• About Us
  • Write for PlayStayEat
  • Work With Us
Play Stay Eat
  • North America
    Let the Good Times Roll © Scott Kendall

    Lafayette, Louisiana: A Blend of Cajun, Creole, Zydeco and More

    Scott and Julie with Enrique © Elise Sanford

    A Memorable Evening With Enrique Tirado, Winemaker for Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year, Don Melchor 2021 Cabernet Blend

    Roatan boats on shore © Scott Kendall

    Regal Princess Cruise: Galveston to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel

    Welcome to The Hospitality Show © Scott Kendall

    The Hospitality Show 2024 and the HSMAI in San Antonio

    Fairview Inn © John Goodrow

    Explore Jackson, Mississippi, the City with Soul 

    Cleveland public art exhibits celebrate musical themes © Gwyn Goodrow

    Discover Cleveland, Mississippi: A Journey of History, Culture, and Southern Charm

    Wagner cab franc grapes © Scott Kendall

    Wagner Vineyards and Ginny Lee Cafe on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes in New York

    Alamo with Texas flag © Scott Kendall

    San Antonio: Alamo, Riverwalk, Winery, World Heritage Center, Gardens, CityPASS

    Letchworth Upper Falls with bridge © Scott Kendall

    Livingston County: Letchworth State Park, Grand Canyon of the East

  • Europe

    Amsterdam: Magical City of Canals, History, Art, and Anne Frank

    Lisbon – Jerónimos Monastery © Scott Kendall

    Portugal: Lisbon to Fatima, Porto, Evora and In Between

    Old Town view from the Bosphorus © Scott Kendall

    Historic Istanbul, A Tantalizing Mix of Old and New

    Edinburgh Castle view from Princes Street Garden © John Goodrow

    EAT: 9 Great Places to Eat near Old Town’s Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland

    Hilton Edinburgh Carlton Hotel Architecture © Gwyn Goodrow

    Stay: 5 Regal Accommodations near Edinburgh, Scotland’s Royal Mile

    Edinburgh Castle Tour – Scotland © Gwyn Goodrow

    Play: 9 Great Things to Do on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

    Map of Scotland © Google Maps

    A Stroll Through Time: Unveil the Majesty of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

    Parked rental boats, Kollen Verhuur, Giethoorn, Netherlands © Elsa Dixon

    Visit Giethoorn, Venice of the Netherlands

    IRELAND – Ring of Kerry - Skellig Islands with Scott and Julie

    10 Day Road Trip to Ireland: Dublin to Killarney to Galway

  • South America
    Machu Picchu in the Andes

    Cusco to Machu Picchu

    Pisco Tasting in Ica

    Pisco Tasting in Ica, Peru

    Journey by Train to Huancayo, Peru

    Lima to Huancayo

    Hotel B Barranco

    Hotel B-Historic Mansion Now a Luxury Boutique Hotel

    Model of Layout of main buildings excavated in Pachacamac

    Pachacamac – Daytrip from Lima

    Machu picchu

    Overview of Lima, Peru

    Amazing colors of Magic Water Circuit Lima

    Lima – PLAY

    Hotel B Barranco

    STAY IN LIMA

    La Rosa Nautica Miraflores

    Lima – EAT

  • Asia
    The gorgeous beach at Kurumba – nothing to do but relax! © Daphne Ciufo

    Maldives: Exotic, Luxurious, Beautiful, Beachy

    A small snapshot of the BIG city of Tokyo © Daphne Ciufo

    Tokyo Highlights: A Small Snapshot of a Big City

    SHRINES AND TEMPLES ABOUND! © Daphne Ciufo

    Marvels of South/Central Japan

    Seabourn Encore (photo by Jim Thomas)

    The Wonders of Wadi Rum, Jordan

    The Treasury and the Facade Used in the Indiana Jones Movie

    Jordan Photo Journal

    Israel PhotoJournal

    terracotta army, china, xi'an

    XI’AN AND THE TERRACOTTA ARMY — CAN YOU DIG IT?

