Ready for sun, surf, and family fun on the Eastern Shore? Head to Ocean City! This classic beach town delivers 10 miles of sandy shores, a lively boardwalk, thrilling amusements, and oceanfront dining. Whether you're craving nightlife or kid-friendly adventure, Ocean City has it all.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Ocean City is from late spring through early fall (May to September). Enjoy warm beach weather, water sports, and summer festivals. September offers fewer crowds and still-great temps.
Tips for getting There
- By Car: Easily accessible via US-50 and MD-90, Ocean City is about 3 hours from Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
- By Plane: The closest airport is Salisbury–Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY), about 30 minutes away. BWI and Philadelphia airports are also options for longer-distance travelers.
- By Bus: Greyhound and BayRunner Shuttle offer service from regional cities to Ocean City. Seasonal public transit also connects key spots within town.
Where I like to stay
- Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites – Upscale resort with full kitchens, pools, and a beachfront location near the boardwalk.
- Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums – Family-friendly spot with an indoor ice rink, beachfront access, and nightly summer activities.
- Atlantic Hotel – Historic hotel right on the boardwalk with classic rooms and Victorian charm.
If you are traveling with kids:
1. Swim, Sunbathe, and Play at Ocean City Beach
With ten miles of family-friendly beaches, Ocean City is renowned for beachside fun. Visitors and Marylanders flock to the warm sands for a fun-filled day of swimming, sunning, and surfing; two beaches are reserved daily specifically for surfing and rotate depending on the weather and waves. Those looking for a thrilling water adventure can also spend their time fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. The Ocean City Beach boardwalk is one of America's favorites and is filled with a variety of stores and arcades - it's perfect to explore on a bike ride, roller skates, or a skateboard.
During the summer there are free family activities such as movies, concerts, and beach Olympics scheduled most nights. Map
2. Enjoy Family Fun and Scenic Views at Northside Park
Northside Park, one of the largest and most popular parks in Ocean City is a 58-acre complex with a lighted soccer field, three lighted baseball/softball fields, a multipurpose field, a footbridge, a fishing lagoon, two piers, two playgrounds, picnic areas, concession stands, a gazebo, and a walking/jogging path.
There is a 21,000 square foot multi-sport sports arena as well as a 14,200 square foot building housing a gymnasium, community room, conference room, sitting areas, kitchen, and a patio.
Families are invited to spend the day at the park taking part in one of many sports, enjoying a walk through the well-preserved grounds, or relaxing by the waters.
Northside Park, 125th St, Ocean City, MD 21842
3. Stroll, Shop, and Snack on the Iconic Ocean City Boardwalk
Dating back to 1902, Ocean City Boardwalk, officially known as Atlantic Avenue, is recognized as one of the best boardwalks in the state and country.
Other than lodgings and casual eateries, there are fine dining restaurants, amusements such as museums, and a thriving nightlife on the 2 ½ mile length promenade.
The Boardwalk blends culture and history in the many businesses that can be found there - for example the Inlet Indian sculpture of the Assateague Indian carved out of 100-year old oak can be found alongside the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and the United States Coast Guard Tower.
No visit to the boardwalk is complete without visiting one of the oldest fixtures, Trimper's Carousel. Map
4. Dive Into Maritime History at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
The former home of the Ocean City Life-Saving station, the building now houses the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. The actual life-saving station has moved inland, but visitors can explore the original structure which dates back to 1878 - including the original color scheme of white walls, red roof, and green trim, which date back to when the building was operated by the Coast Guard.
Exhibits at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum take visitors back in time with stories and artifacts of the heroic surfers of Ocean City, while an entire wing is dedicated to genealogy, where visitors can look up their ancestral history.
Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21843, Phone: 410-289-4991
Romantic Ideas:
5. Discover Local Talent at the Art League of Ocean City
The Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization that was created for people to appreciate, create, and be inspired by art. Visitors can explore the two-story gallery which exhibits works from local and regional artists. The exhibits are updated with newer work monthly and each new exhibit kicks off with a reception on the first Friday of each month - these are open to the public.
Those who wish to get crafty themselves can schedule some time in the pottery studio, take an art class by one of the many artists, or work in peace in one of the five working artist studios. There are also workshops, art camp programs, and community events for people of all ages and skill levels.
