Things to Do in Ocean City, MD: Ocean City Travel Guide
Things to Do in Ocean City, MD: Ocean City Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in Ocean City, MD?
This 10-mile barrier island on Maryland's Eastern Shore is one of the East Coast's favorite beach towns, with wide sandy beaches, a famous Boardwalk, and more than a century of history. Behind the arcades and fry stands is a surprising story: by 1926, women owned and ran almost every hotel in town.
Add wild horses just down the coast, sunsets over the bay, and saltwater taffy, and Ocean City is a classic summer escape.
Top Things to Do
1. Take Ocean City's Petticoat Power Walking Tour—A self-guided audio walk through Old Towne and the women who built the resort.
2. Stroll the Boardwalk—Walk about three miles of shops, arcades, and ocean views.
3. Visit the Life-Saving Station Museum—See shipwreck stories, antique swimsuits, and the original surfboat.
4. Ride the rides at Trimper's—Hop on an antique carousel at one of the country's oldest family amusement parks.
5. See the wild horses of Assateague Island—Spot wild horses on the beach about 20 minutes south.
6. Eat Thrasher's French Fries—Grab a bucket of the Boardwalk's most famous fries, served with vinegar.
7. Watch the sunset at Northside Park—See the sun go down over the bay.
8. Go fishing or take a boat tour—Head out from the inlet for fishing, dolphin watching, or a sunset cruise.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Ocean City's Petticoat Power Walking Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the Life-Saving Station Museum near the inlet and ends at Thrasher's French Fries on the Boardwalk. Along the way, it visits Henry's Hotel, Dolle's Candyland, the Atlantic Hotel, the Firefighters Memorial, and the Plim Plaza Hotel. The walk takes about an hour.
Free Things to Do
1. The beach—Ocean City's beaches are free to use.
2. The Boardwalk—Walk, people-watch, and window-shop.
3. Northside Park—Catch the sunset over the bay.
4. Trail of the Whispering Giant—See the giant carved tribute near the inlet.
5. Somerset Plaza whale sculpture—Snap a photo with the whale by the beach.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Life-Saving Station Museum—Shipwrecks and beach history ($6 adult).
2. Museum of Ocean City—More local history downtown ($6 adult, or $10 for both museums).
3. Assateague Island National Seashore—Wild horses and quiet beaches ($25 per vehicle for 7 days).
4. Trimper's Rides and boat tours—Prices vary by ride and tour.
Food!
Thrasher's French Fries
A Boardwalk institution since 1929, famous for buckets of fries with vinegar and salt.
Dumser's Dairyland
A classic Ocean City ice cream shop, perfect for a cone on the Boardwalk.
Harrison's Harbor Watch
A seafood restaurant by the inlet with views of the water, right where the walking tour begins.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites—a big oceanfront resort with pools and balconies. Roughly 300-600/night in summer.
Moderate
Plim Plaza Hotel—a historic Boardwalk hotel on the walking tour, built on the site of Rosalie Shreve's 1894 hotel. Roughly 150-300/night in summer.
Budget
Motels along Baltimore Avenue—simple stays a short walk from the beach. Roughly 90-180/night in summer.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take Ocean City's Petticoat Power Walking Tour, starting at the Life-Saving Station Museum.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon on the beach, then ride the carousel at Trimper's.
Evening: Watch the sunset at Northside Park, then end with Thrasher's fries on the Boardwalk.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Drive to Assateague Island to see the wild horses, then take a dolphin-watching or fishing trip from the inlet.
Extra Time: Visit Berlin, Maryland, a charming small town about 20 minutes away.
FAQ's
1. Is Ocean City, MD the same as Ocean City, NJ?
No. Ocean City, Maryland is on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Ocean City, New Jersey is a different beach town farther north.
2. Are the beaches free?
Yes. There's no fee to use Ocean City's beaches.
3. Where should I park?
There are paid lots and meters across town, including at the inlet. Rates and seasons vary, so check the signs.
4. What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes for the Boardwalk, and a jacket for cool evenings.
5. How far is Assateague Island?
About 20 minutes south by car. Stay a safe distance from the wild horses, and never feed them.
6. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Yes. Book hotels early for summer weekends and big events.
7. Is Ocean City good for families?
Yes. Kids love the beach, the rides, the arcades, and the candy shops.
8. When is the best time to visit?
Summer is busiest. Late spring and early fall are quieter, with warm weather and lower prices.
9. Can I get around without a car?
Yes. The Boardwalk is walkable, and a public bus runs up and down Coastal Highway.
10. How much time should I spend in Ocean City?
Two or three days covers the beach, the Boardwalk, and a trip to Assateague.
Recommended Tours
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