Looking for a winter destination getaway? Not interested in visiting overcrowded theme parks and dealing with tourist traps? Visiting Ocean City, Maryland in the winter gives you a picturesque town on the Atlantic Ocean, great ocean views and an idyllic winter setting for a relaxing vacation, without the clutter of most tourist towns. Here, you can experience succulent seafood, superb shopping, one of the best boardwalks on the Atlantic, and some of the finest vacation rentals amid a festival of lights that will inspire you during your stay.
Ocean City Food and Dining
Trying caramel corn hot out of the popper from Fisher’s Popcorn on the Boardwalk is a quintessential treat of America and one of the best examples of the flavorful delicacies in Ocean City. For the winter season many area restaurants offer half-price specials. Fagers Island Restaurant has half priced lobster night on Wednesdays, while the world renowned Secrets offers the finest selection of rockfish and half rack of ribs at unbeatable costs.
Nightlife in Ocean City
One of the greatest secrets for Ocean City, Maryland is its festival of lights held in the winter. The Winterfest of Lights is one of Maryland’s longest running and most beloved holiday traditions. With over 20 years of experience in providing lighted sculptures and entertainment for visitors during the holiday season, it inspires both young and old during this festive time. With over 1 million lights on display, the Winterfest of Lights is often described as a “Winter Wonderland.” The displays include different themes and stories such as “The 12 Days of Christmas” and fairytales such as “Aladdin.” This is a great event for families and romantic visitors to enjoy a little holiday spirit on vacation. The Pavilion attached to the festival provides hot chocolate, a Santa greeter for children, and a shop providing holiday ornaments, souvenirs and stocking-stuffers.
Taking a Walk Through Ocean City
One of the most exciting parts of Ocean City, Maryland is its incredible boardwalk, which provides a plethora of activities, vendors and scenery along a quiet path. The boardwalk is the main shopping district and entertainment area for Ocean City. On warm days in the winter many vendors remain open for business. Make sure to visit some of the most popular haunts such as Fisher’s Popcorn, Dolle’s Salt Water Taffy and The Pier. Also for great family fun in the winter make sure to visit Marty’s Playland Arcade. On cooler days, the boardwalk is a solitary pleasure.
Outlets, Shopping and More in Ocean City
Shopping is an American pastime and bargain-hunting is a right. In Rehoboth, Delaware the Tanger Outlets provide a great place to do both. With a couple hundred stores and thousands of products these outlets provide hours of shopping delight. What is even more amazing is that shopping in Delaware is tax-free. Shopping in downtown Ocean City provides a close shopping district in walking distance to most hotels, rentals and condos on the beach. Yet if you are looking for a nature lover’s paradise, Assateague Island offers many walking and hiking trails or the ability to watch wild horses roam in the federal park or on the beach.
Whether you have been to Ocean City for the summer beach or never before visiting in the winter is a whole new experience. Vacation rentals along the Maryland coast provides a great opportunity for vacationing within the U.S. while dodging most tourist traps.