Have you ever imagined a perfect day starting under the open sky, sitting by the seashore, relaxing, taking in beautiful views, and enjoying a cool ocean breeze? To fulfil your imagined dream, you can visit the beaches. If we are talking about beaches, Ocean City Beach in Maryland should be added to the trip wish list. Ocean City Beach is a family-friendly beach on the East Coast side of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a 10-mile stretch filled with multiple enjoyable activities, panoramic views, rides and much more. Now, in this blog, we are going to cover all the significant details that you need to know before visiting.
Best Things to Do at Ocean City Beach
There are many great things to do at Ocean City Beach, such as exploring beach districts, experiencing water activities, boating, fishing, and more. The details of each one are mentioned below.
Host a Picnic
If you want to host a picnic, Ocean City Beach is the perfect setting. Sit back with your loved ones, enjoy the beach views, share homemade food and snacks, play games and take photos. Chat with them, play games, take photographs and make it an unforgettable picnic for everyone.
Try Watersports
If you are a lover of doing water sports, an adventure seeker or a fitness lover, then the water sports at this beach are ideal for you. It provides you with endless opportunities that you never imagined. Water sports are not only for fun, it’s also great for your health and fitness. This is a place where no one can get bored. There are so many activities here that will force you to do them and most people prefer these activities because they are activities to do with your family, friends, and others. Activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, kayaking and much more.
Take a Sunbath
Tired of walking around the beach site? Take a break and sunbathe to recharge your energy. Protect your eyes and skin from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses and applying sunscreen.
Explore Beach Districts
With 10 miles of beautiful beach, it is easy to see Ocean City’s naturally beautiful environment. There are mainly five beach districts which are given below.
- Historic downtown (offers a lively and vibrant experience).
- Midtown South (For those who love the action and are looking to be slightly north of the thrills).
- Midtown North (It is a simple left-hand turn when arriving by the famous Route 90 Bridge.
- Condo Row ( Here beachfront rentals are bountiful, and vacationers can relish the amenities of high-rise living in OCMD)
- Uptown Northern district (Uptown offers the hidden gem of Ocean City).
Fishing in Ocean City
Ocean City, Maryland, is the ultimate fishing destination where you can experience rewarding inshore and offshore fishing. Inshore and offshore fishing target different species. Inshore fishing species include Flounder, striped bass, rockfish, bluefish, mackerel, weakfish, etc. Whereas Offshore fishing species include Yellowfin tuna, Bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, white & blue marlin, etc.
Top Attractions Near Ocean City Beach
Here is a selection of the top attractions near Ocean City Beach.
Ocean City Beach
Ocean City’s beach is a truly beautiful & unique sight. Here, you will find a variety of adventures, good vibes, food, water activities and even a nighttime party. Free access is available between 6 AM and 10 PM during the summer season.
Northside Park
Northside Park begins at 125th Street and runs along the bay. Spanning 58 acres, the park includes softball and baseball fields, a lighted soccer field, a multipurpose field, a fishing lagoon, a footbridge, two playgrounds, a picnic area, and more. Nationside Park is the largest and most well-known park in Ocean City. It is open 24 hours & also allows free entry for everyone. Visitors can go hiking, roller skating, bike riding, or simply sit and enjoy the peaceful environment.
Ocean City Shopping
Ocean City is also very famous for shopping. Ocean City is also known for its vibrant shopping scene. You will find everything from beachwear and clothing to unique souvenirs and local crafts perfect for picking up gifts or mementoes of your trip.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague island is one of the largest islands which is an undeveloped mid-Atlantic barrier containing intact habitable coastal habitats, where dynamic natural processes may occur with little or no human interference. It is an ideal spot for hiking,camping,and wildlife watching.You will love the scene and natural wonder of this protected seashore.
Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum opened in 1891 and is located on Caroline Street at the southern end of the boardwalk. If you are curious about the local history, head to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum at the southernmost tip of the boardwalk. This museum also organizes special events and free children’s programs, making it a great place to visit as a family.
Best Restaurants Near Ocean City Beach
If you are coming to Ocean City Beach, Maryland, then you must try their famous cultural food. Try one of the best restaurants near the beach, a selection is listed below.
Spain Wine Bar
It is located on St. Louis Ave, Ocean City, Maryland. It is one of the famous and popular bars for its amazing bay view from the top. Here you can celebrate family gatherings, birthdays and other special occasions. You should try a variety of tapas and the shrimp dish was delicious and amazing. And their services and staff were good and experienced.
The Shark on the Harbour Restaurants
It is located at 12924 Sunset Ave, Ocean City, Maryland. This restaurant offers real food from scratch, with a stunning view of the harbour and their staff are friendly and professional. This also offers vegan options with a unique menu that is changed daily based on the season. In this restaurant, meal type, dining option and cuisine are available.
Sunset Grille
Sunset Grille located at Sunset Ave, Ocean City, Maryland. Maryland at the Sunset Marina. Enjoy beautiful views of the bay as you dine on fresh seafood, steaks, cocktails/ beer/ wine by the glass/ bottle, desserts and much more. Here are included 4 bars and 6 dining areas. Sunset Grille also allows you to eat meals like Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours and Drinks.