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th Street, Ocean City, MD 21843, Phone: 410-524-9433
6. Ride Classic Attractions at Trimper’s Rides
Trimper's Amusement Park and rides is a historic part of Ocean City. It has been owned and operated by the same family for over 100 years and offers a carnival-like atmosphere with fun rides, dazzling lights, and concession stands selling treats such as cotton candy, popcorn, funnel cake, and everything else you would expect at a boardwalk.
For most people, it's tradition to spend a day at Trimper's when visiting Ocean City. Trimper's includes two hotels, a theater, and of course, the amusement park - the significant site offers a guaranteed fun time for the entire family.
Trimper's Rides, S. First Street and The Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD 21842
7. Spend the Day on Thrills at Jolly Roger Amusement Park
Jolly Roger Amusement Park is a combination of four separate parks filled with waterslides, rides, games, amusements, and more. Visitors can visit just one park or all four - the entire family will love sliding down the waterslides at Splash Mountain but they'll also enjoy the exhilaration of speeding around the go-kart tracks at Speedworld.
Other activities include mini golf, a petting zoo, relaxing on the pier, or enjoying the numerous other rides and attractions. Families can reenergize themselves with a meal from the many on-site restaurants or concession stands, including the classic Thrasher's French Fries at this Ocean City landmark.
Jolly Roger Amusement Park, 2901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842, Phone: 410-289-3477
8. Customize Hot, Gooey Donuts at Fractured Prune
Fractured Prune Donuts, established in 1976, has Ocean City covered. With six stores in Ocean City, guests have a half dozen choices when it comes to creating their ideal donut. Whether you're on the way to the beach or on the way home, it's a great idea to stop for a treat.
In their stories, Fractured Prune offers 19 glazes: blackberry, banana, caramel, blueberry, cherry, honey, chocolate, lemon, key lime, maple, mocha, marshmallow, mint, orange, mixed berry, peach, strawberry, raspberry, and vanilla. Additionally, they offer 13 toppings: cinnamon and sugar, chocolate sprinkles, cookie crumbs, graham crackers, crumbled bacon, granulated sugar, mini candy-coated chocolates, mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, rainbow sprinkles, powdered sugar, vanilla wafers, and sea salt. You can pick and choose whatever combinations you like.
Fractured Prune, 127th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, Phone: 410-250-4400, plus 5 other locations
If you are a first time visitor:
- Trimper Rides & Amusements – Family-run attraction with vintage rides, bumper cars, and a haunted house.
- Northside Park – Large bayfront park with walking trails, fishing pier, playground, and sunset views.
Where I Like to Eat
- Thrasher’s French Fries – A boardwalk must-try serving up vinegar-doused fries since 1929.
- Seacrets – Waterfront restaurant and nightclub with Caribbean-inspired food, live music, and bayfront tables in the sand.
- Shotti’s Point – Surf-style bar and grill with tacos, burgers, and a chill beach-town vibe.
My favorite local events:
- Springfest (May) – Celebrate spring with live music, craft vendors, and Eastern Shore eats in the Inlet Lot.
- OC Air Show (June) – Thrilling aerial stunts by the Blue Angels and more above the beach and boardwalk.
- Sunfest (September) – End-of-summer festival with music, food tents, artisans, and beachside fun.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Ocean City, Maryland:
- Assateague Island (10–15 min) – See wild ponies, hike trails, or kayak coastal bays in this natural haven.
- Berlin (15–20 min) – Charming small town with antique shops, art galleries, and historic streetscapes—named "America’s Coolest Small Town."
- Fenwick Island (20–25 min) – Quieter beaches and family attractions like Thunder Lagoon Waterpark just over the Delaware line.
- Ocean Pines (15–20 min) – Residential area with golf, marinas, farmers markets, and waterfront parks.
- Frontiertown Western Theme Park (10–15 min) – Wild West reenactments, mini golf, zip lines, and a water park make this fun for families.
- Bethany Beach (30 min) – Laid-back Delaware beach town with boardwalk, boutiques, and beachside dining.
- Delaware Seashore State Park (30 min) – Outdoor recreation with surf fishing, kayaking, and quiet beaches along the coast.
- Pocomoke River State Park (30 min) – Wooded trails, river paddling, and nature center along the cypress-lined Pocomoke River.
- Outlets Ocean City (10 min) – Brand-name deals and tax-free shopping just west of downtown.
Plan Your Trip