- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Ocean City
Ocean City's story began in 1875 with the Atlantic Hotel, a Victorian landmark. Its growth from a quiet fishing village was accelerated by the 1933 hurricane, which carved the inlet, creating a safe harbor and securing its future as a fishing port.
Beyond the 10-mile public beach, explore Assateague Island, home to wild horses just a short drive away. The quieter bayside offers kayaking and paddleboarding. An insider tip for anyone visiting Ocean City is Northside Park for its tranquil lagoons.
Wondering what is Ocean City famous for? It's steamed Maryland blue crabs seasoned with Old Bay. A must-try is the Orange Crush, the unofficial local cocktail. On the boardwalk, Thrasher's French Fries, served only with vinegar, is a local ritual.
- Ocean CityUnited States
- Ocean CityUnited States
- Ocean CityUnited States
- Ocean CityUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Sep-Octwarm, fewer crowds
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #BeachTowel
- #LightJacket
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days for beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #OceanCityBoardwalk
- #AssateagueIsland
- #Trimper'sRides
- #OCFishingPier
- #MarylandCoastalBays
- #JollyRogerAmusementPark
- Sunset at the Boardwalk
- Try Maryland crab cakes
- Beach day at Assateague
- Fishing at the pier
- Visit the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
Recommended Hotels in Ocean City by Experience
Things to do in Ocean City
Discover
Start exploring Ocean City with its famous Boardwalk, a hub of activity. Discover history at the Life-Saving Station Museum, see wild horses at Assateague Island National Seashore, or relax at the expansive Northside Park.
Experience
Enjoy water sports like kayaking and fishing in the bay. Savor iconic local treats like Thrasher's French Fries. Experience seasonal events such as Sunfest in the fall and the dazzling Winterfest of Lights for holiday cheer.
Ocean City Boardwalk
3-mile wooden walkway with shops, food, and amusements.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Barrier island park known for its wild horses and beaches.
Jolly Roger Amusement Park
Classic seaside park with rides, slides, and mini-golf.
Life-Saving Station Museum
Museum detailing Ocean City's maritime and local history.
Northside Park
Large public park with lagoons, trails, and event stages.
Kayaking on the Bay
Paddle the calm back bays for sunset views and wildlife.
Sunfest
Annual autumn festival with live music, arts, and crafts.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To plan a trip to Ocean City, fly into Salisbury (SBY), 30 miles west. BWI and PHL are larger hubs (2-3 hr drive). Connect from the Ocean City airport to city center via BayRunner Shuttle or car rental. No direct train to Ocean City is available.
Getting Around
Use the public transport in Ocean City, like the Beach Bus which acts as an Ocean City shuttle bus, running 24/7 in season. A $3 Ride-All-Day pass is a great value. The iconic Boardwalk Tram offers scenic rides from the inlet to 27th Street.
Local Essentials
For those driving in Ocean City, expect heavy traffic on Coastal Highway. While car rental in Ocean City is an option, parking is limited. A key travel tip for first-timers: avoid steep jaywalking fines by using crosswalks. The bus lane is for buses only.
Where to Stay in Ocean City
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Ocean City by cracking open steamed blue crabs covered in Old Bay. Grab a bucket of Thrasher's French Fries on the boardwalk. The local culture revolves around casual bayside happy hours at sunset.
Enjoy
Taste local cuisine in Ocean City at The Shark on the Harbor's fresh setting, book ahead. Explore Seacrets' massive party complex, go early. Eat a hot doughnut from Fractured Prune's hectic, beloved counter.
The Shark on the Harbor
Fresh, creative seafood with stunning harbor views.
Fager's Island
Fine dining with amazing sunset views over the bay.
Thrasher's French Fries
An iconic boardwalk staple, serving only french fries.
Hooked
Upscale yet casual spot for locally sourced seafood.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Ocean City's heritage through events celebrating its maritime past. Must-see traditions include the Harbor Day at the Docks' Blessing of the Fleet, honoring the local fishing industry with displays and seafood contests.
Enjoy
Discover Ocean City's creative pulse at music festivals and shows. The Oceans Calling Festival brings rock and alternative acts to the Boardwalk, while the OC Air Show delivers thrilling aerial performances.
Springfest
Four-day festival in May with music, arts, and local food.
OC Air Show
Annual June show with military and civilian aerobatic displays.
White Marlin Open
World's largest billfish tournament held every August.
Oceans Calling Festival
Three-day music festival on the boardwalk in September.
Sunfest
October arts, crafts, and music festival on the beach.
Winterfest of Lights
Holiday light displays at Northside Park from Nov-Dec.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Marching bands and floats proceed down Coastal Highway.
Classic Beach Town Fun
Ocean City is the perfect getaway for a classic beach vacation. The boardwalk is fantastic for long walks, and the sand is so clean. There's a relaxed feeling everywhere, even when it gets busy. We loved the old-school arcade games.
So Much for Kids to Do
A really great spot for a family trip. The kids loved the Jolly Roger amusement park rides. The beach is wide, so there's plenty of space to set up for the day without feeling cramped. So many good ice cream spots, too, especially Dumser's!
Love the Boardwalk
Ocean City has an amazing boardwalk that just goes on forever. We must have eaten Thrasher's fries every single day. It's awesome for people-watching and just taking a stroll in the evening. The whole place is just easy and fun.
A Really Relaxing Trip
If you just want to chill on the beach, this is the place. We stayed on the north end near 120th Street, and it was so peaceful. The water was great, and the beach never felt overcrowded. It was a simple, easy vacation.
Nice and Quiet Getaway
Came down for a quiet weekend. The town is so different without the summer crowds, in a good way. Had the beach almost to ourselves for long walks. Many places were still open, especially around the Inlet. Very peaceful and restorative.
Great Vacation Spot
What a fun place for a trip. The whole town is set up for vacationers and it's easy to get around. The mini golf courses are everywhere and are actually a lot of fun for everyone. Plus, you can't beat grabbing some Fisher's Popcorn.