Photo by Stephanie Granada

When I told people I was going to Ocean City this week, few even knew where exactly the town was let alone what was there. And that’s a shame because it truly is a beautiful beach town filled with friendly locals, fresh seafood spots, and one of the country’s most iconic boardwalks. Here are some of our favorite OC attractions. 

The pier at end of the Boardwalk, which jets out nearly 500 feet into the Atlantic, was almost entirely wiped away by Hurricane Sandy last year. Three months and millions of dollars later, the 1907 icon is starting to look like its old self again. The city is working diligently to have the pier fully restored by the time the tourism season starts in April.

Photo by Stephanie Granada

Assateague State Park, known for its population of wild horses, is visible from the Ocean City inlet and is just a 10-minute drive from downtown. We didn’t see any wild horses on our visit, but it was still worth the detour for this wintery view of the water.

Photo by Stephanie Granada

The bay side of Assateague Park, which is also where the Assateague National Seashore begins, is just as beautiful as the beach side.

Photo by Stephanie Granada

Photo by Stephanie Granada

You can’t throw a beach pebble in Ocean City without hitting a crab house. These little guys were spotted and then thoroughly enjoyed at the Crab Bag on Coastal Highway.

Photo by Stephanie Granada

Most restaurants have Maryland’s famous Smith Island Cake on its menu. The 10-layer cake has been made on Smith Island since the 1800s. And yes, it’s good enough to merit its standing as Maryland’s official dessert.

Photo by Stephanie Granada

Dolle’s salt water taffy is a must when cruising the Boardwalk.

Photo by Stephanie Granada

Seacrets was named one of the best beach bars in the world by Travel Channel. Word is, in the peak of summer Seacrets is quite a revelry. With its sultry Caribbean vibe, more than a dozen bars, and cocktail waitresses that will deliver drink to your inner tube, it suits the thousands of summertime visitors that are ready to let loose just right. But you can get a feel for the place minus the boozy guests if you go for lunch or on the off season. The sunset view of the bay is truly breathtaking.