Delmarva Boil Company
Dalmarva Boil Company is a seafood restaurant that is located conveniently along Coastal Highway in Ocean City Beach, Maryland, famous for its delicious boil dishes. It also offers catering services that have received positive feedback for special occasions like weddings and Birthday parties and customers appreciate the quality of the food and the kindness of their staff.
The Hobbit Restaurant
The Hobbit restaurant is located at 81st Street on the bayside in Ocean City, Maryland. It is a large and long-standing waterfront dining spot known for its panoramic waterfront view. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and lovely scenery. Their restaurants provide the perfect setting for couples, families and if anyone is looking for a special dining experience, this is the best restaurant for that.
Best Hotels Near Ocean City Beach
If you are planning to stay for three or more days to explore the area, here are some well-known hotels.
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
The Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites is located in Ocean City, Maryland. The hotel is overall fantastic and the cleanest. In this hotel, most of the facilities are included such as free Wifi, Resort, Indoor pool, Outdoor pool, Fitness center, On site restaurants, and many more things. You can choose as per your needs and your favourite room here. All types of rooms are available like Suite poolside bedroom, Suite Oceanfront bedroom and Ocean front suite bedroom and mobility Access Tub.
Bay Club Resort
If you like to engage in different kinds of outdoor activities while staying, then you must visit Bay Club Resort located in St. Ocean City, Maryland. Here you can enjoy these activities and view the bay. The Bay Club Resort has all the amenities with plenty of room for everyone to enjoy their personal space. In their resort, amazing and luxurious bedrooms are available and include a full kitchen and amazing bayfront views.
Holiday Inn and Suites Ocean City
This hotel is very luxurious and you will find it on Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, Maryland. And serves global seafood fare, steaks and sandwiches in the holiday lobby. Here are two elevated pools with a pool bar and grill. This is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and also includes a parking area, amenities, free Wi-Fi, and many more things. It offers the most expensive views of the Atlantic Ocean and beachside vibes. Experience the draw of nearby attractions like Jolly Roger Amusement Park, Ocean City Life Saving Museum, Assateague Island, etc.
Lighthouse Club Hotel
Light House Club Hotel, located on the Isle of Wight Bay, Ocean City, offers luxurious furnishing, bedding, amenities, a double jacuzzi, fireplaces and all have large balcony areas, spectacular sunsets, beach waterfront dining and seasonal and special occasion packages. In their onsite restaurant, Fager’s Island, opens daily for light fare dining and specialty drinks.
Grand Hotel & Spa
Grand Hotel and Spa is the best choice for travellers who are visiting Ocean City Beach. It offers a family-friendly environment and guest rooms offer a flat screen TV, a kitchenette, air conditioning and a grand hotel and spa makes getting online easy and free wifi is available and also there is free parking available for guests. Ocean view, Non-smoking rooms, Suites and Family rooms are also available.
Best Time to Visit Ocean City Beach
Ocean City, Maryland offers unique experiences in every session that gives different types of adventures, family-friendly attractions, expensive beaches, quieter getaways and many more things which you can do. Which session is best for you? Every detail is mentioned below. You can visit as per your suitable session.
Summer (May to September)
The summer session is the most popular session for visiting Ocean City Beach, Maryland. In this season, warm weather makes it ideal for swimming, boating, and relaxing on the beach. Most of the popular things you can do include spending the day at Jolly Roger Amusement Park, taking a sunset cruise or dolphin watching tour.
Winter (December to February)
Ocean City offers visitors peace and relaxation in search of solitude. It is a good time for uncrowded walks along the shoreline, Birdwatching, and enjoying an off-season discount. In winter months, there are some unique seasonal events such as Winterfest of light, a holiday light and New Year’s celebration fireworks over the ocean.
Spring (March to May)
In the spring session, hotel rates are not too high and the temperature rises to a level just warm enough to lie out on a sunny day. It is a perfect session for fishing, kayaking, and bike rides along the boardwalk. You will also find early session deals on vacation rentals in ocean city, Maryland offers great value before the peak summer rush.
Travel Tips for Visiting Ocean City Beach
If you’re unsure what to pack for your visit to Ocean City Beach, here are the essentials.
- Visitors must have packed some essential clothes for Ocean City beach like a swimsuit/swimwear, shorts, a light jacket, flip flops, sandals and comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses for protection of sun rays.
- Carry beach gear items such as Beach towels, a sand-free beach for lounging, a foldable beach chair, a beach umbrella or pop-up tent, a cooler and water bottle to stay hydrated, boogie boards, beach toys and sunscreen, sunblock, and aloe vera, beach bag to carry it all.
- Also pack your toiletries and personal care items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, Medication, face wash, lotion, phone charger, and reservation confirmations.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has given you all the essential details about Ocean City Beach, Maryland. It is a famous and popular destination, where you can explore more areas and adventure places. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or a week, Ocean City Beach, Maryland, has something for every type of traveller. If you are planning your trip in the United States, then make sure to add this beautiful beach to your wish list.