  • Africa
    Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, Johannesburg © Elsa Dixon

    A Slice of Johannesburg and Soweto by Tuk-Tuk

    Table Mountain from MSC Cruise Ship, Cape Town © Elsa Dixon

    Nostalgic Steam-Train on the Ceres Rail from Cape Town, South Africa

    Fresh produce at Far Far Kréol in Sainte-Suzanne, Reunion © Elsa Dixon

    Far Far Kréol: Creole Cuisine on the Island of Reunion off the Coast of Southern Africa

    Seychelles tugboat © Elsa Dixon

    Mahe, Seychelles: Magical Tropical Island In The Indian Ocean

    Sega dancers © Elsa Dixon

    Explore The Diverse Cultural Heritage of Mauritius

    Gideon Kabitulila and Jeremiah Ngoko, HM Safari, Tanzania © Elsa Dixon

    7 Memorable Things To Do in Arusha, Tanzania, Before Going on Safari

    View of The Train on the Bridge © Elsa Dixon

    Shalati Train on the Bridge

    The Pyramids of Giza, one of the Ancient Wonders of the World

    Solo Travel to Amazing Egypt During the Pandemic Era

    Wildflowers along the Flower Route, Namaqualand, South Africa

    NAMAQUALAND – Wildflower Route on the West Coast of South Africa

  • Map
No Result
View All Result
Play Stay Eat
  • North America
    Let the Good Times Roll © Scott Kendall

    Lafayette, Louisiana: A Blend of Cajun, Creole, Zydeco and More

    Scott and Julie with Enrique © Elise Sanford

    A Memorable Evening With Enrique Tirado, Winemaker for Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year, Don Melchor 2021 Cabernet Blend

    Roatan boats on shore © Scott Kendall

    Regal Princess Cruise: Galveston to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel

    Welcome to The Hospitality Show © Scott Kendall

    The Hospitality Show 2024 and the HSMAI in San Antonio

    Fairview Inn © John Goodrow

    Explore Jackson, Mississippi, the City with Soul 

    Cleveland public art exhibits celebrate musical themes © Gwyn Goodrow

    Discover Cleveland, Mississippi: A Journey of History, Culture, and Southern Charm

    Wagner cab franc grapes © Scott Kendall

    Wagner Vineyards and Ginny Lee Cafe on Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes in New York

    Alamo with Texas flag © Scott Kendall

    San Antonio: Alamo, Riverwalk, Winery, World Heritage Center, Gardens, CityPASS

    Letchworth Upper Falls with bridge © Scott Kendall

    Livingston County: Letchworth State Park, Grand Canyon of the East

  • Europe

    Amsterdam: Magical City of Canals, History, Art, and Anne Frank

    Lisbon – Jerónimos Monastery © Scott Kendall

    Portugal: Lisbon to Fatima, Porto, Evora and In Between

    Old Town view from the Bosphorus © Scott Kendall

    Historic Istanbul, A Tantalizing Mix of Old and New

    Edinburgh Castle view from Princes Street Garden © John Goodrow

    EAT: 9 Great Places to Eat near Old Town’s Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland

    Hilton Edinburgh Carlton Hotel Architecture © Gwyn Goodrow

    Stay: 5 Regal Accommodations near Edinburgh, Scotland’s Royal Mile

    Edinburgh Castle Tour – Scotland © Gwyn Goodrow

    Play: 9 Great Things to Do on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

    Map of Scotland © Google Maps

    A Stroll Through Time: Unveil the Majesty of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

    Parked rental boats, Kollen Verhuur, Giethoorn, Netherlands © Elsa Dixon

    Visit Giethoorn, Venice of the Netherlands

    IRELAND – Ring of Kerry - Skellig Islands with Scott and Julie

    10 Day Road Trip to Ireland: Dublin to Killarney to Galway

  • South America
    Machu Picchu in the Andes

    Cusco to Machu Picchu

    Pisco Tasting in Ica

    Pisco Tasting in Ica, Peru

    Journey by Train to Huancayo, Peru

    Lima to Huancayo

    Hotel B Barranco

    Hotel B-Historic Mansion Now a Luxury Boutique Hotel

    Model of Layout of main buildings excavated in Pachacamac

    Pachacamac – Daytrip from Lima

    Machu picchu

    Overview of Lima, Peru

    Amazing colors of Magic Water Circuit Lima

    Lima – PLAY

    Hotel B Barranco

    STAY IN LIMA

    La Rosa Nautica Miraflores

    Lima – EAT

  • Asia
    The gorgeous beach at Kurumba – nothing to do but relax! © Daphne Ciufo

