Permanent promenade built around 1910; rebuilt after the March 1962 storm
Local history traces the boardwalk to removable boards laid by oceanfront hotel owners in 1902 before the promenade became permanent and expanded.
History
From 1902 boards to today's oceanfront spine.
From removable hotel boards in 1902 to the permanent promenade, the 1962 storm rebuild, and today's 2.5-mile visitor corridor.
Boardwalk read
Inlet, boards, beach openings, and neon: an oceanfront spine that organizes Ocean City.
1902
Origin
2.5 miles
Length
Wooden oceanfront promenade
Scale
Classic Mid-Atlantic beach boardwalk with amusements, arcades, food stands, shops, tram service, and beach access
After the March 1962 storm leveled the boardwalk, the rebuilt corridor became today's 2.5-mile visitor spine from the inlet to 27th Street.
Hotel owners lay the first boards
Local history traces the boardwalk to 1902, when oceanfront hotel owners built removable boards for guest convenience.
A permanent promenade appears
Around 1910, Ocean City built a permanent boardwalk, initially about five blocks long before later expansions.
Expansion reaches 15th Street
By the 1920s the promenade had expanded north to 15th Street, establishing it as the town's entertainment spine.
Storm rebuild defines today's route
After a March 1962 storm leveled the boardwalk, it was rebuilt to the present 2.5-mile span from the inlet to 27th Street.
Food, rides, beach access, and live-cam culture
The boardwalk now concentrates beach access, food icons, arcades, amusement rides, the museum, shopping, tram movement, and night energy.
Photo references
Explore the object through verified media.
Every image is sourced, credited, and stored locally.
CC BY 2.0Boardwalk Wide View
David / dbking via Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 4.0North Division Street Entrance
Farragutful via Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 4.0Worcester Street Looking North
Dough4872 via Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 4.0Playland Arcade Neon
APK via Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 4.0Boardwalk Food at Night
APK via Wikimedia Commons