Just off the boardwalk, there are plenty of exciting things happening in the historic downtown area of Ocean City. From 4th Street to the Inlet, you'll find a thriving and constantly improving district with shopping, attractions, accommodations and more.
Much of the buildings in the area were constructed as early as the 1920s, and because of this, the neighborhood has a special charm. Motels, boarding houses and cottages are mixed with Victorian-style homes and old buildings, and the atmosphere harkens back to the old days of Ocean City, before the Boardwalk and roller coasters.
For visitors, downtown offers a wonderful shopping experience, with everything from used books and clocks to art and home accessories. Specialty jewelry shops and souvenir stands dot the charming streets of downtown Ocean City. Quieter and more serene, the area is ideal for an afternoon stroll or mid-day break from the beach.
Many visitors enjoy spending a whole day downtown, partaking in leisurely activities such as visiting a quirky museum, spending a nostalgically wonderful afternoon on amusement rides, sampling candy from the local shops and buying a unique assortment of souvenirs to take home.
One of the most popular reasons to visit downtown is the spectacular assortment of seafood, pizza, authentic Italian and Irish cuisines found here. Stop in for a fruity drink at one of the beach bars where the atmosphere is casual, and the folks are always friendly, or celebrate a night on the town in a fine dining restaurant complete with delectable selections and sensational desserts. If you're having a difficult time choosing what to eat or if you've got a picky diner in your bunch, opt for one of the many scrumptious seafood buffets with various items to please every palate.
Speaking of taste, to help visitors get a sense of the true flavor of the area, the Downtown Association of Ocean City has put together a self-guided walking tour of downtown with interesting facts about buildings and spots and a look into the history of America's playground. Brochures with the walking tour and map can be found at Visitor Information Centers or the Downtown Association office at 605 South Baltimore Ave.
If you've been downtown before, it's definitely worth a second visit. The area has experienced a major resurgence and revitalization, mostly due to efforts by the Ocean City Development Corporation. The organization's vision is "an economically sound and socially healthy downtown Ocean City, where revitalization has capitalized on the positive aspects of the area to create a sense of character, charm and community for both residents and visitors." Looking around now, you can see the improvements. The program has accomplished many building renovations, with even more projects currently underway.
Not only is the downtown area ever-changing; so are the events. This summer, plan to attend Sunset Park Party Nights July 5–August 30. Enjoy live music and watch the sun set over the Isle of Wight Bay from the perfect location in Ocean City.
As you venture to downtown this summer, plan on visiting the new projects as well as the numerous restaurants, retail stores and attractions. Additional information about new developments and events can be found on www.ocdc.org.