    Maldives: Exotic, Luxurious, Beautiful, Beachy

    A small snapshot of the BIG city of Tokyo © Daphne Ciufo

    Tokyo Highlights: A Small Snapshot of a Big City

    SHRINES AND TEMPLES ABOUND! © Daphne Ciufo

    Marvels of South/Central Japan

    Seabourn Encore (photo by Jim Thomas)

    The Wonders of Wadi Rum, Jordan

    The Treasury and the Facade Used in the Indiana Jones Movie

    Jordan Photo Journal

    Israel PhotoJournal

    terracotta army, china, xi'an

    XI’AN AND THE TERRACOTTA ARMY — CAN YOU DIG IT?

  • Africa
    Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, Johannesburg © Elsa Dixon

    A Slice of Johannesburg and Soweto by Tuk-Tuk

    Table Mountain from MSC Cruise Ship, Cape Town © Elsa Dixon

    Nostalgic Steam-Train on the Ceres Rail from Cape Town, South Africa

    Fresh produce at Far Far Kréol in Sainte-Suzanne, Reunion © Elsa Dixon

    Far Far Kréol: Creole Cuisine on the Island of Reunion off the Coast of Southern Africa

    Seychelles tugboat © Elsa Dixon

    Mahe, Seychelles: Magical Tropical Island In The Indian Ocean

    Sega dancers © Elsa Dixon

    Explore The Diverse Cultural Heritage of Mauritius

    Gideon Kabitulila and Jeremiah Ngoko, HM Safari, Tanzania © Elsa Dixon

    7 Memorable Things To Do in Arusha, Tanzania, Before Going on Safari

    View of The Train on the Bridge © Elsa Dixon

    Shalati Train on the Bridge

    The Pyramids of Giza, one of the Ancient Wonders of the World

    Solo Travel to Amazing Egypt During the Pandemic Era

    Wildflowers along the Flower Route, Namaqualand, South Africa

    NAMAQUALAND – Wildflower Route on the West Coast of South Africa

  • Map
No Result
View All Result
Play Stay Eat
No Result
View All Result
Home North America

Ocean City, Maryland – Relaxing Offseason on the Boardwalk

by Roxie LaFever
March 7, 2021
0 0
Welcome to Ocean City! (photo by Roxie LaFever) Maryland boardwalk

Welcome to Ocean City! (photo by Roxie LaFever)

Stories and photos by Roxie LaFever

Okay – anyone else have that boarded up and cannot wait to get out feeling? It has been a crazy year with COVID and a cold winter to boot! So along comes a 50-degree day at the end of February, and we broke out! Safely, of course! But the ocean was calling us….and we answered the sirens’ calls…with another one-day road trip from the DC Metro area. It is a three-hour trip each way – but oh so worth it!

Ocean City is a coastal town in Maryland, and the Boardwalk is the best view of the Atlantic Ocean. During the offseason (like now), the population shrinks to about 7,000, whereas it expands to accommodate about 325,000 vacationers and over 8 million visitors during peak. The swelling starts around Spring Break but will shrink again until school’s out because, overall, this is a “family town.”

Many events are scheduled during peak season, so check these sites for updates before heading out. ​​Ocean City Calendar of Events – Town of Ocean City, Maryland (oceancitymd.gov) and Ocean City MD Maryland Vacation Guide | Ocean City Hotels (ocean-city.com)

Boardwalk Sights Like No Other

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Boardwalk Sights Like No Other
  • Claiming the Beach – Almost Exclusively During Offseason
  • Food to Tantalize Every Kid’s Taste Buds – Adult, Child, or Seagull
  • Amusement Parks and Mini-Golf Everywhere
  • Where to Stay
  • Flags at Half Mast and Honoring Others
  • Keep that Attitude Adjustment
The Boardwalk Sign Welcomes All (photo by Roxie LaFever) Maryland beach town
The Boardwalk Sign Welcomes All (photo by Roxie LaFever)

Now “hmmm” along with “Under the Boardwalk” as we explore the offseason! And yes – that song is stuck in my head, too! Drive straight through town and head for the beach – that’s due east! You will know you have arrived when you see the boardwalk sign. Park your car near the sign or anywhere along a several-mile stretch of two one-way streets aligned with the beach – you have arrived!

