25 Best Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland

© Courtesy of Christian Hinkle - Fotolia.com

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 boardwalk has been ranked one of America's favorites by the Travel Channel 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.

© OceanCityRecreationandParks/Facebook

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

© Courtesy of WideAwake - Fotolia.com

Dating back to 1902, Ocean City's Boardwalk, officially known as Atlantic Avenue, is recognized as one of the best boardwalks in the country by many. 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.

© 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 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.

813 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21843, Phone: 410-289-4991

© 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.

502 94th Street, Ocean City, MD 21843, Phone: 410-524-9433

© 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.

S. First Street and The Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD 21842

© Frontier Town

Just five miles from Ocean City, Frontier Town is an award-winning camping experience located right alongside the Sinepuxent Bay. One of the nicest, family-friendly outdoor experiences in Maryland, Frontier Town offers over 600 campsites to choose from and has all the amenities visitors would need on site.

Families can relax at the waterpark and wind through Lazy River, have an exhilarating race down the waterslides, or play 18 holes of miniature golf surrounded by towering trees and waterfalls. Frontier Town also has a zip line through the forest at the High Ropes Adventure Park and wild-wild west shows at the Western Theme Park. Other activities include fishing off the pier or on a chartered boat, kayaking, or shopping at the arcade and gift shop.

8428 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 21811, Phone: 800-228-5590

© 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.

2901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842, Phone: 410-289-3477

© 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.

127th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, Phone: 410-250-4400, plus 5 other locations

© Seacrets Distilling Company

A proud producer of award-winning spirits, Seacrets Distilling Company is home to an incredible collection of premium and delicious, handcrafted small-batch spirits. Having accumulated over 40 awards since its foundation in 2016, Seacret’s Distilling Company is fearless in their distilling methods and has a lovely selection of spirits to sample. The best way to explore the distillery is to take a tour of the company. Visitors will get to see the process that goes into every bottle, from grain to holding room, while hearing interesting tidbits of history and information from knowledgeable guides. Tours conclude at the Seacrets Speakeasy Tasting Room where guests can choose to sample some of the company’s rums, vodkas, gins, and more.

111 49th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, Phone: 410-524-2669

© Paradise Watersports

Visitors of Paradise Watersports should prepare themselves for an unforgettable Ocean City-style parasailing and jet skiing experience. The adrenaline rush is indescribable as locals and visitors rent and ride the super-fast Sea-Doo jet skis - guaranteed to go speeds which will thrill the entire family no matter how old (or young) they are.

The parasailing experience offered by Paradise Watersports is breathtaking as visitors fly over the wild ponies of Assateague, gorgeous sea turtles, and dolphins in the distance, while getting a bird's-eye view of Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.

12913 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842, Phone: 410-213-SOAR

© Lost Treasure Golf

Adventurous families are invited to join Expedition Guides to follow the trek of Professor Ephraim A. Hacker, in his search for gold and diamonds. A famous archaeologist, explorer, anthropologist, part-time taxidermist, and paleontologist, Professor Duffer A. Hacker headed two expeditions in the 1930's to the Fogclift Islands off the coast of South America.

His purpose there was to uncover ancient diamond and gold mines said to be hidden on the Islands. The golf course encourages you to follow in the footsteps of Professor Hacker to putt-putt your way through one of his adventurous expeditions - complete with caves, mountains, and waterfalls - to find the hidden treasures.

13903 Coastal HWY, Ocean City, MD 21842, Phone: 410-250-5678

© Old Pro Golf

For over 55 years, Old Pro Golf has been providing fun for the whole family with their incredible miniature golf courses. Old Pro Golf boasts of four elaborately decorated and themed outdoor courses, each with its own set of challenges, obstacles, and photo-worthy holes. Test your skills at the Temple of the Dragons course, or golf under the sea with killer whales and dinosaurs at the Under the Sea Adventure and Dino Park course. Equally challenging and photo-worthy are the Safari Village and Caribbean Pirate-themed course and the Renaissance Castle.

