Ocean City boasts over 10 miles beachfront resorts from the southern inlet to the Delaware line. Each year over 7 million people travel to Ocean City with their friends and family to visit its white, sandy beaches and enjoy its famous Boardwalk, White Marlin Open Fishing Tournament, and the best tasting Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs. The city is a year-round resort dedicated to providing fulfilled experiences and memories for vacationers.
Ocean City, locally known as OC, is an Atlantic Ocean resort town located in Worcester County, (pronounced locally as "Wis-ter," "Wuss-ster," or "Wuhr-shter") Maryland. Ocean City is widely known in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and is a frequent destination for vacationers.
On the southern tip visitors can enjoy Ocean City's famous three-mile Boardwalk. Enjoy the many shops, rides and seaside snacks as you stroll beside the Atlantic Ocean. At the southern most point of the Boardwalk, there is a Life-Saving Station Museum. This unique facility provides of glimpse of the OC of the past, swim suits from yesteryear and treasures from the deep sunken shipwrecks.
After lunch at one of many fine restaurants in Ocean City you can head on over to Assateague Island where world famous wild ponies roam free. Nature trails and bird watching stations provide a wonderful atmosphere for a serene look at nature. Stop in at the Assateague Island Visitor Center to see special displays, exhibits and aquariums.
You might finish out the day with a bit of shopping at the nearby outlets malls, enjoy your accommodations for the evening, or if the Boardwalk beckons again, visit once more for another ice cream or popcorn treat. What a great time to purchase souvenirs or sweet treats for those back home.
Stay until evening and take in a bit of "people-watching"; one of the more common traditions of walking the boards. It still has the aura of an old seaside resort. However, as one moves north up the coast, the scenery changes to that of a more modern resort.
Many beach goers enjoy their time on the water, while others challenge their skills on one of the many world-class golf resorts nearby.
OC Overview
This page gives readers detailed information on the town of Ocean City, Maryland. You can research and plan your entire vacation to Ocean City from the comfort of your home. Our staff has compiled the best travel options available within your budget, including the best places to stay, eat, and shop, along with the best places for children and adults to just relax and have fun.
Where to Stay - Top Hotels in Ocean City Ocean City is over 10 miles long and offers vacationers over 200 hotels to choose from. Our Top Places to Stay in Ocean City guide will direct you to the best hotels in the city. The list includes hotels ranked on their popularity, affordability, family-friendly accommodations. The Top Hotels in Ocean City guide offers the best oceanfront, bayside and boardwalk hotel rooms and suites. Hotels are often full during the summer season so reservations are required at most places. Read More
Where to Shop - Top Places to Shop in Ocean City No matter what your shopping needs, DCpages Top Places to Shop in Ocean City guide offers stores and shops that can provide for anything vacationers might need. Ocean City has numerous malls, novelty shops, unique stores, outlets, and beach apparel and surf shops. Take advantage of the numerous outlet stores located in Ocean City. Forty of the nation's leading designers and brand name manufacturers offer everyday savings of 20-70% off regular retail. There are also antique shops that offer beach-goers rare collectibles and beach memorabilia. Read More
Where to Eat - Top Restaurants in Ocean City Ocean City is also known for having great restaurants that you and your family can choose from. Our Top Places to Eat in Ocean City guide will take you through the best of the Ocean City restaurants. Enjoy American-style burgers with the family or a romantic seafood dinner featuring the best clams, mussels, oysters, shrimp and lobster. Ocean City is most known for its delicious 'All you can eat' steamed hard-shell crabs. If you are in the mood for international flavor, Ocean City offers Chinese, French, Italian and Mexican cuisine as well.
