Ocean City Beach
Miles of clean, sandy beaches and a vibrant boardwalk offering classic seaside fun, dining, and entertainment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Ocean City Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Miles of clean, sandy beaches and a vibrant boardwalk offering classic seaside fun, dining, and entertainment.
"The cleanest beaches and town, any time of day/night, and safest beach boardwalk."
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Strolls
Enjoy peaceful walks, even late at night. The town is surprisingly quiet and safe. :star:
💰 Save on Food
Eat inland for better prices. Boardwalk food can be expensive; pack snacks! :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Boardwalk
Ocean City, MD
Stroll, shop, and savor the classic beach town experience on this lively wooden promenade.
Pristine Sandy Beaches
Ocean City, MD
Miles of clean, wide beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles.
Amusement Park Thrills
Boardwalk
Enjoy classic amusement park rides and games for all ages right on the boardwalk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Boardwalk Vibe
Budget-Savvy Dining
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tips for traveling to Ocean City
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Strolls
Enjoy peaceful walks, even late at night. The town is surprisingly quiet and safe. :star:
💰 Save on Food
Eat inland for better prices. Boardwalk food can be expensive; pack snacks! :moneybag:
Day trip - First time to the beach
What to do in ocean city not including any swimming or water sport activities?
🏖️ Beach Essentials
Rent umbrellas & chairs affordably. Water can be chilly, bring extra towels! :beachwithumbrella:
🚗 Parking & Shuttles
Park at the boardwalk's start or use the convenient shuttle service. :bus:
First Ocean City Family Vacation; Tips Needed!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Strolls
Enjoy peaceful walks, even late at night. The town is surprisingly quiet and safe. :star:
💰 Save on Food
Eat inland for better prices. Boardwalk food can be expensive; pack snacks! :moneybag:
🏖️ Beach Essentials
Rent umbrellas & chairs affordably. Water can be chilly, bring extra towels! :beachwithumbrella:
🚗 Parking & Shuttles
Park at the boardwalk's start or use the convenient shuttle service. :bus:
🚭 Smoke-Free Zones
Enjoy a clean environment; the beach and boardwalk shops are smoke-free. :leafy_green:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ocean City Beach is lauded for its exceptionally clean and safe beaches and boardwalk, offering a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the lack of alcohol and the overall civilized environment. However, the high cost of food, particularly on the boardwalk, is a recurring concern, with many recommending dining inland for better value.
"The cleanest beaches and town , any time of day/ night, and safest beach boardwalk. I have been on many long walks on the boardwalk past 11pm and approached the surf in near solitide. No one has made me feel uncomfortable or unsafe in the dead of night. Actually while walking with earbuds alone back through town I have passsd many people on their porches and overhangs in the evening without incident. It is a very quiet town at night. It is a dry beach, so no alcohol crowd to be found. The memorial plaques on the boardwalk benches all comfirm a very special sentiment. This is a unique area with a huge impact on those who live here in generational gratitude for the ones that have passed. Having lived on Florida, beaches in the tropics are very different. There is a lot to be said about the lack of bugs here. I wouldnt suggest this place for the party croud at all. This seems to be a completely chill and civilized backdrop to dining and various recreational endeavors. Biking, kiting, swimming, orchestral performances, thrill park rides, mini golf galore indoors and out, car shows etc.. Little kids to full on retirees are well adjusted and I havnt seen a single outburst or confrontation of any sort.
You are on vacation here and they know it. Fully expect to pay double except in rare occasions. Prices in shops are dropping now in September but food is crazy. $7.50 for a slice of pizza, 7-10 dollars for any small thing like french fries, a cone or small gelato, pretzel, funnel cake. $20 bucks and up per person to eat on the boardwalk adds up to a couple hundred bucks for 4 in no time. Thats one meal and a snack. Im not rich so 2 weeks of that would bankrupt me. Sorry OC, shop inland and find locat gems when you can. Support the beach culture if you can afford it. They dont need it as much as you think. If you pass a fri shop then spot anther just down the boardwalk and another still further it begins to dawn on you. These family owned businesses running 50 plus years have played monopoly with boardwalk. Some families have multiple candy shops, fri shops, dairy shops, clothe shops, pizza shops etc.. The one shop owner we got great end of season deals on clothes and backpacks exclaimed to us how she put all her kids through medical school and was planning another trip to Hawaii this December. They are not broke but you will become broke if you dont go inland for some meals. God bless OC for its sanity and safety. PS, its a smoke free beach and shops on the boardwalk."
Tyler Dirden
"I should have done a review a while back, but my husband and I have a family connection that have a small house they allow us to stay at for a week here each year. we love this tourist town. it's so great to just walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. It's worth visiting, with family or just a group of friends."
Alyssa Avery
"My first visit to Ocean City Beach was a memorable and enjoyable experience. The combination of a beautiful beach, a vibrant boardwalk, and a friendly atmosphere made it a perfect getaway. I look forward to returning and creating more wonderful memories in the future.
I appreciated the variety of activities available, from sunbathing and swimming to beach games and kite flying. The presence of lifeguards also added a sense of safety and security, allowing everyone to enjoy the water with peace of mind."
El Hannach
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ocean City Beach is accessible by car via US-50 East. Parking is available at the beginning of the boardwalk, and a local shuttle can take you along the beach. Many visitors also opt for hotels in Ocean City, MD, which offer convenient access.
Parking can be challenging during peak season. Consider parking at the start of the boardwalk and utilizing the shuttle service for easier access to different beach points.
While there isn't extensive public transport directly into Ocean City, regional bus services might be available from nearby cities. Once in Ocean City, the boardwalk shuttle is a popular option.