The Boardwalk looks precisely like your childhood memories with t-shirt shops, decadent “bad for you” food, and souvenir and curiosity shops. There are Ferris wheels, carnival rides, booths to show off your “dart-throwing” or “hoop tossing” skills, and then show off your spoils of competition by lugging all those prizes home. Ocean City’s Boardwalk, recognized as one of the best, has been around since 1902!

Only open on weekends during the offseason, we missed the opportunity to explore Ripley’s Believe It or Not, so make sure to check their website regarding hours, ticket costs, etc. ​Things to do in Ocean City, MD – Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Visitors on the 2nd Floor (photo by Roxie LaFever) Ocean City Boardwalk in Maryland
Visitors on the 2nd Floor (photo by Roxie LaFever)
My First Metallic Rhino Siting (photo by Roxie LaFever) Maryland beach
My First Metallic Rhino Siting (photo by Roxie LaFever)

Claiming the Beach – Almost Exclusively During Offseason

In the open areas between shops, the beach extends a good distance during low tide, allowing plenty of space to safely walk, daydream or exercise. Social distancing will not be an issue. If you would like to see how quickly the beach fills up during the summer, check out the boardwalk website at ​Ocean City Maryland Boardwalk (ocboards.com).

Offseason is a great time to feel the breeze, smell the salt air, remove the winter cobwebs, and relax. Whether contemplating life’s challenges or just putting the day-to-day hassles behind you, we found this to be a great time to visit.

Looking back on the Boardwalk from the Beach (photo by Roxie LaFever) Maryland beach
Looking back on the Boardwalk from the Beach (photo by Roxie LaFever)
Being “One” with the Ocean (photo by Roxie LaFever)
Being “One” with the Ocean (photo by Roxie LaFever)

Food to Tantalize Every Kid’s Taste Buds – Adult, Child, or Seagull

Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Pizza, Subs – Your Choice (photo by Roxie LaFever) on Ocean City boardwalk
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Pizza, Subs – Your Choice (photo by Roxie LaFever)

After a long walk on the beach, reward yourself with all that food “that isn’t good for you” but “you love it, crave it, and you’ve earned it!” Whether you are craving seafood, a coney dog, pizza, or burgers, it is here! You can get it to go and sit on a park bench, ask for an outside table or sit inside with friends. With the recent changes in Maryland’s COVID rules, it is up to your comfort level.

For dessert, you can find the age-old favorites from companies that were first established here in the early 1900s. And you may want to get some to take home, whether it is caramel corn, salt water taffy, or cotton candy! Enjoy it till the stomach hurts!

The craziest food we saw was a “Deep Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich!” And no – I only took a picture of the sign – my taste buds just were not up to the challenge.

Ice Cream Made the Old Fashion Way – That’s 100+ Years (photo by Roxie LaFever) eat in Ocean City
Ice Cream Made the Old Fashion Way – That’s 100+ Years (photo by Roxie LaFever)
Remember the First Time You had Salt Water Taffy (photo by Roxie LaFever)
Remember the First Time You had Salt Water Taffy (photo by Roxie LaFever)
Hot Melt In Your Mouth Caramel Corn (photo by Roxie LaFever) eat on Ocean City Boardwalk
Hot Melt In Your Mouth Caramel Corn (photo by Roxie LaFever)

Amusement Parks and Mini-Golf Everywhere

If the Boardwalk Carnival has not provided enough entertainment, there are numerous amusement parks, arcades, and mini-golf courses along the roads aligned along the coast. The themes offered could fill a weekly schedule from pirates, safaris, the old west, dragons, and haunted houses. There are water parks for the warm weather and go-karts year-round. The hard part is deciding which to do first.

