The Best Vacation Rentals to Book in Ocean City, Maryland

Stroll the boardwalk like a local with a stay in a vacation rental in Ocean City, Maryland | © Tracey Whitefoot / Alamy Stock Photo

Nick Dauk

22 December 2021

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Who says you need to stay at a resort to do Ocean City right? We think that having your own private vacation rental in Ocean City and spending a bit of extra time there will enable you to stroll the Maryland shoreline like a local. You’ll still have access to all of the thrills on the boardwalk and fishing holes along the bay, all while enjoying home-like conveniences with resort-style amenities. Check out these Ocean City vacation rentals where you can enjoy your vacation without checking into a hotel – all bookable on Culture Trip.

The Marylander Condo & Hotel, for proximity to the sand

Exterior of the Marylander Condo and Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland, with parking underneath

Courtesy of the Marylander Condo and Hotel / Expedia

The Marylander claims that these Ocean City condos to rent are within 90 steps to the beach. We think you can make it in 60 or less. As long as you don’t get detoured at the third-floor sun deck or game room, you can hopscotch to the shoreline without any problems. For beach-free fun, head behind the hotel to the waterside Northside Park for access to sports fields, a playground and a fishing pier. Don’t feel like cooking? Head to Ledo Pizza or Higgins Crab House North, both a couple of minutes’ stroll.

Sandy Square Resort By Kees Vacations, for sunbathing on Maryland Beach

Apartment

Living room with grey couches, fireplace, flatscreen TV and sliding doors to ocean-view balcony at Sandy Square Resort By Kees Vacations

Courtesy of Sandy Square Resort By Kees Vacations / Expedia

Scope out the northern side of the shoreline at these beachfront condos. Look down at the water from your balcony, enjoying the breakfast crab cakes cooked up in your kitchen. These are one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments, though you should invite a partner to cozy up beside the fireplace. Head north away from the crowded boardwalk to catch some rays at Maryland Beach or cross the border and get your glow in Delaware’s Fenwick Island State Park.

Americana Condos 10th Street, for avid fishermen

View of balcony-fronted building housing Americana Condos 10th Street in Ocean City, Maryland

Courtesy of Americana Condos 10th Street / Expedia

Don’t think of this as an Ocean City vacation rental; envision it as your own fishing condo on the shores of Maryland. All apartments have three bedrooms, though you can be the lucky guest who snags the balcony unit. If you can’t reel it in, no worries. You’ll be spending most of your time fishing the channel at the 9th Street Pier. Nothing biting? Two more fishing piers are waiting at the end of the boardwalk, plus the option of enjoying build-your-own burgers and coconut shrimp at the Brass Balls Saloon, a five-minute walk away.

Ocean High by Capital Vacations, for family-friendly fun

Row of condos with balconies facing the bay at Ocean High by Capital Vacations in Ocean City, Maryland

Courtesy of Ocean High by Capital Vacations / Expedia

Skip the resorts and still have a wild holiday at Ocean High. These Ocean City vacation condos have more than merely full-kitchen convenience; you get fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs and laundry facilities in every two- and three-bedroom unit. An indoor pool, playground and basketball court keep the fun on-property. Off-property, you’ll find a reserved slip for your jet ski, Splash Mountain Water Park and Jolly Roger Amusement Park, all visible from the top of the sparkling Ocean City Giant Wheel.

Wilmington Terrace, for tranquil convenience close to the beach

Bedroom with double and twin bed, tile floors and wood-paneled walls at Wilmington Terrace in Ocean City, Maryland

Courtesy of Wilmington Terrace / Expedia

Living like a local comes easy at the apartments of Wilmington Terrace, just three blocks from the waterfront. These two- and three-bedroom vacation rentals in Ocean City are within walking distance of your daily to-dos. The bike shop, the boardwalk and the beachfront are one block from your humble abode. The Brass Balls Saloon is a solid stop for a nightcap, but don’t worry about any late-night shenanigans disturbing your sleep. Wilmington Terrace is within safe, quiet surroundings.

Saint Tropez by Capital Vacations, for chillin’ with ocean views

Large oceanfront balcony at Saint Tropez by Capital Vacations in Ocean City, Maryland

Courtesy of Saint Tropez by Capital Vacations / Expedia

When you’re sitting on the balcony of your Ocean City vacation rental, looking out over the prime stretch of sand out front, beyond the heated outdoor pool, what do you put in your cup? One would assume coffee, as your two-or-three bedroom condo will have sunrise ocean views from this platform. The two-minute walk to the beach may convince you to spend the sunlit hours on the sand. Perhaps, lemonade or cocktails, then? Or just pour a cup of whatever your vacation buddies are drinking.

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