Even if you're only passing through Ocean City, you can't help but spend time on the boardwalk. This kitschy 3-mile long pedestrian route is flanked by soft sand and the Atlantic on one side and a mix of hotels, eateries, souvenir shops, bars and rides on the other. Most of the area's popular sights can be found here, including Ripley's Believe it or Not!, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and Trimper's Rides and Amusements. 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.

Recent visitors praised 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. 

The boardwalk is free to access. Those with pets should note animals are prohibited from the boardwalk from the beginning of May until the end of September. If your feet tire of traversing the boardwalk, consider hopping on the Boardwalk Tram, which travels the entire length of the boardwalk. The tram makes stops at any location along the route and costs $4 per person per ride. For more information, check out the boardwalk website.