Things to do in Ocean City, Maryland range from 10 miles of public Atlantic beach and a classic 2.8-mile boardwalk to wild horse sightings on an untouched barrier island just 10 minutes south.
Ocean City has been drawing visitors from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia since the 1870s. It is not a quiet or undiscovered destination. The barrier island gets crowded in summer, the boardwalk is loud and unapologetically commercial, and parking in July requires patience. But Ocean City earns its reputation. The beach is wide and clean. The boardwalk is genuinely fun. The fishing is world-class. And Assateague Island, just down the road, is one of the most unusual natural destinations on the East Coast.
A few places nearby — see all in Ocean City
This guide covers everything worth doing, organized by activity type, traveler type, and season: so you can build a trip around what actually matters to your group.
Table of Contents
- Best Things to Do by Traveler Type
- The Ocean City Boardwalk
- The Beach
- Assateague Island and the Wild Horses
- Watersports and Bay Activities
- Fishing in Ocean City Maryland
- Things to Do in Ocean City Maryland by Season
- Major Events Worth Planning Around
- Rainy Day Activities
- Day Trips from Ocean City Maryland
- Where to Stay in Ocean City Maryland
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Things to Do by Traveler Type
Not every Ocean City activity works for every trip. Here is a quick guide to what fits your group best.
| Traveler type | Best activities |
|---|---|
| Families with kids | Boardwalk rides at Trimper’s and Jolly Roger, Assateague Island wild horses, beach, Smith Island ice cream, mini golf |
| Couples | Assateague kayaking, deep-sea fishing charter, Berlin MD day trip, rooftop dining, Sunfest or Springfest |
| Friend groups | Watersports on the bay, Seacrets, Bike Week, White Marlin Open weigh-ins, surfing lessons |
| Nature seekers | Assateague Island (all of it), kayaking the marsh channels, surf fishing, dolphin-watching boat tour |
| Foodies | Thrasher’s fries, crab feasts, Berlin MD restaurants, Seacrets, Fisher’s Popcorn |
| Rainy day / bad weather | Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, Tanger Outlets, Marty’s Playland |
The Ocean City Boardwalk
The boardwalk is the spine of Ocean City. It runs 2.8 miles from the Inlet at the southern end up to 27th Street, built in the early 1900s and still the main event for most visitors.
It is not a refined experience. It is fried food, arcade games, souvenir shops, amusement rides, and the smell of salt air mixed with vinegar from Thrasher’s fries. That combination is exactly what Ocean City visitors come for.
What to do on the Boardwalk:
- Thrasher’s French Fries: The iconic Boardwalk food, served with apple cider vinegar and Old Bay. Lines are always long. They are worth it. Cash only at most locations.
- Trimper’s Rides: The historic amusement park at the southern end of the Boardwalk, with a working 1912 carousel that is a genuine piece of American history. Best for families with young kids.
- Jolly Roger Amusement Park: Two locations: a pier at 6th Street on the Boardwalk and a larger park at 30th Street. Thrill rides, go-karts, and SpeedWorld for older kids and adults.
- Ripley’s Believe It Or Not: On the Boardwalk at 6th Street. One of the better Ripley’s locations on the East Coast.
- Boardwalk Tram: The “Watch the tram car, please” tram runs the full 2.8-mile length and is an Ocean City institution. Useful if you want to cover distance without walking the whole stretch.
- Mini Golf: Multiple courses along and near the Boardwalk. Golf in the Middle Ages at 7th Street consistently places among the top-rated in Ocean City.
- Fisher’s Popcorn, funnel cakes, saltwater taffy: The Boardwalk food circuit is half the experience. Fisher’s Popcorn has been a fixture for decades.
- Free live music at the Boardwalk Bandstand: Free concerts run throughout summer, most weekends. Check the schedule at ococean.com.
Boardwalk hours: The Boardwalk itself is open 24 hours. Most businesses operate late May through September with reduced hours in the shoulder season.
The Beach
Ocean City has 10 miles of public Atlantic beach, all free to access. No beach entry fees, though parking elsewhere in town can be expensive during peak summer.
Things to know before you go:
- The beach is wide. At low tide especially, it stretches far from the dunes to the waterline: not a cramped shoreline.
- Alcohol is not permitted on the beach. Ocean City enforces this.
- A colored flag system indicates water safety conditions. Yellow means caution; red means dangerous surf and no swimming. Check the flags before entering the water.
- Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day on most sections.
- The beach gets progressively quieter the further north you go. The Boardwalk area and Inlet beach are the busiest. North OC, above 100th Street, is significantly more relaxed and better for families wanting a quieter setting.
