Under the boardwalk

Ocean City and Atlantic City both have boardwalks along the ocean, and are only about 30 miles apart. But they're totally different worlds. I can't say one is better than another, it all depends on what you're looking for.

Some things you'll find at both - boardwalk fries (Ocean City's were better), ice cream, salt water taffy, pizza stands on every block, beaches and souvenir stands. It's the anchors on every other block that make the difference. In Ocean City, you'll find amusement parks and arcades. It's all about beaches, food, and family entertainment. Atlantic City's boardwalk is anchored by casinos and nightclubs and tattoo parlors. Yes, there is a large amusement park jutting out over the ocean (see the photo from 2 entries ago) but it's really meant for adults. Ocean City has not a single bar along the boardwalk. Atlantic Casino has them with every casino. Plus you can get your souvenir tattoo or piercing to match each one.

There's a more diverse crowd walking along the AC boardwalk from a variety of cultures and countries. More people are seeking your money (and not just the one-armed bandit types.) For every 10 pedestrians, you'll see a pushcart with someone trying to sell you a ride to the next casino. Not one person was begging for money in Ocean City (unless you count the trio of boys who were singing with their guitars and drums and cool harmonies - but since their tip bucket was barely visible and their smiles were contagious, I think they were doing it mostly for the opportunity to perform.) In Atlantic City, there was the occasional beggar, and some rather odd "performers" with prominent tip buckets marked $$$ in bold colors. I must admit, I've never seen a "stone dancer" before - a man with his face painted grey while he did some pretty pathetic robotic dancing. Or the Invisible Man "performer" - an empty chair with a large tip tub next to it and a sign that said "Invisible Man Act." I bet a very visible man would have come running if someone tried to raid the unguarded money bucket.

Despite the overcast skies and fog that rolled in both evenings, both were uniquely beautiful experiences. I've got salt water taffy from both places (can't decide which is better of those either) and pleasant memories to bring back from each day.