Otherwise known as the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, this museum is located right on the Ocean City Boardwalk, at the extreme Southern end and fairly obvious to spot. The Museum takes a look at Coastguard history in the area, marine life and tells fascinating stories about the history of Ocean City and some of the characters who helped shape the town and the surrounding areas. The Museum’s mission is to inspire and support the natural and cultural history of Ocean City as well as to educate and help to preserve the coastal areas at present.
The Museum overlooks the Inlet and the Assateague Island and there is plenty of parking available on site if you want to drive to the museum and park up for the day. If you are staying somewhere locally for a break, such as one of the hotels near Ocean City MD then you could make use of the bus which travels up and down the Coastal Highway. There is also the tram which follows the length of the boardwalk as well and is a fun attraction all on its own. The tram heads from the Inlet to the North Booth on 27th Street and it will stop at almost any location along its route to let passengers off; if you stay on the tram then you will be treated to a detour which takes you on the pier close to the ocean and is well worth experiencing.
There are some other interesting attractions located close to the Coastguard Museum which could be reached on foot or by hopping back aboard the tram or the bus. These include Trimper’s Rides and Amusement Park which is less than a minute walk from the Museum, heading north away from the Inlet and which offers fun for the whole family. Further along the coast you have Jolly Roger at the Pier and Ripleys Believe It or Not! which are more or less opposite one another and Ocean Gallery which is located on Boardwalk and 2nd Street and which is an eccentric fine art gallery and a landmark of the area. There are also plenty of places to head if you want to round off your day with some fishing; the Oceanic Fishing Pier being the main option if you want to stay in the locality of the Museum.
The Inlet isn’t short on restaurants either with a good variety to choose from. Almost directly adjacent to the Museum you have Harrison’s Harbor Watch which offers a menu featuring classic seafood dishes as well as an enviable view of the water. Further up the South Boardwalk you have a good collection of restaurants all within striking distance.
If you want to enjoy some shopping then your best bet is to wander back up the Boardwalk. There are shops dotted all along this stretch which sell everything from surf equipment to jewelry and you can shop at your leisure whilst admiring the waterfront views.