Ocean City, Maryland

File:Ocean City Hurricane, 1933.ogv

Ocean City, Maryland is a popular resort town located in Worcester County, Maryland, United States. It is situated on a barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its long beach, boardwalk, and numerous tourist attractions.

History

Ocean City was founded in 1875 when the Atlantic Hotel opened its doors. The town quickly grew as a popular destination for vacationers from Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and other nearby cities. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel significantly increased accessibility to the area, contributing to its growth.

Geography

Ocean City is located on a barrier island that stretches approximately 10 miles from the Delaware border to the Ocean City Inlet. The town is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Assawoman Bay to the west. The Ocean City Inlet was created by a hurricane in 1933, which separated the island from Assateague Island to the south.

Climate

Ocean City has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The town experiences a significant influx of tourists during the summer months, which greatly impacts the local economy.

Economy

The economy of Ocean City is primarily driven by tourism. The town features numerous hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The Ocean City Boardwalk is a major attraction, offering a variety of shops, arcades, and amusement rides. Fishing, both recreational and commercial, also plays a significant role in the local economy.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, Ocean City had a population of approximately 7,102 residents. The population swells to over 300,000 during the peak summer season due to the influx of tourists.

Attractions

• Ocean City Boardwalk: A 3-mile long boardwalk featuring shops, restaurants, and amusement rides.
• Trimper's Rides: One of the oldest continuously family-owned and operated amusement parks in the world.
• Jolly Roger Amusement Park: A popular amusement park with rides, mini-golf, and a water park.
• Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and maritime heritage.

Transportation

Ocean City is accessible by several major highways, including U.S. Route 50 and Maryland Route 90. The town also offers public transportation through the Ocean City Transportation system, which includes buses and a tram service along the boardwalk.

Education

Ocean City is served by the Worcester County Public Schools system. The town has several public and private schools, as well as access to higher education institutions in nearby cities.

Events

Ocean City hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Springfest, Sunfest, and the White Marlin Open, one of the largest billfishing tournaments in the world.

Sister Cities

Ocean City has established sister city relationships with several international cities to promote cultural and economic exchange.

See Also

• Assateague Island
• Maryland
• Atlantic Ocean
• Tourism in Maryland