Surf fishing is allowed in designated areas: check posted signage for current rules and permitted sections.
Assateague Island and the Wild Horses
Assateague Island is the single best reason to visit Ocean City that most visitors either skip entirely or treat as a quick add-on. It should not be treated as an add-on.
The island is a 37-mile barrier island that begins just 10 minutes south of the Ocean City Inlet: approximately 9 miles by road from downtown OC. The Maryland portion is managed jointly as Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore. It has almost no development: no hotels, no boardwalk, no commercial strip. Just open beach, coastal forest, marshland, and wild horses.
The horses are not a theme park attraction. They are genuinely wild Chincoteague ponies, descended from horses that have roamed the island for centuries. They graze in the dunes, walk on the beach, and occasionally wander into campgrounds looking for food. They are beautiful and unpredictable.
What to know before you visit Assateague:
- Do not feed or approach the horses. They bite and kick. Signs at the entrance describe them as more dangerous than bears. Take this seriously.
- Bring substantial bug spray. The mosquitoes and biting flies on Assateague are aggressive, especially near the marsh areas.
- The beach on the Maryland side is significantly less crowded than Ocean City even in peak summer.
- Camping is available at both the state park and national seashore campgrounds. Reservations are required in summer and book out early.
- A daily entrance fee applies. The America the Beautiful National Parks pass covers the federal entrance.
Getting there: Take Route 50 West to Route 611 South. The Maryland entrance to Assateague is approximately 9 miles from the OC Inlet: about 15 minutes by car.
Kayaking the marsh channels on the bay side of Assateague is one of the best experiences in the area. Several outfitters in West Ocean City run guided paddles and rentals specifically for Assateague exploration.
Watersports and Bay Activities
Ocean City sits on a barrier island with the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Isle of Wight Bay and Sinepuxent Bay on the west. The bay side is calmer, more sheltered, and where most watersports operations are based.
What is available:
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: Multiple rental locations along the bay side, particularly in West Ocean City near the Route 50 bridge. Paddling the marsh channels toward Assateague is outstanding.
- Jet ski rentals: Available at multiple bay marinas. A 1-hour rental typically runs $100 to $130.
- Parasailing: Multiple operators offer flights over the bay. Coastal Watersports at the Inlet is one of the most established.
- Pontoon and boat rentals: Good option for groups who want to explore the bay and Sinepuxent at their own pace.
- Surfing and surf lessons: Ocean City has a legitimate surf scene and has produced nationally recognized surfers. Lessons are available through Ocean City Surf Shop and local instructors. The beach break is consistent and beginner-friendly with instruction.
- Dolphin-watching tours: Boat tours heading offshore reliably encounter bottlenose dolphins. Morning departures tend to have the calmest conditions.
Fishing in Ocean City Maryland
Ocean City calls itself the White Marlin Capital of the World, and the claim holds up.
The White Marlin Open, held annually in early August, is the world’s largest billfish tournament. It draws hundreds of boats and tens of thousands of spectators to watch the weigh-ins at Harbour Island Marina. Cash prizes run into the millions of dollars. Watching the weigh-ins is free and genuinely spectacular even for non-anglers.
Types of fishing in Ocean City:
- Deep-sea and offshore: Charter boats run from the Ocean City Fishing Center and multiple marinas. Half-day and full-day trips target tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and billfish depending on the season. Prices vary; a full-day offshore charter typically runs $150 to $250 per person on a shared boat.
- Inshore and bay fishing: Flounder, striped bass (rockfish), and bluefish are the main targets. Light tackle from a bay boat or kayak.
- Surf fishing: Free on designated beach sections. Bluefish and striped bass from the surf, particularly in spring and fall.
- Pier fishing: The Ocean City Fishing Center pier at the Inlet is publicly accessible and one of the most convenient spots in town.
Best fishing seasons: Striped bass run in spring and fall. Flounder peak in summer. Offshore species are most active June through September.
A Maryland fishing license is required. Purchase online at dnr.maryland.gov or at local bait shops before you launch.
Things to Do in Ocean City Maryland by Season
The experience in Ocean City changes significantly by season. Here is what each window actually delivers.
Things to do in Ocean City Maryland in spring (April–May)
Spring is when Ocean City shakes off the off-season. Businesses are reopening, the beach is uncrowded, and rates are at their lowest before summer pricing kicks in.
- Springfest runs in early May at the Convention Center: four days of live music, food, and vendors. One of the largest spring events on the East Coast.
- Cruisin’ Ocean City (late April/early May) draws 3,000+ custom cars, hot rods, and classics to the Inlet Parking Lot. A genuinely impressive free spectator event.
