Greater Offerings: Ocean City
Ocean City, Maryland, has always been considered a family-friendly East Coast resort. Now, the offerings are even greater for student groups, performing groups and multigenerational groups. The addition of the new Performing Arts Center, located within the Ocean City Convention Center, brings a 1,200-seat multilevel venue to this resort town. Ocean City provides a fun backdrop for performing groups, as outside venues could be arranged near the world-famous, three-mile Boardwalk and several parks.
"Voluntourism" is alive and well in Ocean City: Groups could add a volunteer component to their trip with a local charity such as Diakonia or more environmental offerings with the Coastal Bays programs. The area, sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the country's largest estuary, the Chesapeake Bay, is an excellent location for educational trips. Two national parks—Assateague Island National Seashore and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge—are within short driving distance of Ocean City.
Assateague boasts the wild ponies roaming free, with opportunities for programs conducted by park rangers. Blackwater is famous for the Atlantic Flyway's migrating birds and its resident bald eagles. Soon, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park will come online, right outside the entrance to Blackwater.
Just south of Ocean City, groups could avail themselves of the Delmarva Discovery Center—a mecca of rural heritage—and NASA's Wallops Island Flight Facility, on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Tours may be arranged according to groups' unique interests at this active launch facility.
Ocean City is your base for these venues, with a multitude of accommodations, dining and attractions to suit any age group. Learn more online at www.ococean.com or contact Norma Dobrowolski, Destination Sales Manager, CVB/Department of Tourism, at ndobrowolski@ococean.com or 800.626.2326.
Photo courtesy of Allen Sklar Photography.
