Ocean City Beach

Ocean City's beach is the reason the resort exists, and it is one of the best stretches of sand on the mid-Atlantic coast. The town sits on a narrow barrier island, so the Atlantic is never more than a few blocks from anywhere, and the beach runs for about ten miles from the inlet to the Delaware line. It is wide, soft and flat, with room to spread out even on busy days, and the water is generally calm enough for children, boogie boards and casual swimmers. A professional beach patrol watches the shoreline in season, and the stands, flags and lifeguards give the whole beach a safe, organized feel. The character changes as you move north. Downtown near the inlet and boardwalk is busiest, with sand full of umbrellas, volleyball and sandcastles within sight of the rides. Midtown is a little calmer and lined with oceanfront hotels and condos, and the north end beyond the 90s is the quietest, with big dunes and a more residential mood. Wherever you spread your towel, the Atlantic feels bright and a little wild, and sunrise over the ocean, which you can watch from the sand because the town faces east, is a major reward for early risers.

Beach days here are simple but benefit from a few practical choices. Rent umbrellas, chairs and boogie boards from the vendors who set up along the sand, or bring your own, and arrive earlier than you think you need to on summer weekends. Swim only when lifeguards are on duty, read the flag system at the stand, and take rip current warnings seriously because the ocean can change quickly.

Dogs, alcohol, glass and fires are subject to rules that vary by hour and season, so check the town's beach rules before you plan a picnic or a bonfire evening.

Summer is the main season, with the warmest water in July and August and the biggest crowds. June and September offer much of the same pleasure with fewer people and more reasonable rates, and many locals consider September the best month for swimming because the ocean holds its warmth while the crowds thin.

Spring and fall are fine for long walks, kite flying and shell hunting, and winter turns the beach into an empty, windswept stretch that suits photographers and anyone who needs quiet. Bring layers for the evenings even in summer since the sea breeze can be cool.

Think of the beach as the base for everything else rather than a stop. Start the day with a walk at the water's edge, spend the heat of the day under an umbrella, and move to the boardwalk or a sunset cruise once the sun softens. Families should pack buckets, sun shirts and plenty of water, and everyone should reapply sunscreen more often than seems necessary because the sand reflects the glare.

Parents with small children will like the wide shoreline and the simple logistics of staying in an oceanfront hotel, where the beach is a few steps from the room.