since: 2008
Starting this year, yes.

You can get your fishing license online fron the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or in Ocean City at the Oyster Bay Tackle Shop across from the Fountainhead condos near 116th ST.  www.oysterbaytackle.com  They can also reccomend what is being caught and where is the best place to catch them.  Lot's of great fishing tips on the page also.

Answered: July 14, 2011
Are there any coffee shops or cafe where I can rent a computer/internet? Condo I rented does not offer internet.
Submitted by Betty S, Lindenwold, on July 12, 2011
Schwenksville, PA
Insider since: 2011
best answer
If you have a laptop, you can find freeWiFi at the McDonalds on 32nd St and the Starbucks on Rt. 50 just over the bridge.
Answered: July 14, 2011
Can I use a metal Detector on the beach? If so ,where and when? do I need a permet?
Submitted by Richard H, Silver Spring, on July 12, 2011
Hunt Valley and Ocean City
Insider since: 2010
You can search the beach any time you like and in any area without a permit.  That being said, after 5:30 pm is your best bet to actually find anything.
Answered: July 14, 2011
Which bus companies run day trips from the Baltimore or Columbia areas ?
Submitted by Norman S, Columbia, on July 13, 2011
Hunt Valley and Ocean City
Insider since: 2010
Greyhound Bus is your best bet.  Hunt Valley Motor Coach also does a day trip on selected days.
Answered: July 14, 2011
I want to take the amtrak train to oc. And I was just wondering how it works. Will the train drop me off near where I could walk to a hotel? if not is cabs availble from the train station? I would like to smooth trip so I would like to know if the train would be a good way to go since I'm not big on driving.
Submitted by Kenya O, Mechanicsville, on July 12, 2011
Hunt Valley and Ocean City
Insider since: 2010
The Greyhound bus is your best option.  The train does not run anywhere near Ocean City. 
Answered: July 14, 2011
Just curious, what are the official *dates* for Peak Season rates? Do most accommodations adhere to these dates when setting room rates?
Submitted by Laura B, Catonsville, on July 12, 2011
Hunt Valley and Ocean City
Insider since: 2010
Memorial Day to Labor Day is the official peak for Ocean City and room rates reflect this.  Rates are lower before the end of May and after early September.
Answered: July 14, 2011
I will be visiting OC for a week but am not staying in a hotel. I got an apartment rental that does not have a pool and would like to know if there is any pool that I would be able to go to since I'm not really a beach person. Do any of the hotels allow use of their pool? Any info anyone can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Submitted by Amy M, Brooklyn, on July 13, 2011
Linthicum MD and OC MD
Insider since: 2008
The Plim Plaza on 4th St has a pool bar as does the more wilder Party Block on 17th St.  I am of the understanding that if you get a day or week pass at Golds Gym on 115th St, you can use the Comfort Inn Pool.  The Clarion at 100th St has a gym too that you can purchase passes.  I am not sure if that pass allows you to use their indoor and out pools though.
Answered: July 14, 2011
Can you give me directions from the Princess bayside hotel to the Convention center?
Submitted by Rosemarie B, Wilmington, on July 13, 2011
Hunt Valley and Ocean City
Insider since: 2010
Easy!  Make a right of of the parking lot onto Coastal Highway.  The convention center is on Coastal Highway and 40th Street.  This is 8 blocks away. Should take about 5 minutes to walk or drive there including parking.
Answered: July 14, 2011