Even if you're only passing through Ocean City, you can't help but spend time on the boardwalk. This kitschy three-mile long pedestrian route is flanked by soft sand and the Atlantic on one side and a mish-mash of hotels, eateries, souvenir shops, bars and rides on the other. Most of the area's popular sites can be found here, including Ripley's Believe it or Not!, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and Trimper's Rides and Amusements.

Recent visitors praise the Boardwalk as an idyllic vacation spot for kids, citing the arcade games and amusement park rides as particular highlights. Many also said it's a great place for people-watching and suggest grabbing an ice cream and finding a bench to relax on. So whether you're looking to nosh on famous Maryland blue crabs, see a shrunken head, ride a roller-coaster or party the night away, this is the place to go. Those with pets should note animals are prohibited from the Boardwalk from the beginning of May until the end of September. For more information, check out the Boardwalk website.