Read More
Adults - Top Places for Adults in Ocean City Ocean City is world-famous for deep-sea fishing, sailing, pleasure boating, bottom fishing in the bay, recreational fishing and an endless array of other water sports. Ocean City is comprised of hundreds of square miles of water, from gleaming waters of the bays, canals and rivers, to miles and miles of open sea, and there is plenty of action in every square mile for avid fishermen. You can also relax by enjoying more than 20 challenging Ocean City's golf courses that combine rolling hills, wide, sweeping fairways, magnificent pine and hardwood forests, shimmering lakes and the finest putting surfaces on the Eastern shore. Read More
Kids - Top Places for Kids in Ocean City
Whether you want to race on a Grand Prix track, do battle with paint balls and lasers, jump from a light tower, fly on a bi-plane, hit the arcade, or ride a roller coaster, out Top Places to for Kids guide has it all. Ocean City hosts many amusement parks, such as Jolly Roger's Splash Mountain, which features a beach and wave pool, lazy river and water-coaster. Head down the boardwalk and you can find fantastic roller coasters for the entire family to enjoy. Ocean City also has one of the highest concentration of miniature golf courses on the East coast. For toddlers, the largest and most popular playground in Ocean City is Northside Park, located on 125th Street and the bay.
Read More
Ocean City Boardwalk
The Ocean City Boardwalk is recognized by the Travel Channel for being one of the top three boardwalks in the United States.
Ocean City's 3-mile long boardwalk is at the heart of the downtown city. First constructed in 1902, the Ocean City boardwalk is located at the eastern end of U.S. Route 50. The Ocean City Boardwalk supports a dazzling array of entertainment options including two amusement parks, the Pier, as well as countless arcades, shops, restaurants, hotels, time-shares, and condominiums.
Strolling the boardwalk has been a beachside tradition for families since its creation. You can walk, rent a bike, or relax a grab a seat on the tram and take in every sight, sound, and smell of all 37 blocks of the Ocean City Boardwalk.
There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat along the Ocean City Boardwalk. For a memorable meal, sit down and enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean from one of many restaurants along the boardwalk. Also enjoy some of the best french fries, fudge, salt water taffy, and milkshakes on the East coast. You can find anything you or anyone in your family may need here.
Right across from Ocean City lays Assateague Island. Sightseeing cruises, crabbing, bird watching, fishing, hunting, biking and other activities continually make this a paradise for visitors that enjoy outdoor recreation. Visitor attractions and a relaxing atmosphere make Assateague Island a great destination that you may want to visit on your next trip to the beach. Read More
The Ocean City Message Boards is an open forum for people to communicate with one another about their experiences at Ocean City.
Here you can read other reviews and recommendations of Ocean City hotels, restaurants, stores, and services. We encourage you to add your own reviews of Ocean City establishments.
Surfing conditions, concerts, and other special events are also discussed on the Ocean City Message Boards.
Our gallery starts along the beach and travels down the Boardwalk, past the Pier and amusement parks until you finally hit the Ocean City Inlet. Come along with us as we take a trip through the heart of Ocean City and show you why over 7 million people visit here each year.
Our Ocean City Summer Photo Gallery covers the best the city has to offer.
Don't forget to grab a copy of our Printable Events Calendar to plan your summer vacation. From car shows and concerts to children's events, there is sure to be something for you and your family to enjoy.
------From Washington, DC (150 miles/3 hours)
--------I-495 (Capital Beltway)
--------Take Exit 19A, US-50 East to Annapolis
--------Cross Bay Bridge, follow US-50 East straight to Ocean City
------
From Baltimore, MD (150 miles/3 hours)
--------I-695 East
--------Take I-97 South exit, Exit 4, left toward Annapolis/Bay Bridge
--------Merge onto US-50 East
--------Cross Bay Bridge, follow US-50 East straight to Ocean City
------From Norfolk/Virginia Beach (140 miles/3 hours)
--------Rt 13 North over Chesapeake Bay/Bridge-Tunnel
--------Rt 113 Northeast at Pokamoke MD
--------US-50 East all the way to Ocean City
------
From Hagerstown, MD (206 miles/4 hours)
--------I-70 South to I-695 East (Baltimore Beltway)
--------Take I-97 South exit, Exit 4, left toward Annapolis/Bay Bridge
--------Merge onto US-50 East
--------Cross Bay Bridge, follow US-50 East straight to Ocean City
Every Wednesday evening in Ocean City you can enjoy a free concert on the beach. Clap your hands and tap your toes to the great sounds of local entertainers at North Division Street and the Beach. The music begins around 8:00 and runs until 9:30 pm each Wednesday evening and Labor Day Weekend.
