Here we are practically a year since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the United States, and practicing safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus has simply become a way of life.
As States continue to follow the results of COVID closely on a daily basis, and keeping regulations in place to keep the public safe, businesses and the public alike continue to follow safety precautions. Businesses have gone above and beyond in regulating a certain percentage of patrons in their establishments at one time, marking 6 ft. of distance while in waiting in lines or sitting in restaurants, to ensuring the wearing of masks. The public also continues to do their part in voluntarily wearing masks, maintaining 6 ft. of distance, avidly applying hand sanitizer, avoiding large gatherings or just staying home.
For those of you who feel like they need to get out, we are here to help. Here is a list of COVID safe Ocean City “must dos”, just to name a few:
- Beach
Voted one of TripAdvisor’s top 10 beaches in the nation, Ocean City’s coastline measures 10 miles long offering activities all year long from swimming to sunbathing, surfing and water sports. With that much space along the Atlantic Ocean there is plenty of room for social distancing in the outdoors.
- Boardwalk
Walk, run or ride your bike on the Boardwalk. Take in the ocean air, visit shops and restaurants but don’t leave without getting your Thrasher’s french fries fix! The public is required to wear masks on the boardwalk when it is not possible to maintain physical distancing, however with the amount of space provided between the boardwalk and the beach social distancing can easily be kept especially during the off-season.
- Parks
An oversight in Ocean City, MD., is the many hidden gems you can find in its public parks that offer everything from walking paths, exercise equipment, sports facilities, playgrounds and more. One of the largest parks in Ocean City is Northside Park located on 125th Street and the Bay spanning across 58 acres including sports fields, a recreation complex, a fishing lagoon, two playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, little lending library, picnic shelter, two piers, a gazebo and a one-mile walking path.
For a full list of public parks in Ocean City visit the Recreation and Parks Department page on the Town’s website at www.oceancitymd.gov/oc.
- Art League of Ocean City
Located on 94th Street Bayside, the Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization that was created for people to appreciate, create, and be inspired by art. Visitors can explore the two-story gallery which exhibits works from local and regional artists. However, during this time the Art League of Ocean City is offering both in-person and online classes and exhibits.
For more information visit their website at https://artleagueofoceancity.org/.
- Carousel Ice Skating Rink
Ice skate at the beach by visiting the Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums famous ice skating rink located inside the hotel’s atrium on 118th Street Oceanside. Following annual maintenance and cleaning the rink re-opens this weekend on February 12, 2021!
For more information visit our website at www.CarouselHotel.com.
- Shopping
From the Ocean City Outlets to local boutiques, the Gold Coast Mall and even outlets up the road in Rehoboth, DE, this beach town offers any type of retail therapy. In visiting the businesses, both small and large, all have remained to follow COVID protocol in only allowing a certain number of shoppers in stores at one time by keeping track at the door, while also having shopping carts sanitized and of course masks on.
- Golfing
If you prefer to keep your activities to the outdoors, Ocean City features 17 championship golf courses designed by pros such as Jack Nicklaus, Arthur Hills, Gary Player, Pete and P.B. Dye and Dr. Michael Hurdzan. While golfing on the shores of Ocean City keep an eye out for bluebirds, mallards, purple martins, sparrow hawks and so much more.
To explore more about golf in Ocean City visit https://ococean.com/things-to-do/golf.
- Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island is only a few miles away from Ocean City, and is well worth the drive. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, coastal bays and wild ponies! This beach is no different in Ocean City allowing plenty of room for visitors to keep a distance from each other and the ponies.
For more info visit their website at www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm.
- Fishing
During COVID fishing tournaments remained popular in Ocean City, including the world’s largest billfish tournament the White Marlin Open who created a second viewing location where visitors could watch the weigh-ins from a remote outdoor location just a few streets down from the tournament’s home base. If you’re not the competitive type then keep it simple and fish off of a pier in the Bay or set up a quiet spot on the beach. Either way, Ocean City has proven to provide some of the best catches around!
To gather the best info on fishing in Ocean City visit https://fishinoc.com/.
- Don’t forget your sweets before you leave!
For many, a trip to Dolle’s Candyland, Candy Kitchen or Fisher’s Popcorn before they leave has become a tradition for many while in Ocean City. It is hard to miss out on these delectable treats, in fact why not take a stash with you to enjoy while spending more time at home.
