Maryland is home to several charming coastal towns, but one destination stands out for its iconic and sprawling wooden way: the Ocean City Boardwalk. This historic and vibrant promenade is not only the heart of the resort town but also holds the clear title of the longest boardwalk in the state of Maryland. A stroll along its planks is a journey through classic seaside amusements, delicious beach food, and over a century of summer traditions.
A Classic East Coast Stroll: The Ocean City Boardwalk, Maryland's Longest
The Ocean City Boardwalk has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century.
- Origin: The first, temporary version of the boardwalk was constructed in 1902. Like many early boardwalks, it was a simple, removable structure that was taken up in the winter.
- Evolution: After being damaged and rebuilt several times due to storms, the permanent, more robust boardwalk we know today began to take shape, eventually becoming the central artery for the town's tourism and entertainment scene.
By the Numbers: The Length of the Boardwalk
The Ocean City Boardwalk is an impressive structure that offers a long and scenic walk along the Atlantic Ocean.
- Length: The boardwalk stretches for approximately 2.5 to 3 miles, from the Inlet at the southern end of the city up to 27th Street. This makes it, by far, the longest boardwalk in Maryland.
Attractions and Experiences Along the Boards:
A walk on the Ocean City Boardwalk is a classic American summer experience, packed with things to see, do, and eat.
- Amusements & Rides: The southern end of the boardwalk is anchored by iconic amusement parks. Trimper's Rides and Amusements, a historic park that has been operating for over 125 years, features a beautiful vintage carousel from 1912. Nearby, Jolly Roger at the Pier offers more thrilling rides and a massive Ferris wheel with spectacular views of the ocean.
- Iconic Food: The boardwalk is lined with legendary food stands serving up quintessential beach treats. No trip is complete without a bucket of Thrasher's French Fries (doused in vinegar, of course), a box of Fisher's Popcorn, or some sweet Dolle's Candyland saltwater taffy.
- Shopping and Arcades: You'll find a vast assortment of classic souvenir shops, T-shirt stores, and lively arcades filled with games.
- Boardwalk Tram: For those who don't want to walk the full length, the iconic blue and white Boardwalk Tram offers a convenient and scenic ride from one end to the other during the summer season.
- Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum: Located at the southern tip of the boardwalk, this museum offers a fascinating look into the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service (a predecessor to the Coast Guard) and the maritime heritage of Ocean City.
The Ocean City Boardwalk is unequivocally the longest and most famous boardwalk in Maryland. It's more than just a wooden path; it's a vibrant, bustling destination that captures the essence of an American summer vacation. Its unique blend of historic amusements, iconic foods, and stunning ocean views makes a stroll along its nearly 3-mile length an essential experience for anyone visiting the Old Line State.
Sources:
- Ocean City, Maryland, Department of Tourism (ococean.com)
- Maryland Office of Tourism (VisitMaryland.org)
- Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
- Official websites for Trimper's Rides and Jolly Roger Amusement Park
- Historical archives and records of Ocean City, Maryland
