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Ocean City, Maryland is a summer favorite for a reason. With wide swaths of beachfront, an iconic boardwalk, and championship golf, it draws a devoted crowd.
And while that might not initially sound ideal in our current age of social distancing, it's actually well-suited to such a stay given that this coastal community is chock full of charming vacation rentals.
And if you choose to visit in shoulder seasons like fall or off-season in winter, you'll claim even more space for yourself, not to mention increased vacation home inventory at lower prices.
You may also book easier knowing that experts have stated vacation homes may be preferable to book over hotels during the pandemic since they include an entire residence and minimize contact with others. However, it's important to remember that without a vaccine, there's no guarantee of safety. Maryland has also recently experienced an uptick in COVID infections, so you may want to consider booking ahead for a future trip.
If you do desire a beach getaway before summer ends, be sure to check the latest state and local guidelines, especially if you are traveling from a current hot spot, and follow CDC and WHO guidelines including wearing a mask, washing hands, and practicing social distancing.
Extra safety precautions, like disinfecting all touch surfaces and running dishes through the dishwasher, are also encouraged by experts upon arrival in a vacation rental, though the additional cleaning may feel particularly grueling after paying an expensive cleaning fee.
If your travels do take you down the coast, and you're seeking a private vacation rental to limit exposure to others, we selected highly-rated vacation homes based on the following criteria:
While we made an effort to keep nightly prices under $350, it's important to note that additional costs vary based on the host, and can include cleaning, facility, or building fees, if applicable. Additionally, as restrictions put in place by the novel coronavirus evolve, cleaning protocols will feel crucial in determining whether Airbnbs are safe. We outlined each property's cleaning procedures, and encourage you to contact the host for more information prior to booking. Also, keep in mind that some amenities, such as shared pools or gyms, may be impacted.
Looking for more East Coast vacation rentals? Click below to jump directly to related coverage.These are the best vacation rentals in Ocean City, sorted by price from low to high.