Things to do while Visiting Ocean City

Located in Maryland, Ocean City or often called as the Town of Ocean City is the second most populated municipality in Maryland. Every year, up to 8 million tourists visit the town because of its pristine beaches, waterparks, and its Boardwalk. Ocean City is indeed a very popular beach town on the East Coast filled with different sorts of entertainment for the whole family. The Boardwalk alone boasts of three-mile pure goodness; lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. 

As there are lots of things to do while visiting Ocean City, it’s easy to get confused about where to start amid the excitement. Here are some of the best things to do in Ocean City. 

It’s best to start your adventure at Ocean City Boardwalk, or officially known as Atlantic Avenue. First opened in 1902, it ranks as one of the best boardwalks in the US. Lined with luxury shops, great restaurants, luxury hotels and museums, Ocean City Boardwalk gives you a glimpse of the exuberant life locals are living for decades. 

One great thing about visiting the Boardwalk is you can enjoy sightseeing while learning more about the culture and history of the town. Most of the businesses found in the Boardwalk had been serving people for centuries. 

One landmark that is sure worth the visit is the 100-year old oak carved by the Inlet Indian sculpture of the Assateague Indian located alongside the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and the United States Coast Guard Tower. You might want to see the oldest fixtures in town the Trimper's Carousel, as it’s the perfect way to cap your tour. 

The best thing in life is free, and you can enjoy it in Ocean City in a day out in the beach at Ocean City Beach. Stretching for about 10 miles, these family-friendly beaches are famous for their fun recreational activities. Local also flock these beaches for a fun-filled day of surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. Avid boaters also love Ocean City waters, as they find it more relaxing and pretty easy to reel in their day’s catch. 

Then there’s Jolly Roger Amusement Park, a combination of parks, amusement rides, waterslides, and family-friendly games. The park has a petting zoo, racing carts, mini golf, and lots of rides and other attractions. The Jolly Roger Amusement Park caters to all from toddlers to thrill seeker teenagers, this amusement park has it all. 

One thing you may notice in Ocean City is how these cute Candy Kitchens swarm the place. It’s a great place to go if you have a sweet tooth, as they offer all sorts of candy goodness. From taffies, chocolates, gummies, pretzels, and fudge, you can bet Candy Kitchen makes them fresh and oh so delightful. 

Dating back since 1937, Candy Kitchen is known for its salt water taffy, mouthwatering chocolates, and delicious fudge. Don’t forget to stop at Fractured Prune Donuts, it’s also a good snack to carry around whether you are going to the beach or just lounge around the pier. They’ve been making freshly bakes donuts since 1976, and that may speak for itself. 

Interesting Tourist Attractions in Norfolk

Located in the state of Virginia, Norfolk is known to be a vibrant city full of cultural diversity, delicious cuisine, and filled with all sorts of entertainment for tourists. In its western region sits the Elizabeth River and to its northern region rests the Chesapeake Bay. Because of its proximity to these two large bodies of water, Norfolk is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Hampton Roads; a city which has a rich history and beautiful cultural ethnicity. According to the 2010 census, Norfolk houses about 245,000 residents, making it as the second most populated city after Virginia Beach. 

Because of its perfect location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, numerous rivers, waterways covered its 144 miles of land. With that in mind, there are no surprises that the government established several maritime and naval bases in Norfolk. 

The art scene in Norfolk is also something to look forward to as it does not disappoint. Its thriving art community welcomes art enthusiasts no matter what their preferences be, lined with studies and galleries; Norfolk has a lot to offer for the artistic minds. Tourists who explored Norfolk had raved about its world-class cuisine from the traditional Southern flavors to the authentic European Cuisines- Norfolk restaurants can tickle the taste buds of every appetite. 

Tourists attractions literally lined the streets of Norfolk but there are certain places that are a must see whenever visiting this interesting city. 

Battleship Wisconsin and the Nauticus Maritime Center 

Within the waters of Norfolk floats one of the most memorable battleship ever created in the US history – Wisconsin, a decommissioned WWII Battleship operated by Nauticus. As one of the biggest battleship built for the US Navy, Wisconsin served its time during the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Built in 1943, this massive battleship still marvels visitors from all over the world. Visitors can walk the interior of Wisconsin, a self-guided tour which people can view the series of display related to the history of this battleship. 

Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises 

If seeing one of the largest battleships isn’t enough, then the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises is a great way to explore Norfolk waters. They have narrated tour cruise including the Portsmouth Coast Guard Station, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, and shipyards near Norfolk. Don’t miss this tourist spot as it’s the largest of its kind and it’s never easy finding one again. They take tourists on board their 150-passenger boat with snack bars and lots of stories to tell along the way. 

Chrysler Museum of Art 

With a thriving art scene, the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk is a great way to spend the day. They offer free entrance with inspirational collections of art and other unique exhibits, the museum has one of the leading glass collections in the US. Their collections can inspire people who not an avid fan of the art world. Chrysler Museum of Art has extensive art collections from ancient art, to European and American painting and contemporary art. 

Must-See Attractions in New Jersey South Shore

Located in the New Jersey’s southern area, New Jersey South Shore remains as one of the popular attraction in the east coast. Although there is no precise geographical boundary between North Jersey Shore and New Jersey South Shore this means there are more places for visitors to enjoy whenever visiting the place. 

