Average Weather
No matter when you come, bring your umbrella! Monthly rainfall year round is in excess of three inches. August has the most rain, averaging over five inches. Ocean City sees all four seasons. Fall and spring are mild and warm. In June and July, the average daytime highs are in the 80s. January is the coldest month with highs in the low 40s and average lows in the mid 20s.
Transportation
Salisbury-Ocean City Regional Airport is approximately 30 minutes from Ocean City. US Airways offers flights to and from Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia. For USAir reservations call 800-438-4322. Numerous limo services are available to whisk you to the shore. Carolina Trailways offers service to Ocean City.
Public transportation in Ocean City spares you from parking woes. You can ride the bus all over the area for a mere dollar, service runs 24 hours with stops every other block along Coastal Highway, Philadelphia Avenue and Baltimore Avenue. During the summer buses run every 10 minutes. From Easter through September trains run the Boardwalk every 20 minutes, the fare is $1.50. Have exact change to ride the bus or train.
In-Season Costs
You can spend a lot or a little in Ocean City. Some super seafood restaurants tempt you to drop $50 on dinner, but a moderately priced evening meal will only set you back between $15 and $20. The usual array of fast food and sandwich shop options are around town. Budget a bit for entertainment. Many companies compete for your dollars -- from daytime cruises to nightlife offerings. In-season room costs can run from $110 up to $220 per night for an oceanfront room. Book early for the best deals and keep in mind that shoulder and low season rates can be incredible bargains.
Day Trips
Just south of Ocean City is Assateague Island National Seashore. Located on a 37-mile long barrier reef island, Maryland’s only state park, Assateague State Park offers campsites, bike trails, canoeing, fishing, and rental boats. Wild ponies roam the beaches and dunes. According to one legend the ponies are descendants of ponies that survive the wreck of a Spanish ship. Other people believe early English settlers brought them. In addition to ponies many deer inhabit the area. The park has been named in numerous surveys as one of the best state parks in the USA. Wild pony watching cruises can be arranged through a commercial company called Assateague Explorer; contact them at 1-866-PONY SWIM for information. Expect to spend at least four hours to really enjoy the park and take your mosquito repellant.
