Beaching It in Ocean City, Maryland

We knew FamilyFun readers were a loyal bunch, but when we asked them to reveal their favorite vacation spots, we wondered if we'd gone too far. After all, who'd want to share their special island hideaway, mountain retreat or seaside camping spot? We shouldn't have worried. "This place is so good, I almost don't want to tell you about it," began many of the letters, "but I will." In fact, more than 250 of you responded, praising destinations that, in some cases, have been family secrets for years.

How on earth did we choose the 20 winners? We looked for travel ideas with a spark, the kind that made us want to pack up the car and hit the open road. We looked for letters that described new ways to enjoy classic spots or those that tipped us off to places rarely celebrated in guidebooks, such as the old-fashioned resort that hosts family reunions, or the little-known state park where the river and natural pools are just right for floating. In the process, we discovered Ocean City, Maryland where your family can roast marshmellows by night and play in the sun and sand by day.

MARYLAND

OCEAN CITY'S WILD FRONTIER
Leave it to the Vogels to take two vacations at once. This Ohio family spends a week at Ocean City Beach--and tours the Old West at the same time. How? By pitching a tent at Frontier Town Campground. For $24 to $37 per night (depending on the season), the Vogels enjoy hot showers, a playground, a fishing pier, water slides, movies, a camping supplies store and a free beach shuttle. "Our kids are young, so it makes a big difference not to have to park or walk a long way," says Cheryl. And the campground also has a theme park (which costs extra). After a rodeo, a bank robbery, a trail ride and a "shave" from Cowboy Shakey in Frontier Town, Justin was ready to trade his car seat for a saddle. For Frontier Town Campground, call 800-228-5590.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.