The season kicks off July 11 and runs until August 29 with a fabulous grand finale over Labor Day weekend, Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2. Music Schedule
Enjoy sun ice-cream sundaes with the family every Sunday evening while watching the sun set over the beautiful Assawoman Bay. Bring a picnic basket, beach chairs, family, and friends to Northside Park at 125th Street and the Bay for your favorite dessert and live entertainment. There is also children's entertainment present each week.
Sundaes in the Park runs every Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm from July 15 to August 26. Entertainment Schedule
Somerset Plaza - Free Music and Events
Somerset Plaza, located between the Boardwalk and Baltimore Avenue, provides visitors and local residents fun entertainment all summer long. From live music concerts every Thursday night starting June 28 to special events for families, Somerset Plaza has a little of everything to offer beach-goers.
Families looking for an enjoyable morning activity in Ocean City can head to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Nestled on the Boardwalk by the Inlet, the museum offers free programs six mornings a week starting Monday, July 2, with topics ranging from knot tying to "All About Sharks."
At 10:30 a.m. each day except Sundays, chairs are set up in front of the famous shark display at the southern end of the Boardwalk where all are welcome to enjoy the entertaining and educational shows. Read More
PARKING - Parking is available in city lots, private lots and on certain public streets. Do not park in front of any curb painted red, or blocking any public or private driveway. Parking meters on all City parking lots are in effect 24 hours a day; meters on the streets vary, but the hours are posted on the meter. No more than one vehicle may park in a designated space of any size.
RV PARKING is available at the Kitchen Restaurant on Wicomico Street for a fee. RVs and oversized vehicles (6'8" wide or wider, and/or 21'2" long or longer), may not be parked on municipal streets or parking lots from June 1 until September 15. However, limited RV parking is permitted at the 100th Street Municipal Park Lot for a fee. Call 410-524-0038 for information.
BOAT TRAILER PARKING is available at the 100th Street Municipal Parking Lot for a fee. For information, call the lot at 410-524-0038. Boat trailers may not be parked on the public streets, alleyways or public parking lots from May 1 though October 1.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - Drinking alcoholic beverages in public is strictly prohibited. Possesion of open containers on the Beach, Boardwalk, or any municipal street, alley, sidewalk, or parking lot is prohibited at all times
NOISE CONTROL - Excessive noise is prohibited. Generally, noise which can be heard more than 50 feet from its source is considered excessive. Noise meters are used for enforcement. On the Beach and Boardwalk, radios, stereos, etc. may not disturb others at any time. On City buses, headsets must be used with these personal entertainment devices.
BEACH RULES - Ball-throwing, frisbees, and other sports are not allowed while the Beach Patrol Guards are on duty between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. daily from May 30 to September 15. The use of kites, surf mats and boogie boards is under the control of the Beach Patrol Guards. Sleeping is not permitted on the beach between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. No private vehicles are permitted on the beach at any time. Surf fishing is permitted but not within 50 yards of swimmers or of anyone on the beach between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
SURFING During the busy season (approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day) surfing is allowed at any beach before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m., and during the day at two designated areas announced daily on local radio stations, listed in local newspapers and at area surf shops. Surf board leashes are required for safety.
ANIMALS are not allowed on the beach at any time between May 1 and September 30. At all times, dogs must be kept on a leash.
BICYCLES and ROLLERBLADES are allowed on the Boardwalk during certain times from April 1 through September 30: WEEKDAYS, April 1-May 29: 2am- 4pm -- May 30-Sept. 5: 2am - 10am -- Sept. 6 - Sept. 30: 2am - 4pm -- WEEKENDS/HOLIDAYS, April 1 - May 14: 2am - 12noon -- May 15-Sept. 30, 2am - 10am. NO RESTRICTIONS: Oct. 1 - March 30. Elsewhere, bicycles may be ridden, following all Maryland laws and safe bicycling rules. Remember to ride in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic and observe stop signs and traffic signals In the evening and at night, a headlight and rear reflector are required.
SKATEBOARDS are not permitted on the Boardwalk, public streets, alleys, sidewalks and public lots throughout Ocean City. A skateboard park is available at 3rd Street and St. Louis Avenue.
