Ocean City is brimming with life on and off the beaches. So park that car in the garage and explore the world of eco-friendly activities that Ocean City has to offer away from the hustle and bustle.
Boardwalk
Begin your green gallivanting with a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk. With nearly three miles of vendors, arcades, boutiques and ocean vistas, your experience will be packed with variety and fun. Grab some food and take a seat by the sand. See the creative work of artists that use the beach as their clay for sculpting a unique scene completely out of sand.
On the Water
It would almost be an insult to the shores of Ocean City to visit without at least dipping your toes in the Atlantic seas. Fortunately, Ocean City is stocked with a wide variety of water activities to take part in to keep things interesting. Grab a board and hang ten. Don’t have your own board? Rent one from a surf shop. Many board stores offer everything from wakeboarding, to windsurfing and kiteboarding to the new craze, stand up paddleboarding. Take lessons and learn a new sport or practice your skills at an old favorite.
Coastal Bays Program
The Maryland Coastal Bays Program works diligently to improve water quality, protect the habitat and enhance the region’s forests and wetlands. Through education and outreach programs, members align themselves with the community to inform the public on ways to improve the quality of life. The non-profit organization protects the 175-mile watershed that houses natural treasures such as the St. Martin River, Newport Bay, Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wright Bay, and Chincoteague Bay. It includes more than 189,000 acres of land and 71, 000 acres of water, along with close to 35,000 acres of wetlands.
Wildlife
Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or want to be environmentally responsible while you travel, Ocean City is home to all kinds of different ecological settings teeming with life. Witness the variety of bird species that make Ocean City their home. Nearly 350 species of bird have been recorded in the surrounding county.
Take a quick nine-mile trip south and head into pony territory. Witness the wild ponies of Assateague Island, a neighboring city to Ocean City. Find other wildlife romping around them too, such as fox and deer. With such an abundance of wildlife, something is usually moving around every corner.
Trails
Take to the trails to get a more personal acquaintance with the shores of Maryland. Trails are available all around, perfect for that green getaway experience. Find a serene location to unwind from the stresses of the day or float lazily down a stream on a kayak—perfect for that slower-paced excursion that will help keep the Ocean City scene green.
Bicycling
Get those legs moving with a quicker-paced tour of the surrounding area. Grab a bike and hit the trails for some swift peddling or just a casual ride. The View Trail 100 is the perfect trail for any rider, offering 100 miles of clear riding paths. The trail winds all across the county surrounding Ocean City and hits some of the important must-sees, down the ocean side and through the quaint towns nearby.
Parks
There are dozens of parks to take advantage of in Ocean City, offering patrons a wide variety of fun. Grab a partner and hit the courts for a friendly game of beach volleyball at the Dorchester Beach Volleyball Park. For a more relaxing experience, grab a blanket and sprawl out on the grass for a classic picnic in the park with the family.
Delmarva Tourism Experience
Explore the Delmarva Peninsula and discover the beautiful essence and history of the land, people and the wildlife who consider it home. The peninsula stretches south from the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal for 180 miles to Fisherman Island in Virginia. Take part in all the activities the conservation has to offer such as kayaking, cycling, and birding while supporting preservation and restoration of the natural and historical elements in the region.
With so many options available for keeping your vacation environmentally-friendly, you’ll soon be singing it is easy being green!