Ocean City, Md. gets national acclaim for its boardwalk and other family attractions. Photo: ococean.com

OCMD Among 25 Best Beaches in U.S.

Ocean City, Md. has long been known as one of the Bay region’s go-to vacation spots—the salty ocean water and crashing waves feels like an escape, but is still an easy car ride from the smaller waterways of the Chesapeake.

Now, a new national ranking shows that Ocean City holds an allure for folks beyond the regional visitors who go “down the Ocean (hon)”. Travel & Leisure named Ocean City, Md. among the 25 best beaches in the whole U.S., a list of spots that are “notable for their attractions, location, or unique amenities.”

Travel & Leisure puts Ocean City alongside Poipu Beach on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, and Coronado Beach, Calif., a dreamy island town outside San Diego.

The travel media company describes Ocean City this way:

“Ten miles of white-sand beach plus a three-mile boardwalk packed with amusement park rides, bike rentals, shops, and delectable treats make Ocean City Beach a popular vacation spot. You’ll find a variety of hotels, restaurants, and even a brewery on the boardwalk. Jet skiing, surf fishing, and fishing charters are popular here as well.”

Events abound throughout the season, from this weekend’s 31st annual Cruisin Ocean City full of hot rods and classic cars to the OC Air Show on June 11-12 featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds.

While Ocean City may not seem as exotic as, say, Hawaii, on the “Best Beaches” ranking, there’s certainly plenty to do in the resort town.

You can see the full list of Travel & Leisure’s best beaches here.

-Meg Walburn Viviano