The boardwalk shuttle is highly recommended for getting around the main strip. For exploring further, consider biking or walking. Many hotels in Ocean City MD are also within walking distance of attractions.
No, driving on the beach is generally not permitted in Ocean City, Maryland. The focus is on pedestrian access and enjoying the sand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ocean City Beach itself is free to access. There are no admission tickets required to enjoy the sand and surf.
The boardwalk is generally accessible 24/7, though individual shops and attractions have their own operating hours, typically from morning until late evening.
Yes, individual amusement rides and games on the boardwalk require separate tickets or passes. You can purchase these at each attraction.
Ocean City Beach is a smoke-free and alcohol-free zone. You can bring beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, and coolers with non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
You can find a wide range of hotels in Ocean City, MD, including beachfront hotels, hotels on the boardwalk, and vacation rentals. Popular options include hotels in Ocean City on the boardwalk and Ocean City Maryland hotels on the beach.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include sunbathing, swimming, beach games, kite flying, and enjoying the amusement rides and shops on the boardwalk. Lifeguards are present for water safety.
During peak summer weekends, the beach and boardwalk can be crowded. Visiting on weekdays or during the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) offers a less crowded experience.
Yes, attentive lifeguards are always on duty during the swimming season, providing a sense of security for beachgoers.
The Atlantic Ocean water can be chilly, especially earlier in the season. It's advisable to bring extra towels and be prepared for cooler temperatures.
Popular choices for hotels in Ocean City MD on the boardwalk include those offering direct beach access and proximity to attractions. Many hotels on the boardwalk offer oceanfront views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ocean City offers a wide range of dining, from boardwalk snacks like pizza, fries, and funnel cakes to sit-down restaurants. For more affordable options, explore eateries inland.
Food prices, especially on the boardwalk, can be quite high. Expect to pay around $7.50 for a slice of pizza and $7-10 for smaller items. Eating inland can significantly reduce costs.
Yes, Ocean City has many family-friendly restaurants, particularly along the boardwalk and in the surrounding areas. Many offer diverse menus to cater to all ages.
Don't miss classic boardwalk treats like funnel cakes, ice cream, saltwater taffy, and fresh seafood.
While boardwalk prices are high, you can find cheaper eats by venturing a few blocks inland from the boardwalk. Look for local diners and casual eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk offers iconic shots with its vibrant atmosphere and ocean views. The beach at sunrise or sunset provides stunning natural beauty. Look for unique architectural details on buildings and piers.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. Be mindful of private property and individuals' privacy when taking photos.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for beach photography, creating beautiful colors and soft shadows. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. It's essential to check current rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone for photography.
Capture the classic boardwalk signs, the Ferris wheel, the ocean waves, and the memorial plaques on the boardwalk benches for unique and sentimental shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The boardwalk is a major draw for kids, offering a variety of amusement park rides, games, and sweet treats like funnel cakes and ice cream. Consider staying at Ocean City Maryland hotels on the beach for easy access to both the sand and the boardwalk attractions. Venturing inland for some meals can also help manage family dining budgets.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on food, eat inland away from the boardwalk, where prices are significantly lower. Pack snacks and drinks for the beach to avoid impulse buys. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) can also offer lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
couples
Consider booking a room at one of the Ocean City beachfront hotels for stunning ocean views and the sound of the waves. Explore the numerous shops and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. The peaceful and safe atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing and enjoyable couple's retreat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Ocean City Hotels: Finding Your Perfect Stay
If you prefer to be in the heart of the action, Ocean City MD hotels on boardwalk and hotels in Ocean City on the boardwalk put you right in the center of the vibrant boardwalk scene. Here, you'll be close to shops, restaurants, and amusement rides. For those looking for more space or a home-away-from-home feel, vacation rentals Ocean City and vacation houses Ocean City MD offer apartments, condos, and entire houses, ideal for families or longer stays. Popular searches include vacation rentals OC MD and OC vacation rentals Maryland.
Budget-conscious travelers can search for cheap hotel Ocean City MD or affordable hotels in Ocean City MD. While prices can fluctuate, especially during peak season, exploring options like the Quality Inn Ocean City MD Oceanfront or looking for deals can help manage costs. Remember to also consider lodging Ocean City MD as a broader search term to uncover all available options, from boutique inns to larger resorts like the Grand Hotel in Ocean City Maryland.
Navigating Boardwalk Dining and Costs
For a full meal on the boardwalk, budget around $20 per person, which can quickly add up for families. This has led many visitors to recommend shopping inland for more affordable dining options. Exploring streets a few blocks away from the boardwalk can reveal local gems and diners offering better value for money. This strategy allows visitors to enjoy the boardwalk experience without breaking the bank on every meal.
Despite the higher costs, the convenience and atmosphere of boardwalk dining are undeniable. Many family-owned businesses have operated for decades, offering a taste of tradition. While some may feel these businesses have a monopoly on boardwalk prices, supporting them is part of the Ocean City culture if your budget allows.
The Ocean City Beach Experience: Beyond the Sand
The beach itself is wide and well-maintained, with ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and various recreational activities like biking, kiting, and beach games. The presence of attentive lifeguards ensures a secure environment for everyone enjoying the water. While the water temperature can be chilly, especially early in the season, the overall beach experience is consistently praised for its pleasant and family-friendly nature.
Beyond the immediate beach, the Ocean City Boardwalk offers a vibrant extension of the experience. It's a place for leisurely strolls, shopping for souvenirs, and enjoying classic amusement park rides. The boardwalk's memorial plaques on benches add a touching layer of sentiment, reflecting the deep connection many have to this unique coastal town.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit