Ocean City

Turning east from Salisbury, travel toward the Atlantic-coast beaches on Route 50 and to the major Maryland beach resort of Ocean City. Once upon a time Ocean City was known for its boardwalk, tourist attractions, and hotels whose residents were escaping from the sweltering heat and humidity inland to the coolness of the ocean. This once-charming town has now become a bustling city of wall-to-wall condominiums, hotels, homes, and even a convention center, losing much that once made it so special. But there’s still a boardwalk, now 3 miles long, lined by shops, restaurants, and arcades, and there’s still plenty of saltwater taffy. Don’t miss the carousel (circa 1802) with its hand-carved animal mounts. There are also still miles upon miles of white sandy beaches and some of the best ocean around in which to dodge the incoming breaking waves on a hot summer’s afternoon. From Ocean City there is good deep-water fishing for blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, and bull dolphin. On the bay beneath the bridge that connects Ocean City to the mainland, you find good windsurfing, jet-skiing, and para-sailing.