2300 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3556, Phone: 410-289-6501

© Candy Kitchen

With 11 locations in Ocean City, Candy Kitchen is the place to visit for treats such as taffies, fudge, chocolates, gummies, truffles, pretzels, and novelty items. Candy Kitchen has been creating creamy fudge, salt water taffy, and mouth-watering hand-dipped chocolates since 1937. Candy Kitchen is still a family owned business that relies on quality, fresh ingredients and long-standing recipes.

When families want a little something sweet to take along to beach, Candy Kitchen is there to satisfy their desires. All items are also available online. Packaging for the holidays and gift baskets are also available.

53rd Street Flagship Store, 5301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842, Phone: 410-524-6002

© Old Time Photos

When vacationing in Ocean City, customers can choose from three Flashback Old Time Photos locations for fine antique portraits and classic antique-style frames. The company has been providing these novelties for 35 years.

Subjects may pose in fanciful costumes that cover the periods from the 1840s to the 1930s with all of the props needed to complete the look. Visitors may become a saloon girl, cowboy, Civil War general, Victorian lady and gentleman, southern belle, southern gentleman, pirate, hillbilly, French maid, gangster, Keystone Cop, flapper, or just about anyone else they can imagine from the old days.

Flashback Old Time Photos specializes in family portraits, large groups, and children's photos and will have your photographs ready in minutes - so stop in on your way to or from the beach for some great family fun.

120th Street & Coastal Hwy., Ocean City Square Shopping Center, Phone: 410-524-2446 | Somerset Street on the Boardwalk: 410-289-2598 | North 1st Street on the Boardwalk: 410-289-4256

© Sea Rocket

Sea Rocket Adventures offers fun activities in Ocean City, MD. Sea Rocket offers ocean boat rides, banana boat fun, kayaking, sailing tours, parasailing, paddle boarding, and much more.

The water-based attraction includes water trampolines, waterslides, and a climbing wall that is fun for the entire family. Guests can enjoy the refreshing waters of Ocean City from a catamaran or bask in the sun in true tropical island style.

308 North 1st Street & Bay, Ocean City, MD 21842, Phone: 410-289-4FUN (4386)

© Carousel Ice Skating Rink

Need a break from the hot sun and surf? Then head to the Carousel Oceanfront Hotel and Condos for an afternoon of ice skating on the oceanfront. If you're in the mood to party, catch the live ice show nightly at 6:30 PM, featuring the Next Ice Age skaters. Performances are offered only during June, July, and August, but there are no performances on July 7th and 8th. Admission is free.

If there's a birthday party in your future, the Carousel ice skating rink is the perfect place to host it. Parties are offered mostly from October to May for two-hour time slots on Fridays or Sundays. Call the hotel for details and availability.

118th Street on the Ocean, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842, Phone: 800-641-0011

© Ripley's

Ripley's Believe It or Not! has three attractions in Ocean City. There is the original Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium - the only place in town to see 12-foot tall Transformer car parts, a shrunken head, unique artwork, two-headed animals, and the world's rarest egg. In Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Maze, guests will come face to face: with themselves while they try to find their way out of the maze of LED lights and mirrors.

At Ripley's Impossible Laser Race, guests are invited to make their way through another labyrinth - this time, moving under and over lasers as quickly as possible to get to the end of the maze. Just beyond the final laser, guests will press a stop button to complete the challenge - and to get a score and time.

Pier Building on the Boardwalk, 401 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, Phone: 410-289-5600

© Seacrets

To enjoy the best of Ocean City’s nightlife, head on over to Seacrets. Known for their lively parties, amazing live performances, and pumped-up DJ performances, Seacrets delivers on three crucial aspects of a great night out - food, drinks, and entertainment. Seacrets has a Tiki Stage, a Beach Stage, a Pier Stage, and a Nite Club to enjoy, as well as an extensive bar menu thanks to the Seacrets Distilling Company. Try any of the company’s award-winning spirits while enjoying the company of your friends and the live entertainment. Don’t forget to pair your drinks with any of Seacret’s delectable menu offerings like the Tuna Steak, the Seafood Trio, or the Steak Chesapeake.

