Best area for Ocean City

Question

Visiting OC July 7th -10th

My questions are: we're wanting ocean front accommodations, night life, not far from Jolly Rodgers ( or whatever park with ferris wheel) seafood restaurants within walking distance and would rather not have a bunch of children at our accommodations.

Thanks so much for your time

Answer

For your July visit to Ocean City, MD, it sounds like you’re looking for an area that balances oceanfront views, nightlife, convenient access to Jolly Roger Amusement Park, good seafood, and a slightly more adult-oriented atmosphere. Here’s a detailed overview to help you plan your stay.

The best area to meet these preferences is generally the North Ocean City / 27th–33rd Street area and parts of the Downtown / Boardwalk area near 1st–15th Street, depending on your priorities:

North Ocean City (27th–33rd Street): This area is a bit quieter than the main boardwalk but still within walking distance to the beach. You can find oceanfront condos and hotels that cater more to adults, reducing the number of children at the property. Several seafood restaurants and bars are within walking distance. Jolly Roger Amusement Park is just a short walk or quick ride north, making it convenient for your plans.
Downtown / Boardwalk area (1st–15th Street): This is the hub of nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants, and attractions right on the boardwalk. You’ll have easy access to popular seafood restaurants, live music, and entertainment, but this area tends to be busier with families and children. If nightlife is a top priority, this is the prime location.

Additional recommendations to enhance your experience:

Look for adult-oriented or “resort-style” oceanfront accommodations that may have age restrictions or are marketed as quieter stays, which can help reduce the presence of children.
Check for condos or vacation rentals around 27th–33rd Street, which are close to both the boardwalk and Jolly Roger but often cater more to adults and couples.
Plan your evenings around the downtown area if you want the full nightlife experience, as most bars and entertainment are concentrated near 1st–15th Street.
For seafood, consider restaurants like The Shark on 29th Street, Dead Freddies, or the classic Phillips Seafood on the boardwalk, all offering great options within walking distance depending on where you stay.

In summary, for a combination of oceanfront accommodations, access to nightlife, proximity to Jolly Roger, and fewer children, the north end of Ocean City around 27th–33rd Street is ideal. You can enjoy quieter evenings by your hotel while still being a short walk or ride to restaurants, the boardwalk, and amusement park attractions.

Best area for Ocean City

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