Aye Aye Matey – Amusement Parks Await (photo by Roxie LaFever) fun on Ocean City Boardwalk
Aye Aye Matey – Amusement Parks Await (photo by Roxie LaFever)
Riding with Pirates (photo by Roxie LaFever) fun on the Maryland boardwalk
Riding with Pirates (photo by Roxie LaFever)
Mini Golf Among the African Animals and their Water Holes (photo by Roxie LaFever)
Mini Golf Among the African Animals and their Water Holes (photo by Roxie LaFever)
Water Parks to Cool Off During the Hot Summers (photo by Roxie LaFever)
Water Parks to Cool Off During the Hot Summers (photo by Roxie LaFever)

Where to Stay

This Hotel in on the Boardwalk (photo by Roxie LaFever) stay in Ocean City
This Hotel in on the Boardwalk (photo by Roxie LaFever)

As we walked along or drove the main street next to the Boardwalk, it became readily apparent that there are at least 2 or 3 hotels in every block. It would be difficult not to find a place to stay here…and during the offseason… you can be as close to the water as you like.

You can choose small boutique hotels with seaside themes, large hotels filled with all the amenities, or local Airbnbs. While a few are open year-round, others were preparing to open mid-March for Spring Break. You might even want to stay at the Atlantic on the Boardwalk – open since 1923.

Take your pick!

Flags at Half Mast and Honoring Others

From February 22nd to the 26th, 2021, the White House ordered flags to be flown at half-mast to honor the unbelievable milestone of 500,000 deaths to COVID in just the US. As the photo shows, in addition to lowering the US flag here on the Boardwalk – they also lowered state, city, and firemen flags as well. The next photo shows the memorial dedicated to “All Firefighters of the World!”

The smaller print on the side honors three firemen from the area with the quote, “Greater Love Hath No Man than This, That a Man Lay Down His Life for His Friends.” Remember and say a silent prayer for all lives lost!

Flags Flown at Half Mast as We Hit 500,000 COVID Death Milestone (photo by Roxie LaFever)
A Tribute to Firefighters Around the World (photo by Roxie LaFever) things to do in Ocean City
A Tribute to Firefighters Around the World (photo by Roxie LaFever)

Keep that Attitude Adjustment

Sidewalk Messages Remind Us to Check on Each Other (photo by Roxie LaFever)
Sidewalk Messages Remind Us to Check on Each Other (photo by Roxie LaFever)

As you can tell – Ocean City is a laid back, eat, drink and be merry kind of town! This city is a great place to escape the past year’s challenges and restrictions and venture out with caution in mind. Even the sidewalks have messages here…and seem appropriate as we all take care of our mental health and check on friends and family often.

As vaccines become more readily available in the next couple of months, it is time to venture out again, and Ocean City, Maryland – or a town like it – is a great choice! Be Safe Everyone!!

Tags: Amusement Parks and Mini-Golf in Ocean CityMarylandNorth AmericaOcean CityWhere to Stay in Ocean City
ShareTweetPin
Previous Post

Coastal Mississippi Overview

Next Post

Portland, Oregon

Roxie LaFever

Roxie LaFever

Based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Roxie LaFever likes her town but knows she needs to explore the world and search out her own truth. Without creating even an “unofficial bucket list,” she’s been to all 7 continents, seen all 7 Wonders of the World and over 40 countries. With each trip – she tries to identify a way to step out of her comfort zone – and grow. Whether she’s jumping off a mountain in Rio to hang-glide down to the beach, exploring the world’s largest waterfalls by ultra-lite or zodiac, hiking at high altitudes in Bhutan and Peru, or doing the “Walk of Faith” on the world’s longest glass bridge in China, you’ll want to travel along. In addition to freelance travel writing and photography, Roxie manages a lifestyle and travel blog at www.RoamingwithRoxie.com.

Next Post
Pittock Mansion (photo by Tiptoety Talk, Wikimedia Commons) in Portland Oregon

Portland, Oregon

University of Missouri iconic columns and main building in Columbia, Missouri

Fabulous Mid-Missouri: Columbia, Fulton, Rocheport, and Lake of the Ozarks

Find the best places to Play, Stay, and Eat

Book a Room

Book a Tour

Book a Restaurant

Book a Car
As Seen On Logos copy resized
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

PLAYSTAYEAT – The Woodlands, Texas 77381 – Email: editor@playstayeat.com

PlayStayEat.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. © 2024 PLAYSTAYEAT

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Blog Posts
  • Map of Destinations
  • About Us
  • Write for PlayStayEat
  • Work With Us

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.