Flights to Salisbury

Ocean City's history as a fun, family-friendly oceanfront resort town spans more than 100 years, and not even Hurricane Sandy could dampen the spirits of this East Coast vacation hotspot. Around 8 million visitors make their way to Ocean City every year, and that includes couples, families and beach enthusiasts of all kinds.

To get the lay of the land, start at the Ocean City Boardwalk, a flashy 2.5-mile promenade lined with a broad selection of shops, restaurants, bars and sweet shops. It's been named one of the best boardwalks in the nation by both USA Today and National Geographic.

Anxious to get to the beach? There are plenty of access points along the way that lead down to the vast beachfront, where you can rent umbrellas and chairs to relax and watch ocean waves roll in. If you have more active ambitions, seek out a water sports equipment vendor who will hook you up with whatever you need to boogie board, kite board, kayak or parasail.

There's really no reason to ever find yourself hungry in Ocean City. All types of food — from top-notch fare to quick-and-casual family favorites — can be found along the Boardwalk and in town. After dinner, find a cure for your sweet tooth with some local saltwater taffy or a scoop of hand-dipped ice cream.

After the sun sets, Ocean City starts its second shift as a nightlife mecca, bringing out partiers of all ages with live music, entertainment and drink specials paired with ocean views.