117 49th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, Phone: 410-524-4900

© The Kite Loft

There’s just something about flying a kite that brings pure joy and delight to the faces of kids and adults alike. When it comes to kite flying in Ocean City, The Kite Loft immediately comes to mind. With a 45-year history of kite-making and retailing kit accessories, banners, aerial toys, and the like, The Kite Loft is the local community’s go-to for beautiful kites and even kite exhibitions. The Kite Loft even regularly hosts events and competitions, with enthusiasts from all over the nation coming to show off their kite-flying tricks and skills to the public. If you want to catch the best that The Kite Loft has to offer, time your visit for any of their two International Kite Festivals, which are held annually in April and the third weekend after Labor Day.

511 Boardwalk, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, Phone: 410-289-7855

© Baja Amusements

When it comes to Ocean City traditions, look no further than Baja Amusements. Visitors have been coming to Baja Amusements from near and far since it first opened its doors in 1981. With ten incredible acres of activities to enjoy, Baja Amusements is best known for its Go-Kart races as the park has a whopping eight tracks to choose from. The fun doesn’t stop at Go-Karts though, as Baja Amusements also has a mini-golf course, two climbing walls, and even double-seater karts to enjoy on their Family Tracks. Want more? Well, what’s an amusement park with amusement rides, right? Baja also has awesome kiddie rides for youngsters to enjoy like the Wacky Worm Roller Coaster and the Frog Hopper.

12639 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City, Maryland, Phone: 410-213-2252

© Ropewalk Ocean City

At Ropewalk Ocean City, the goal is simple: providing extraordinary service to guests, in a relaxing and comfortable setting, while providing delicious dishes with only the freshest ingredients that the restaurant can get their hands on. Guests at Ropewalk Ocean City can choose to dine indoors, at the outdoor bayfront deck, or by the fire pit tables out on the sand. No matter what spot, however, guests are sure to find spectacular dishes to feast as Ropewalk specializes in seafood dishes that are simply to die for. Try starters like the Crab Cake Egg Rolls or the Seared Ahi Tuna, then dig into outstanding entrees like the Day Boat Scallops, the Atlantic Salmon, or, for the meat lovers, the Patric Henry Fillet Mignon.

8203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, Phone: 410-524-1009

© Marty's Playland

No trip to Ocean City would be complete without a visit to Marty’s Playland, a landmark attraction and a beloved part of the city’s history. Situated along Ocean City’s famous boardwalk, Marty’s Playland opened in the 1940s as one of the first complete arcades in the area. Today, it has grown into a sprawling resort town with a humongous arcade on the first floor that offers one of Ocean City’ biggest selections of games and prices. As a resort town, Marty’s Playland also offers fantastic accommodation rentals to guests through several apartments on the second level. Come and see just how many tickets and tokens you can collect and bring home a prize to commemorate your time at the Playland.

5 Worcester Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, Phone: 410-289-7271

© Layton’s Family Restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Ocean City, Layton’s Family Restaurant has been dishing up glorious breakfast offerings, mind-blowing donuts, and mouthwatering pastries since 1959. While the temptation to pick up a dozen donuts for breakfast is very real, regulars to Layton’s swear by their breakfast menu which has specialties like the Neptune Benedict, an English muffin topped with 2 over-easy eggs, crab, hollandaise sauce, and served with a side of potatoes. Other crowd-pleasers include the Eye Opener, the Eastern Shore Crabber Omelet, and the Nor’easter. For patrons visiting Layton’s at lunch, they dish up a mean deluxe burger and some delicious fish tacos. Just make sure to save some room for a donut!

1601 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, Phone: 410-289-6635

© svetlana_cherruty/stock.adobe.com

There’s a reason why the people who have tried escape rooms love them so much. Not only are they challenging and great for building stronger relationships and teamwork, they’re also truly exciting and a ton of fun. When at Ocean City, Escapomania is ready to serve their array of themed rooms that are sure to make your brows furrow as you hunt for clues and figure out puzzles to solve a mystery and escape a themed room before your clock runs out. Beginners may want to start with rooms like Wonderland or The Mad Scientists Lab, but for guests who are up for a challenge, some of Escapomania’s most challenging rooms include the Fallout Bunker, and the Mysterious Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

11805 Coastal Highway Suite 1, Ocean City, Maryland, Phone: 443-865-9241