Overview
- Ocean City expects about 150,000 visitors this Memorial Day weekend while Rehoboth officials estimate roughly 50,000, with both towns publicly forecasting strong turnout despite cooler weather.
- Ocean City has replaced its beach tram service with app-rentable pedicabs that run from 2 p.m. until midnight, extended boardwalk bike hours until 2 p.m., and put 80 uniformed public-safety officers on patrol.
- Lifeguards have resumed scheduled beach coverage from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and towns are running planned events such as concerts, free movies, and the airshow to give visitors alternatives to swimming.
- Reports show heavy travel congestion on major approaches including turnpikes, bridges and the Atlantic City Expressway as many travelers began drive-ins early, and some hotels say occupancy is softer because of the cool, intermittently rainy forecasts.
- Higher gasoline costs and a long, cold winter have shaped local messaging that emphasizes affordability and boardwalk attractions, and local leaders say the weekend will test transport and service adjustments while signaling how the season may unfold.