Ocean City Ranks at Top in Airbnb Bookings

By MADDY VITALE Ocean City is not just a family-friendly resort town popular for summer vacations, where visitors lounge on the seven miles of beaches, stroll the downtown and Boardwalk and enjoy amusement parks. Nope. Ocean City is not just a summer destination. In fact, airbnb.com just listed “America’s Greatest Family Resort” as the top vacation destination for those looking for a bit more serenity, smaller crowds and still lots to do in the fall months. Ocean City is the travel website's pick for the top vacation getaway for last-minute beach stays and college town getaways to the beach, according to a spokeswoman from Airbnb, Mattie Zazueta. In its airbnb.com Aug. 16 article, “Foliage and football destinations top Labor Day Weekend and fall travel in the U.S.,” the information is in greater detail. Michele Gillian, executive director of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, said Wednesday that she certainly knows why the resort is so popular. “Ocean City has so much to offer year-round. Our second season is full of fun activities," Gillian said. "The weather is often beautiful in the fall and the water is still warm.” She continued, “Our downtown and Boardwalk shopping districts are incomparable. Ocean City can offer a quick getaway or extended stay, and there’s something to do for everyone. It really is the best-kept secret for a fall vacation or visit.” Gillian added that the strong bookings can also be attributed to the many activities available for visitors to do. “We’re such a great destination for outdoor activities in probably the nicest months of the year. Ocean City is a drivable destination and is attractive for the millions of people in the Philadelphia and New York regions,” she said. “We are thrilled that Ocean City has strong bookings. It shows we truly are America’s Greatest Family Resort.” The Boardwalk is busy throughout the spring, summer and fall. Here is the excerpt from the airbnb.com article that highlights Ocean City: Fall travel: Last minute beach stays and college town getaways "You’re in good company if you’re considering one last trip to the beach or traveling to cheer on your favorite sports team in person this fall. As the leaves begin to change, these cities are the top trending destinations in the U.S. for upcoming fall travel, based on nights booked:" Ocean City, NJ Bella Vista, AR Oxford, MS Santa Ana, CA La Mesa, CA Baton Rouge, LA Ann Arbor, MI Lubbock, TX Lexington, KY Wheat Ridge, CO Gillian said over the years, the second season has become more and more popular among visitors. "Ocean City is attractive in our second season, which is the period after Labor Day, because of all the great events,” she noted. “We have the Fall Block Party, holiday events, First Night. The list goes on and on.” To view the article by Airbnb.com in its entirety, visit https://news.airbnb.com/foliage-football-and-fresh-water-destinations-top-labor-day-weekend-and-us-fall-travel-trends/ Biking is popular all year long.