{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2678,"slug":"94th-street-beach-ocean-city","name":"94th Street Beach","country":"USA","state":"Maryland","city":"Ocean City","coords":{"lat":38.392,"lng":-75.0616},"beachType":null,"tags":["hidden"],"article":{"hero":"The boardwalk ends at 27th Street, but locals know the real escape begins seven blocks north. At 94th Street Beach, the rhythm changes—fewer transistor radios, more shorebirds; fewer throngs of teenagers, more parents teaching children to boogie board in waist-deep waves. The sand here feels the same beneath your feet, fine and pale gold, but the elbow room transforms the experience. You can actually hear the crash and hiss of breakers instead of competing sound systems.\n\nPark along Coastal Highway and cross a narrow dune path flanked by sea oats that shiver in the onshore breeze. Lifeguard stands appear in summer, but the vibe stays residential—think beach towels and Igloo coolers rather than cabanas and cocktail service. The water enters gradually, ideal for young swimmers still mastering their ocean confidence, and the waves break gently enough for first-time boogie boarders to feel heroic.\n\nBy late afternoon, when the sun angles west over the bay side of this barrier island, the beach empties further. Families pack up sandy toys and damp towels, leaving behind only footprints and the occasional lost flip-flop. It's Ocean City as it must have been decades ago—before high-rises claimed every inch of skyline, when a day at the beach meant nothing more complicated than salt, sun, and the reliable return of the tide.","teaser":"You'll know you've found 94th Street Beach when the sound of arcade games fades and the smell of salt air replaces funnel cake. Here, at Ocean City's quieter northern reach, families claim patches of sand with striped umbrellas while toddlers chase foam where the Atlantic meets the shore.","uniqueAngle":"This is Ocean City's beach as locals remember it—before the resort swallowed the shoreline, when family time trumped entertainment.","accessType":"Drive-up","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"swim","title":"Gentle Wave Entry","subtitle":"Gradual slope, perfect for toddlers"},{"icon":"surf","title":"Boogie Board Runs","subtitle":"Forgiving breaks for first-timers"},{"icon":"sun","title":"Uncrowded Lounging","subtitle":"Spread out without bumping umbrellas"},{"icon":"food","title":"Beachside Picnics","subtitle":"Coolers welcome, no vendor pressure"}],"audience":{"surfer":"This isn't your go-to break—waves here run ankle to waist-high most days, peaky and soft, closing out fast on the sandbar. Longboarders might snag a few mellow rides on clean mornings when northeast swells push in during fall, but the real surf action lies south at the Inlet. The lineup stays mellow because serious riders head elsewhere. If you're teaching someone to read whitewater or working on a grom's pop-up timing, the forgivingshore break and sandy bottom make this a low-consequence classroom. Skip the wax and bring the foam top.","couples":"Book a room at one of the small motels along Coastal Highway in the 90s streets—the Fenwick Inn or Castle in the Sand—where you'll trade resort amenities for actual peace. Walk to the beach as the sun drops, when the families have retreated and the sand cools underfoot. The shoreline stretches empty in both directions, ideal for that barefoot stroll where conversation flows easier than in crowded restaurants. For dinner, drive ten minutes north to Fenwick Island, where Nantuckets offers rockfish and wine without Ocean City's buffet-and-bikini scene. Return to your balcony with takeout crabs and let the Atlantic provide the soundtrack.","backpacker":"Free street parking exists if you arrive before 10 a.m. along side streets in the high 90s; no meters, no beach tags required. The ocean's free entertainment, and a boogie board from the Walmart on Route 50 costs under twenty dollars. Sleep cheap at the Atlantic House B&B a few blocks away, or split an Airbnb efficiency in the residential blocks—often half the price of boardwalk hotels. Pack sandwiches from Food Lion and refill water bottles at public restrooms. The 501 bus runs Coastal Highway for two dollars, connecting you to southern nightlife without Uber fees.","local":"You already know to come after 4 p.m. on weekdays in July when the day-trippers have fled back to Delaware or D.C. The sweet spot sits between 96th and 98th Streets, where the dune grass grows thicker and the beach widens at low tide. Bring a seine net at dawn in August—you'll catch sand fleas for fishing bait before anyone else arrives. When nor'easters churn the water brown in October, this stretch clears completely while southern beaches still draw the diehards. Park at 94th, walk north, and you'll own a mile of Atlantic coastline.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"94th Street Beach is generally considered family-friendly with calmer waters than some Ocean City beaches due to its northerly location. The beach has seasonal lifeguard coverage during summer months, typically from late May through early September. Always swim near lifeguard stations when available and check daily surf conditions and flag warnings. The beach features gentle slopes and sandbars that create shallow wading areas suitable for children. However, ocean conditions can change quickly, so supervise children closely and be aware of rip currents, which can occur at any beach.","q":"Is 94th Street Beach safe for swimming with kids?"