The Town of Ocean City is a resort community in Maryland. Usually called Ocean City, it belonged to a group of Native Americans who sold the land to Thomas Fenwick. Isaac Coffin built a small cottage in 1869 that he used as a rental property for visitors who wanted to stay the night. Men came from the nearby larger cities and built boardinghouses that had more room for paying guests. They called the area The Ladies' Resort to the Ocean until forming a corporation to control the land. This led to the Atlantic Hotel, which opened in 1875 and became the most popular place to stay.
Though Ocean City attracted more residents over the years, it continues to operate as a resort town. During the busy travel season, its population doubles. The city has a firefighters' memorial that holds a piece of the World Trade Center and Ocean City hosts the Maryland State Firefighters' Convention every year in June. It features special events and activities in the Convention Center along with a large parade.
As a way to promote tourism, the city established multiple festivals that include Winterfest in the winter and Springfest in the spring. Visitors also come for the Boardwalk, which offers a fun fair atmosphere all year. The Travel Channel named it the best wooden boardwalk in the nation. It has four Ferris wheels that allow you to see the ocean and a carousel from 1902, as well as arcades and museums. The Boardwalk also has multiple stalls and shops that sell cotton candy and other fair foods. Ocean City has a handful of popular museums, too, including the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum and Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum.
Winterfest of Lights – Running from November through January, this festival features tons of holiday light displays and decorations.
Ocean City Comic Con – Ocean City hosts a comic book convention in December that features famous guests and fun events.
Penguin Swim – Visitors come from all across the country to dress up in costumes and hop in the ocean in January to raise money for local penguins.
Seaside Boat Show – Held in February, the show brings famous guests and features new boats from some of the top brands.
Ocean City Film Festival – Watch films made by local makers and meet the actors and producers at this festival in March.
Shenandoah National Park is both the best national park and the only national park near the city. The Blue Ridge Mountains take up more than 300 acres inside the park and offer dozens of hiking and rock climbing spots. Rangers host special activities for kids and adults every year. Fort Windham Rocks and Old Rag Mountain are among the park's top hiking trails.
If you don't mind spending more time on the road, head towards Ohio and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This park sees more than two million visitors a year who come to check out Brandywine Falls and other waterfalls. While the temperature drops to freezing and below in the winter, you'll find various activities such as hiking and canoeing in warmer months.
Head south to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Not only does the park cover more than 300,000 acres, but it has three entrances in both North Carolina and Tennessee. The ranger programs include fun activities such as night sky viewing, hiking the Rainbow Falls Trail, and other outdoor adventures.
Head to Assateague State Park if you love wild horses and want to see them roam free. Though the animals do not come close to humans, you can see them playing in the land and on the water. The park also has several hiking trails and fishing spots.
Delaware Seashore Park is another popular place to visit. It is home to the Indian River Life Saving Station that shows you how lifeguards saved swimmers more than a century ago, and the Indian River Inlet Bridge that offers views of the whole park. You can also hike along the trails and boardwalk in Burton Island Nature Preserve.
Fans of the outdoors often enjoy Pocomoke River State Park. You can use one of the boat launches to check out the cypress swamps and watch for birds. There is also a swimming pool that is open to the public and close to the playground.
The Ocean City Performing Arts Center is one of the top landmarks in Ocean City. You'll find free parking nearby and major events such as performances by the Mid-Atlantic Symphony. The Ocean City Firefighters' Memorial, which the city built to honor its firefighters, is on Atlantic Avenue. Not far away is the Ocean City Boardwalk, with multiple rides and shops.
There are many campgrounds on the Eastern Shore of Maryland that are close to Ocean City, such as Sun Outdoors Ocean City in Berlin. This large resort offers ocean access and has a tiki bar right on the beach. A splash pad and miniature golf course are also onsite.
Elk Neck State Park in North East has more than 2,300 acres of land for guests to enjoy. You will find a boat launch if you bring your boat along with picnic tables and grills. The park also has a nature center.
If you love the water, consider staying at Roaring Point Waterfront Campground in Nanticoke. The campground offers daily and weekly rates as well as monthly and seasonal rates. While the beaches are perfect for swimming, you can also fish as long as you have a license.
Not far away is Rock Hall, which is home to Bay Shore Campground. You can hook up to water and electrical lines and use either of the two bathhouses as well as multiple dump stations. This campground also has a boat ramp and game room that features both arcade and table games.
You can also stay in the Island Resort Co-Op RV Park in Newark. This park lets you rent an RV or bring your own. It sits right on the lake and has a large beach along with a boat launch.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Ocean City, MD RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Ocean City, MD RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
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