- Beach and Boardwalk walking without summer crowds. Restaurants have more availability and shorter waits.
- Best time to visit for budget travelers or couples who want the full OC atmosphere without the July chaos.
Things to do in Ocean City Maryland in summer (June–August)
Summer is peak Ocean City. Every business is open, the beach is full, the Boardwalk is running at full energy, and the event calendar is packed.
- OC Air Show (mid-June): Free air show over the beach featuring military and civilian precision flying. One of the biggest annual events.
- White Marlin Open (early August): Watch the free weigh-ins at the marina. Extraordinary even if you don’t fish.
- Ocean City Jeep Fest (late August): Four days of Jeep culture on the beach.
- Ocean City Seafood Festival (late August, Northside Park).
- All watersports, surf lessons, dolphin tours, and fishing charters running at full schedule.
- Note: July and August are the most expensive and most crowded. Book accommodation 2 to 3 months in advance for July 4th weekend and Labor Day.
Things to do in Ocean City Maryland in fall (September–October)
Fall is the locals’ favorite season. Crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day, rates drop, and the weather stays warm enough for beach days well into October.
- OC Rock and Ride (Bike Week): September 9-13, 2026. Four to six days of motorcycles, live music, stunt shows, and vendors centered at the Inlet. Draws thousands of riders to the resort.
- Sunfest (early October): Fall counterpart to Springfest. Music, food, and vendors at the Convention Center.
- Beach fishing season hits its stride: striped bass runs are excellent in September and October.
- Assateague Island in fall is quiet, beautiful, and far more accessible than in summer.
Things to do in Ocean City Maryland in winter (November–March)
Most of Ocean City goes quiet. Many seasonal businesses close, the Boardwalk empties out, and the beach is wild and deserted: which some visitors find more appealing than the summer version.
- Berlin, MD: The historic town 9 miles west is a year-round destination and does not slow down in winter.
- Off-season fishing, particularly striped bass in late fall and early winter.
- The Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum and Ripley’s are among the year-round indoor options.
- Accommodation rates hit their annual low. A winter weekend in OC with a good vacation rental and a stocked kitchen is a genuinely underrated choice for couples.
Major Events Worth Planning Around
If your trip overlaps with these events, book accommodation well in advance.
| Event | Typical timing | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Springfest | Early May | Music, food, vendors at the Convention Center |
| Cruisin’ Ocean City | Late April/early May | 3,000+ classic and custom cars at the Inlet |
| OC Air Show | Mid-June | Free air show over the beach; huge crowds |
| White Marlin Open | Early August | World’s largest billfish tournament; free weigh-ins |
| Ocean City Jeep Fest | Late August | Four days of Jeep events on the beach |
| Ocean City Seafood Festival | Late August | Northside Park |
| OC Rock and Ride (Bike Week) | September 9-13, 2026 | Motorcycle rally at the Inlet; live music and vendors |
| Sunfest | Early October | Music and vendor festival at the Convention Center |
Free regular summer events:
- Movies on the Beach: Wednesday evenings, summer
- Boardwalk Bandstand concerts: weekends, summer
- Ocean City Life Saving Station free children’s programs: Monday–Saturday, 10am
Rainy Day Activities
Ocean City is a beach town and a rainy day is a genuine inconvenience. But there is enough to fill a day indoors.
- Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum: At the Boardwalk Inlet. Compelling history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and Ocean City’s maritime heritage. Free admission.
- Ripley’s Believe It Or Not: At 6th Street on the Boardwalk. Better than the average Ripley’s location and a solid option for families.
- Marty’s Playland: Arcade on the Boardwalk, good for kids.
- Tanger Outlets: West Ocean City, just across the Route 50 bridge. A legitimate half-day option.
- Berlin, MD: The best rainy-day move from Ocean City. The historic Main Street has independent bookshops, wine bars, antique stores, and the Globe Theatre. Nine miles from downtown OC; about 15 minutes.
Day Trips from Ocean City Maryland
Ocean City’s location on the Delmarva Peninsula puts several worthwhile destinations within easy reach.
- Assateague Island: 10 minutes south, 9 miles by road. The single most underrated activity from OC. See the full section above.
- Berlin, MD: 9 miles west, 15 minutes. Historic small town with one of the best Main Streets in Maryland and significantly better restaurants than OC.
- Rehoboth Beach, DE: 28 miles north, about 40 minutes. Delaware’s premier beach town: a different vibe from OC: more refined, excellent dining, quieter beach. A good day trip for adults who want to compare the two.
- Chincoteague, VA: 45 miles south, about 1 hour. The Virginia side of Assateague, with a charming waterfront town and the annual pony swim in late July.