As a thriving place, the New Jersey State Department of Tourism listed New Jersey South Shore as one of the six tourism regions in the state. New Jersey South Shore coastlines rest along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay while it's inland area is still part of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Many considered New Jersey South Shore as a land of fun and charm. Spreading almost 30 miles of pure sandy beaches, New Jersey South Shore offers a lot of fun recreational activities like fishing and all sorts of water sports. 

With its amazing boardwalks, amusement parks, famous restaurants, great breweries, and a historic village, New Jersey South Shore is indeed a world class eco-tourism on its own. Travel in its southernmost part, one can find the Cape May, considered as a National Historic Landmark in the country, visitors can shop along its cobblestone streets and into the Victorian-era buildings and houses. There are about 600 Victorian styled buildings to see and anyone can dine in their top gourmet restaurants. As touristy as it may sound, here are some of the places that are hard to miss, as these are part of the whole New Jersey South Shore experience. 

Lucy the Elephant 

Let Lucy the Elephant greet you on your first day while touring a whole lot of New Jersey South Shore. This 6-story (yes you guessed it) elephant-shaped building dates back in 1881 and still considered as a waterfront landmark in the area. They offer tours and views from inside out of this quirky shaped building. Indulge yourself in a whole day of fun exploring ‘Lucy’ while shopping for some souvenir from their gift shop. They have plenty of parking spaces, so you can just pull over in this largest ‘road-side attraction in the country. 

Atlantic City Boardwalk 

Never miss the most iconic oceanfront in New Jersey, Atlantic City Boardwalk dates back from the 1870s but have a lot of shops and restaurants to choose from. You can just stroll leisurely the boardwalk and just enjoy the sights while appreciating its historical value. Go ahead and indulge yourself with some hot dog, a slice of their homemade pizza or just a couple scoops of ice cream. The ocean views are amazing and it’s worth your time to visit this place. 

Jenkinson's Boardwalk 

Another must-see attraction in New Jersey South Shore, Jenkinson's Boardwalk is known for its family-friendly rides, mini-golf courses, and arcade. If you have kids in tow, this is the place to take them, let them enjoy a variety of rides to choose from. Don’t be scared if you get depleted, there are tons of food choices along Jenkinson's Boardwalk. Locals would often recommend that you stay the whole day exploring the place so you and your kids can have a wonderful time together. 

The Best Tourists Spots in Narragansett Bay

An estuary located on the north side of Rhode Island Sound, Narragansett Bay forms the largest estuary in New England. Its home to hundreds of animal species and act as a wide natural harbor in the state of Rhode Island, some of its islands even extend as far as Massachusetts. A total of 30 islands scattered all over the Bay including Conanicut Island, Prudence Island and Aquidneck Island as the three largest islands. 

Narragansett Bay history can be traced back in the time when two different Indian tribes used to inhabit the area, the Narragansett tribe occupied the west side of the bay while the Wampanoag Tribe reside on the east side near Cape Cod. Most people considered that the Italian voyager Giovanni da Verrazzano was the first non-native people who set foot on the island. He sailed his ship La Dauphine in 1524 in Narragansett Bay after visiting New York Bay. He first called the island as Refugio, meaning the "Refuge" as it has several docking areas paving the way for open forests where it is suitable for travel "even by a large army". 

Soon after the Adriaen Block, a Dutch navigator became curious about the place and mapped Narragansett Bay in 1614. In honor of his commitment and dedication of mapping the island in its entirety, locals named the Block Island after him. 

There are more to Narragansett Bay than meets the eye, as there are several tourists spot to go around with. Here are some of the top rated places to visit in Narragansett Bay. 

Point Judith Lighthouse 

This 51-foot historical lighthouse had seen it all and was even devastated by a memorable 1815 hurricane. Even to this day, it’s a functional lighthouse and an active Coast Guard base. They had had place a designated viewing area so visitors can see the magnificent view from the lighthouse. If you are a lighthouse lover, then this is the place you will surely love in Narragansett Bay. People who had been in the place would often recommend visiting the area during the wee hours of the morning and letting the beautiful sunrise greet you. Point Judith Lighthouse has a public access beach area perfect for kite flying, sunbathing, and swimming. 

Roger W Wheeler State Beach 

Located just miles of Galilee, Roger W Wheeler State Beach or more commonly known as the Sand Hill Cove is the most perfect place for families with small children. It’s far the cleanest beach in Narragansett Bay with tiny waves your little ones will surely love. The shallow water is perfect for beginner swimmers as it heats up faster and stays warmer for a long time. Even on the busiest days, Sand Hill Cove is a delight as they have restrooms equipped with shower rooms, playground, and a lot of concession stands. Most families love it for its sands as it has fewer rocks than most beaches and plenty of parking area. Never leave the beach without first seeing the amazing sunset in Sand Hill Cove. 

Theatre by the Sea 

After swimming in Narragansett Bay famous beaches, why not delight your other senses as well in watching one of the great shows in Theatre by the Sea. The theatre had entertained countless families over the course of 60 years with Broadway musicals and new plays like Annie and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats. Then enjoy the soft cool breeze after the show dining out in one of its famous restaurants.