Ask an OC Insider

There is no way to avoid crossing ANY bridges, or even to avoid any tall or long bridges to get from Ohio to OC. You will need to cross either the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (shown below, 4.6 miles long and about 200 feet above the water), Delaware Route 1 bridge over the Chesapeake and Delaware (C&D) Canal (just under a mile long, 100 feet off the water - other C&D bridges are similar) or the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (Not high, but 17.6 miles long, and really not a good route from Ohio) to get to OC.

I would recommend either taking the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (shorter route to OC) or Route 1 C&D bridge (shorter and lower bridge).

Kent Island Express offers a service where they will drive you across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, as many people don't like driving over this bridge. Call them at 410.604.0486 to find out all about their services, schedules, and costs.

Sea Shell City (302.539.9366) in nearby Fenwick Island used to sell metal detecting equipment in their museum area (upstairs) and maybe still do so. They may also rent the equipment. Call them at 302.539.9366 or 888.743.5524 for more information.

Ace Hardware at 69th once rented them, and maybe still does. I think they only had one of them available. Call them at 410.524.2300 to find out more and maybe reserve one.

You do not need a license or any permission to metal detect on OC's beaches, but it is prohibited on Assateague.

When you get on the bus you pay and the driver will give you your pass. Find out more about the buses in OC here.

The tram runs the entire 2-1/4 mile length of the boardwalk. The 2019 cost is $4 per person for a one-way ride. You can get on or off by waving the conductor down, but you pay every time you get on. Find out more about the boardwalk tram here.

Umbrellas will cost about $20/day and chairs about $12 per day (costs vary a little by operator and location, but these costs are pretty close). There is a rental stand on the beach at the end of 21st Street, directly across form the south end of the Grand Hotel.

Yes, medical scooters are allowed on the boardwalk to assist those who have trouble walking.

The 2019 evening tram fare is $4 per person, per-boarding. Find out all about the tram here.

I assume you mean College Park, MD. It is about an hour from there to the Bay Bridge, so I would plan to leave College Park NLT 7am. The Bay Bridge tolls start getting backed up between 8 and 9am on Saturdays during the summer.

The best Route is the Inner loop of the Beltway (I-495) to US Route 50 East. Continue on Route 50 East about 140 miles. Route 50 East ends in Ocean City.

The beach access is and always is free. The best part of Ocean City is the free beach.