Let’s talk summer family vacations! Do you go to the BEACH or the SHORE to get your salty, sandy, sun-filled memories? Growing up in DE, I’m partial to “the beach”, but living in Philadelphia opened my eyes to the plethora of great spots at “the shore” too. I’m thankful we live in a place that the ocean and salty air is so accessible! In this season of parenting littles, our favorite summer family vacation spot is Ocean City Maryland (OCMD).

7 Reasons OCMD is Our Favorite Summer Family Vacation Spot

#1 – The Vibe  

It’s less than a 3 hour drive but we still feel like we’re in another world when we arrive. The views are totally different, time moves slower (in a good way), and ordinary parts of life turn more sparkly… Like taking a walk – something we might do everyday, but it turns magical with the breeze coming off the bay and a hint of salt in the air. Movie nights feel extra cozy after a day spent out in the crisp sun. Quality time feels more abundant with the worries and burdens of home life left behind! A few days away at our home away from home feels like a breath of fresh air.

#2 – The Variety 

Now days with a baby, we frequent the pool more than the beach. It just feels easier and less messy. BUT we do love that the beach in OCMD is large enough to not feel crowded (especially in North OCMD). Yet at the same time, all the classics are available if we want to check them off our summer bucket list (boardwalk games & rides, taffy, beach fries, dollies popcorn – YUM!)

We also LOVE the amount of mini golf options! Especially the fact that there are a couple of indoor spots for bad weather days. 

We’ve also had fun at the Jolly Rogers’ parks when we are looking for something fun-packed and adventurous. The go-kart world is a favorite of my son’s, and I personally have core memories of him toddling around the water park back when he had to wear floaties.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our love of Ally Oops. Air Conditioning, Arcade games for kids, and a beverage in hand for adults. What’s not to love on a rainy or hot day!? Catch me at the coin pusher machines. 

#3 – The Crushes 

#IYKYK – It’s their signature drink and pretty much anywhere serves a decent orange crush. Pro Tip – the Key Lime Crush (specifically at Tail Chasers) is the BEST crush of all crushes. Confession – I often chase it with the Key Lime Pie too. 

#4 – The Crab

I can take or leave crab cakes – but give me all the crab dip, all the crab legs, all the crab imperial, and all the crab benedicts. There are few things that can beat fresh bread dipped in piping hot, creamy crab dip (the kind that is so cheesy it’s hard not to eat it like a slob as strings of cheese stretch from the dish up to your mouth). There are several spots in OCMD that get a two thumbs up approval for their crab dip (and trust me, I’ve sampled A LOT of crab dip).

#5 – The Playgrounds 

Sometimes meals out with littles can be more work than they’re worth. There’s no time I’ve wished harder to be an octopus than during meal time with a grabby baby (or toddler) who has ninja-like speed and a taste for breakable and spill-able objects. When I’ve had enough, I usually whip out my phone and open up YouTube so at least some portion of the meal can be enjoyed in peace (thanks, Ms. Rachel!)

-BUT- game changer…. A handful of restaurants in OCMD have playgrounds on site! Kids have a chance to explore and get their wiggles out before or even during your meal… which can transform the whole vibe of going out to eat as a family. 

There’s also a giant park where we stay in North Ocean City. The park has a big playground which offers some non-aquatic fun and includes a walking trail framed by gorgeous bay views. 

#6 – The Bay 

Don’t get me wrong, I love the ocean! The sound of waves crashing against the shore speaks to my soul. BUT – the views of the bay are equally as soul soothing. Everytime I see all the pretty green grasses and marshy landscape weaving around the shoreline, I get the urge to take 10,000 pictures (my phone’s photo album can verify). 

The sun also sets over the bay. The pink and orange hues lighting up the sky as the sun dips behind the water is truly an elixir for all your troubles. What a privilege to get to end a few days a year taking in that view! Ropewalk is one of our favorite places to catch the sunset while enjoying a meal with family. 

#7 – The Date Nights

My husband and I love getting a night away to connect outside of the realm of parenthood (which is doable when grandparents join our beach adventures!). Our favorite spot to end the night is Seacrets… Here’s our tradition: Find a spot to relax at one of the outdoor bars, decide on a shot of a Seacrets’ house made spirit (I do NOT recommend the limoncello), followed by a tropical concoction (I DO recommend the Big Bamboo), and heading inside to our “spot” (the usually empty corner by the wooden mermaid statue) to listen and dance to live music. There are a couple of specific bands we love because we know they’re going to play covers from the 00s. We look forward to 1 or 2 of these sandy date nights all year!

Here’s a snapshot of this year’s adventure…

Are you interested in documenting your family’s summer vacation in Ocean City Maryland? Let’s chat! Message me so we can start planning how to freeze time and make those salty, sandy, and sun-filled memories last a lifetime.