- Salisbury, MD: 30 miles west, about 40 minutes. The largest city in the region, with the free Salisbury Zoo and the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art.
Where to Stay in Ocean City Maryland
A vacation rental is the most practical way to do Ocean City properly: especially for families or groups.
The numbers are straightforward. A two-bedroom hotel on the Boardwalk in peak summer runs $250 to $400 a night. A four-bedroom vacation rental with a full kitchen, multiple bathrooms, beach gear storage, and parking runs $300 to $500 a night split across a family of eight or ten. The kitchen alone saves significant money in a beach town where restaurant prices run high.
North OC vs. South OC vs. downtown:
- Boardwalk area / downtown (1st–30th Street): Maximum walkability to restaurants, rides, and the beach. Loudest at night. Best for visitors who want to be in the middle of everything.
- Mid OC (30th–90th Street): Mix of family properties and quieter residential feel. Good middle ground.
- North OC (90th–146th Street): Quietest area with the same beach access. Best for families who want space from the Boardwalk noise. Northside Park, one of the best public parks in OC, is up here.
Bay-side vs. oceanfront:
- Oceanfront properties have direct beach access and Atlantic views. They command a premium.
- Bay-side properties are typically more affordable and include dock or water access on the calmer bay: better for families with young children and for watersports.
On booking: Airbnb takes 15.5% from every host’s payout on each booking. To cover that, hosts raise their nightly rates: meaning you pay more without seeing it as a fee line. Stay hosts pay a flat annual fee and keep 100% of their nightly rate, so they can price more competitively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Ocean City, Maryland?
The Boardwalk is the main attraction: 2.8 miles of beach-town rides, food, and entertainment. Assateague Island (10 minutes south) with its wild horses on an open barrier island is the best nature experience in the region. For active visitors: surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and deep-sea fishing charters are all strong. The White Marlin Open in August is a free and spectacular spectator event even for non-anglers.
How long is the Ocean City Maryland boardwalk?
The Ocean City boardwalk is 2.8 miles long, running from the Inlet at the southern end to 27th Street. It was built in the early 1900s and is one of the longest classic boardwalks on the East Coast. The Boardwalk Tram runs the full length if you’d rather ride than walk.
How far is Ocean City Maryland from Baltimore?
Ocean City is approximately 160 miles from downtown Baltimore: a drive of about 2.5 to 3 hours in normal conditions. Route 50 is the main corridor, and it backs up significantly on summer Friday afternoons outbound and Sunday evenings inbound.
How far is Ocean City Maryland from Washington DC?
Ocean City is approximately 145 miles from Washington D.C.: roughly 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. The Route 50 corridor is the main connection; it can slow considerably on summer weekends.
Is alcohol allowed on the beach in Ocean City Maryland?
No. Alcohol is not permitted on Ocean City’s public beach or in public spaces. This is actively enforced. The nightlife is concentrated around Seacrets, the bay-side bar district, and certain Boardwalk establishments.
Is Ocean City Maryland safe?
Ocean City is generally a safe destination. The Inlet area and lower Boardwalk are the busiest and can get rowdy on summer weekend nights. North OC above 90th Street is significantly quieter and more family-oriented. Exercise standard beach-town awareness.
What is there to do in Ocean City Maryland with kids?
Top picks for families: Trimper’s Rides on the Boardwalk (including the historic 1912 carousel), Jolly Roger Amusement Park, Assateague Island to see the wild horses, mini golf, the beach, and the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum (free). The North OC area with Northside Park is the best base for family-oriented trips.
What is there to do in Ocean City Maryland besides the beach?
Assateague Island for wild horses and open barrier island beach, deep-sea fishing charters, bay watersports (kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skis, parasailing), the White Marlin Open weigh-ins in August, the OC Air Show in June, surfing lessons, the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum, and day trips to Berlin MD and Rehoboth Beach DE.
When is the best time to visit Ocean City Maryland?
June through August is peak season: full Boardwalk energy, all businesses open, warmest water. Late May and September are the sweet spots: warm weather, lighter crowds, and lower rates. October brings Sunfest and excellent fishing. Winter is very quiet with many businesses closed seasonally: best for travelers who want a peaceful off-season escape.
How do I book an Ocean City Maryland vacation rental without the Airbnb markup?
Book directly through Stay. Airbnb takes 15.5% from hosts on every booking, which forces hosts to raise their nightly rates to compensate. Stay hosts pay a flat annual fee and keep 100% of their nightly income, so they can price more competitively: and you pay less for the same property.
Ready to plan your Ocean City trip? Browse vacation rentals on Stay: direct with the host, competitively priced.