},{"a":"Summer (June through August) offers the warmest water temperatures and full amenities, but expect larger crowds on weekends. For a quieter experience, visit during shoulder seasons in May or September when weather remains pleasant with temperatures in the 70s, though water may be cooler. Early mornings year-round provide the most peaceful beach experience. The beach is accessible in winter for walks and beachcombing, though swimming isn't recommended. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends throughout the year, making them ideal for families seeking space.","q":"What is the best time to visit 94th Street Beach in Ocean City?"},{"a":"Street parking is available along 94th Street and nearby residential streets, though spaces fill quickly during summer weekends. Ocean City requires paid parking in most areas from May through September, with rates varying by location. Some nearby streets offer free parking, but check signs carefully for restrictions. Arrive early morning for best availability, especially on weekends. The northernmost municipal lot is at 75th Street if street parking is unavailable. Consider biking or using Ocean City's seasonal bus service as alternative transportation options during peak season.","q":"Where can I park near 94th Street Beach?"},{"a":"The 94th Street Beach area is primarily residential with fewer commercial establishments than downtown Ocean City. You'll find some casual dining options, convenience stores, and small shops within a few blocks along Coastal Highway. For more extensive dining and shopping, head south toward midtown Ocean City (around 40th-60th Streets) or downtown. Many visitors bring coolers and beach supplies since immediate beachfront amenities are limited. Nearby accommodations include vacation rentals, condos, and some smaller hotels. The quieter setting appeals to families preferring a residential beach atmosphere over boardwalk energy.","q":"Are there restaurants and shops near 94th Street Beach?"},{"a":"Located in Ocean City's northernmost section, 94th Street Beach attracts fewer crowds than the popular midtown and boardwalk beaches, making it a local favorite for families seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. The residential setting provides a quieter beach experience with more space to spread out, especially compared to the bustling southern beaches. Its distance from the main boardwalk entertainment means less noise and congestion while still offering the same quality sand and ocean access. This laid-back vibe makes it particularly appealing to visitors prioritizing peaceful beach time over proximity to attractions.","q":"Why is 94th Street Beach considered a hidden gem in Ocean City?"}]},"seo":{"title":"94th Street Beach: Ocean City's Quiet Family Sanctuary","description":"Uncrowded sands and gentle waves define this northern Ocean City retreat where families spread blankets without jostling for space. Discover Maryland's peaceful shore.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7889/33352510798_d6b6f320b5_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"521405","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7889/33352510798_d6b6f320b5_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/7889/33352510798_d6b6f320b5.jpg","alt":"Chicago ~ Winter Scene"},{"id":"521406","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2528/3768488941_a27d0d9945_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2528/3768488941_a27d0d9945.jpg","alt":"The Great Snake"},{"id":"521407","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/166/399324270_0514f0b81c_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/166/399324270_0514f0b81c.jpg","alt":"Oak Street Beach"},{"id":"521408","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52754295528_2f61a55f59_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52754295528_2f61a55f59.jpg","alt":"Owen B. Pickett United States Custom HouseNorfolk, Virginia, United States"},{"id":"521409","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3192/2626095227_1d10c65e09_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3192/2626095227_1d10c65e09.jpg","alt":"Contemplation #2"},{"id":"521411","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8463/8132484846_8ce4da18ba.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8463/8132484846_8ce4da18ba.jpg","alt":"Beach 94 St and Rockaway Beach Blvd"},{"id":"521412","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52753272502_74d167355e_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52753272502_74d167355e.jpg","alt":"Camp-Hubbard House, Norfolk, Virginia, United States"},{"id":"521413","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52754297703_f4f12f8f91_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52754297703_f4f12f8f91.jpg","alt":"Iron Fence, Camp-Hubbard House, Norfolk, Virginia, United States"},{"id":"521414","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4257/35449851201_930f702438_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4257/35449851201_930f702438.jpg","alt":"Beach 94th Street"}]}}