A 25 day

You’ve got $25 and a day to spend in Ocean City. Where do you go? What do you do? What do you eat? And perhaps most importantly (at least for me, anyway): Where’s the coffee?

Let’s think about this as a beach-Boardwalk combo trip. Pack your bag with sunblock, a beach towel and the biggest reusable bottle of water you’ve got (because dehydration plus a hot summer day is a no-go), and you’re ready to roll.

It’s best to start with parking, and here’s where you need to make sure your footwear is comfy. To avoid spending most of your budget on parking, take the scenic route to the boards and park a little farther away where the meters don’t line the sidewalks.

Once you’ve walked yourself to your destination, the first order on tap is, naturally, the beach. A daily beach tag is going to set you back $10. At nearly half of the daily budget, that’s less than ideal. But for a day lounging in the sun on what I’ll argue is one of the best beaches around? Totally worth it.

Pro tip: Did you forget a beach read? No problem! Check out the Little Free Library at Munchies & Memories, 1312 Boardwalk, where everything old is new again – or at least the books are. Snag yourself something to read on the sand, and when your day is done you can drop it back in the library or bring it home to finish.

Once you’re settled on the sand, it won’t cost you a penny more to enjoy your time relaxing in the sun – just don’t forget your sunscreen.

With $15 left, you’ve got to be extra savvy with what you’re eating. The smartest plan is to pack your lunch, of course, but we all know you’re craving that famous Boardwalk fare. Compromise with a packed lunch (everything tastes a little better on the beach anyway!) and head up to the Boardwalk for a snack and an afternoon caffeinated pick-me-up.

To satisfy a sweet tooth, there are plenty of options. You probably know that Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy and Fudge has a choose-your-own taffy station at the back of the store, where you can decide exactly what combination of flavors you want to taste test. You probably didn’t think about the fact that you can sample just a few flavors for a couple bucks though. You don’t need a pound or even a half a pound.

According to Shriver’s website, there are about 40 pieces of taffy in a pound. Pick out your five flavors and let’s say that’s about $2 from your daily budget. Walk yourself over to Ocean City Coffee Company next, where a small 16 oz. iced coffee is $2.76. (Another pro tip: Refills at Ocean City Coffee Company are only $1.23. Just good to keep in mind!)

If we round these afternoon treats to $5, we’re now down to $10 for the rest of the day. Make the most of that beach tag and return to the sand for the rest of the afternoon. Once the lifeguards are packing up for their 5:30 p.m. finish (because it’s only safe to swim at guarded beaches), it’s time to find some dinner.

When I’m at the Boardwalk, I’m eating pizza. And the pizza options in Ocean City? They’re seemingly endless, and all delicious. With $10, I’m going to grab a couple plain slices from fresh, 18-inch pies at Prep’s Pizza & Dairy Bar, which will set me back $6. Drink your water from home with dinner (remember that large reusable bottle you brought?).

It’s been a long day. It’s great to soak up some vitamin D, but spending the day in the hot sun can leave you ready for an early bedtime – or maybe a cool shower and then bed. In any case, you’ve still got $4 left (and some change - let’s say that’s covering any applicable tax).

You know what $4 is good for? A single trip on the Ferris wheel at Playland’s Castaway Cove. I’m not going to call that fate, but if you love Ferris wheels and taking in a bird’s eye view of the sprinkle of lights shining through Ocean City as much as I do, then I’m going to at least call it a happy coincidence. And … that’s it. You’ve just spent a very full, very enjoyable day at the Ocean City Boardwalk (and beach!) for just $25. And yes, you could have made it a $10 day if you only needed a beach tag and packed everything else, heading home right after your fun in the sun. But with so many amazing eateries, shops and businesses to support, it’s definitely worth it to spend that little bit extra.