Any feedback on either of these two places? I plan to visit the last week in May, first week in June. Want to get the best beach for a 5 year old. What activities are available at both? What is on the Board Walks? Will only have a week between the two and am not sure how to best split our time between the two. Any suggestions??

Ocean City, MD is much better. 5 year old will enjoy various amusement parks.

I was hoping someone would say that! all my research has pointed me to Ocean City. can't find much going on in VA Beach at all. Thanks alex g, for responding so quickly.

I was hoping someone would say that! all my research has pointed me to Ocean City. can't find much going on in VA Beach at all. Thanks alex g, for responding so quickly.

I grew up right outside of VA Beach and moved up here to Maryland for college. The great thing about VA Beach is that you can shop and eat right by the boardwalk. Ocean City is so spread apart, you have to cross the street. Although this sounds very trivial, you'll see what I mean when you get there. VA Beach is more of a younger crowd, whereas Ocean City is more of a family atmosphere.

Just me:

I'd recommend OC. Never been to Virginia Beach before. Virginia Beach would be good for adults as they have Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. OC, MD is long with the boardwalk going up to 28th St.? (correct me if I am wrong). There are a ton of shops two streets down from the ocean.

I'd make a decision by the end of this week though as both places should get filled up quickly or may be close to it.

Please note that the first week or two in June is often Senior Week (graduating high school seniors, that is) in Ocean City (perhaps in Virginia Beach as well). You might want to check this out before you go. If it is Senior Week, you might want to consider staying further up in Ocean City in the higher number streets (130 and above) or in Fenwick or Bethany, just north of Ocean City.

Have been to both and prefer OC area. The Boardwalk area is a little congested and crazed for a 5 year old. I would agree with the previous poter-stay father north. The Boardwalk ends at around 36th street, so the farther you go above 36th street, the calmer the crowd seems to get. We stayed at a condo/hotel last summer, around 120th and there is a lovely city park across the busy highway that was a nice alternative to the beach-walking paths, crabbing docks, swingsets, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, etc. Even better, is Bethany Beach, Fenwick or Rehoboth, all in Delaware, but right next to OC. Do not stay in Dewey Beach-it's perfect if you're 20 and a college student, but not a family place. Enjoy

Also, Assateague Island (sorry about the possible wrong spelling) is right near OC. Wild ponies roam freely there, and there's a great beach there. A five year old would love it. another fun thing to do is take the ferry from Lewes (Del), about 30 minutes from OC, to Cape May, NJ for a day. Your 5 y.o may not be as entertained by this as older children, but you never know.

We are going to Virginia Beach over Memorial Day and many of the beach hotels have been reserved for a soccer tournament. I also heard there was another soccer tournament in town. So you may not find a resort with available rooms. The upside is most of the people will be at the soccer fields so the beach will be empty.

OC is the way to go. Been going there since I was a kid. I took my kids there and my wife and I continue to make a yearly visit.

OC would not be my number one choice for vacation since I have been there so many times but if had could only go to one place this year ... OC would be it. Already made reservations for this summer.

You guys are great. I was forming the opinion myself, that Ocean City would be the best place for our vacation. when do the rides open on the Boardwalk in OC? Will they be open during the week the last 2 weeks of May? Any opinions on the Eden Roc or the Dunes Motel-Oceanfront Boardwalk?? Just got brochures from them . . . .first to arrive!

You guys are great. I was forming the opinion myself, that Ocean City would be the best place for our vacation. when do the rides open on the Boardwalk in OC? Will they be open during the week the last 2 weeks of May? Any opinions on the Eden Roc or the Dunes Motel-Oceanfront Boardwalk?? Just got brochures from them . . . .first to arrive!

As a lifelong resident of Va. Beach, I would say Ocean City. The water here in late May is too cold to swim in & is questionable the first week in June. There is nothing else to do but the Marine Science Museum. You can take day trips to Busch gardens & Water Country in Williamsburg, along with the Colonial section, but then you might as well stay there.

Thanks pamr,
We are staying in Williamsburg prior to our visit to the beach. I was afraid the water may be to cold. Probably won't be much difference in temperature between the two beaches. What is the weather like the end of May (temp)?

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The weather here varies from day to day.Winters can see us 75 one day, 24 the next. Sometimes we get a prolonged spring & May can be coolish - low 70's, upper 60's. so far we seem to have bypassed spring completely & gone from 40s to 80s... today was 87. Of course. that could change next week... It is usually pretty warm here by that time of year. You will enjoy Williamsburg - the Colonial area is good (try to stop into Chownings Tavern for a drink after 9pm - its very lively, but family oriented - lots of minstrels, etc.). There are horse drawn carriage rides. Carter Plantation is nice!Busch gardens is fun, but most of the rides are geared to older kids. They do have a good kids area, Land of the Dragons. Water Country has several good kids areas. There is also Jamestown & Yorktown. Where are you staying in Williamsburg?

We will be staying at the Radisson Fort Magruder Hotel in Williamsburg. Are you familiar with this place?

Yep - stayed there in October. IMHO, not worth what we paid for it. The travel guides obviously need to be updated. The rooms & common areas are definitely showing age, and new carpet, furniture & paint are needed. That said, we aren't fussy about rooms as you only sleep in them, but I feel ripped off when I spend $100 a night for a place that looks like it should be around $50. We stayed at Courtyard Marriot (near Busch gardens) at Xmas & liked it.

Hi! I grew up in Maryland and love Ocean City. I would definitely recommend it! I haven't been to VA Beach, but I have plenty of friends who have been to both and prefer OC! Lots of fun things to do there. You can also head over to Rehobeth or Bethany Beaches which are nice. I do believe the rides are open in late May so you should be able to go on them. Have a great time! Definitely start booking now - b/c w/ seniors graduating and schools letting out, that place fills up fast!