If you are heading down to the ocean this weekend, there is still plenty to keep you occupied, despite some remaining closures and restrictions.
Ocean City Beach
If you are simply looking for some rest and relaxation, you can always head to the beach. Swimming, sunning, and surfing are all allowed. Surfing beaches rotate and can be found here. The beach patrol is back on duty for the season and swimming is permitted. You are also allowed to bring your own umbrellas to the beach. If you normally rent umbrellas and chairs, many companies are back up and running, including 85 ‘N Sunny, Ocean City Beach and Linen Rental, and EZ Beach Rentals. Just remember, social distancing is encouraged!
Additionally, if you’re planning on visiting Ocean City later this month, you can take part in drive-in movies, which will begin on June 15th and continue every Monday night at the convention center. https://www.oceancity.com/ocean-city-will-offer-guests-free-drive-in-movies-this-summer/
Ocean City Boardwalk
The Boardwalk in Ocean City is open all the time so anybody can enjoy a stroll along Ocean City’s famous boardwalk at any time. It is free and open to all. The individual businesses keep independent hours, so if you are looking for a specific business, please check with them to see if and when they are open. Generally, the amusements and arcades are closed until re-opened by Executive Order from Governor Larry Hogan. That means Trimper’s famous carousel and Jolly Rogers at the Pier are closed. However, restaurants are open for take-out, delivery, and outdoor dining. The Town of Ocean City added picnic benches in the sand along the Boardwalk so visitors can grab food to go from a local restaurant and take it onto the beach for a picnic. Open container laws are still in effect and no alcohol can be consumed on the Boardwalk or beach. Most of the shops are open, allowing 50% capacity. Masks are required inside retail locations.
Ocean City Tram
The tram that runs along the Boardwalk is not yet operating. Until the Town can ensure social distancing of patrons riding the tram and walking on the Boardwalk, it will not operate.
Bicycles on the Boardwalk
Bicycles are allowed on the Boardwalk daily until 11 am. Rollerblades are allowed until 10 AM on weekends. More details are located here.
Activities
Many activities are open in Ocean City. Amusement parks, arcades and miniature golf are not yet open, however. The Town is hoping that Governor Hogan will open some of these activities soon. In the meantime, many outdoor and some indoor activities are open. Here is a list of just a few of the many things you can do this weekend in Ocean City.
Swimming Pools
Hotel swimming pools are open, but their capacity is restricted. Please contact your hotel for specific information on their pools.
Paint Ball
If you’re looking for some action, you can head to OC Paintball, where walk-ins are welcome on Saturday and Sunday. As their Facebook page says, “What better than a sport that already meets social distancing and face mask requirements??” Visit https://oceancitypaintball.com for more information.
Escape Room
You can also visit Escapomania. Due to the ongoing pandemic, parties must stay separate and will not be able to participate in escape room adventures together. Despite this rule, there are no restrictions on the size of your party, and you can be assured that disinfecting wipes and spray will be used all over! There will also be longer breaks between game sessions to allow for extensive cleaning. Although there are three locations, not all are open at this time. Be sure to check which location(s) you can visit this weekend. You can book your next adventure at https://www.escapomania.com
Watersports & Boat Rentals
Boat rentals, jet-skis, and even the water taxi are all open and operating. Please check with individual companies for specifics on what is being rented, how many people can participate, and hours of operation.
Have you missed the water? Odyssea Water Sports is open for jet ski and kayak rentals, along with pontoon boats. All paperwork is now filled out electronically. If you choose to borrow a life jacket from Odyssea, you can be sure that it will be disinfected. You can also bring your own life jacket or buy one from Odyssea. Head to https://odysseawatersports.com for more details.
Shore Craft Beer Cruises
Shore Craft Beer and the OC Bay Hopper are teaming up again this year to provide weekly 2 hour local craft beer cruises in the bay behind Ocean City every Thursday night starting at 7 pm. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to book a 2 hour sunset cruise with 2 craft beers provided by local breweries included in the price. Of course, this cruise is meant for those 21 and over. Due to concerns about social distancing, the boat is being sold in three zones, port, starboard and aft sections. You and your family or group can occupy a zone. The price depends on the number of people in your group. A limit of 9 people total can book each cruise. Details and reservations are available online at https://book.ocbayhopper.com/Experience
Shopping
Are you ready to shop? Select stores at the Tanger Outlets in West Ocean City are now open at 50% capacity with face coverings and limited hours. Outlets that have reopened their doors include: Coach, Chico’s, Nike, Old Navy, and others. J. Crew and the Sunglass Hut are set to reopen on June 12th and HomeGoods will follow on June 15th. Adidas, Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, and The Children’s Place remain closed. Visit the store directory to see which shops are open. https://www.outletsoceancity.com/directory/
The boardwalk is also open for business, just remember to social distance and wear your mask inside!
Governor Hogan & Mayor Meehan
Unfortunately, amusement parks such as Jolly Roger and movie theaters remain closed. Indoor dining is also prohibited, but outdoor dining has begun all across the island. Governor Larry Hogan did not address restaurants at all in his press conference on Wednesday.
In a press release and video released Friday morning, Mayor Rick Meehan urged tourists to remember that social distancing and other safety measures such as wearing a mask inside stores is paramount. He stated, “We are looking forward to summer and welcoming visitors back to Ocean City, but it’s important to remind everyone that you can’t press pause on safety while you’re on vacation…We want our residents and visitors to enjoy our beach, Boardwalk, shops, restaurants and hotels, but please make your top priority keeping yourself and others healthy and safe.” The mayor added that the town of Ocean City will be moving ahead with the latest executive order issued by Governor Hogan, which moved Maryland into Stage Two of the recovery plan.
To see the Mayor’s press release, visit https://www.oceancity.com/ocean-city-mayor-urges-visitors-to-adhere-to-towns-safety-guidelines/
To see Mayor Rick Meehan’s video message, visit the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxiIQfDSc8I&feature=youtu.be
