Situated on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and known for its beautiful beaches, lively boardwalk, and wide range of adventurous attractions, Ocean City, Maryland is a destination that should be at the top of every outdoorsy adventure-lover’s travel bucket list. With opportunities for surfing, coastal hiking, kayaking, bird watching and even wild pony spotting, a road trip to OCMD truly has it all.
We’ve been visiting Ocean City since before we could walk on the beach, let alone swim in the ocean, and after all these years, two things are for sure — this charming beach town is packed full of opportunities for fun, and OCMD is a destination that grows 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 you.
We’re so excited to team up with Ocean City Maryland’s tourism board to show you where to eat, stay, and play in OCMD in hopes that our recommendations will help you plan your next adventure-packed East Coast road trip.
Unmissable Experiences for Adventure-Lovers in OCMD
Watch the Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean
As self-proclaimed early birds we may be a bit biased, but the best way to start any morning in Ocean City is by watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you choose to do so from the comfort of your room or venture out onto the beach to watch from the sand, you will not be disappointed. On one particular morning, we watched the sun peek out over the ocean from our balcony as pelicans flew overhead and dolphins played in the waves below, and it was nothing short of magical.
Explore OCMD’s Iconic Boardwalk
Ocean City is home to a 2.5 mile boardwalk that features a variety of shops, restaurants, bars and other attractions, and our favorite way to explore this iconic boardwalk is by bike. There are various shops along the boardwalk where bikes and surreys are available to rent and visitors are allowed to traverse the boardwalk on two wheels until 11AM during the summer months.
We always look forward to checking out the different art installations, sand sculptures and galleries along the boardwalk and stopping along our ride to indulge in some classic boardwalk treats like Thrasher’s French Fries, Fisher’s Popcorn and Dolle’s Salt Water Taffy.
While you’re exploring the boardwalk, don’t miss Jolly Roger at the Pier. This Amusement Park is home to a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and countless other fun rides for thrill-seekers.
The city also hosts events along the boardwalk throughout the year, including car shows, concerts, and fireworks displays.
Day Trip to Assateague Island National Seashore
Located about 15 minutes outside of OMCD, a day trip to Assateague Island National Sea Shore is a must for those who love nature and wildlife. As you walk along the beach or any of the National Seashore’s diverse hiking trails, you will spot dolphins, wild ponies, and various different seabird species.
After hiking all of Assateague’s trails, it is safe to say that the Life of the Dunes Trail is our favorite. As its name suggests, this trail leads along the dunes to the abandoned Baltimore Boulevard (aka the highway to nowhere) which is the last remnants of a failed attempt to develop a resort community on Assateague Island. The road was intended to connect Baltimore to the Eastern Shore, but was destroyed in a 1962 coastal storm and never repaired. This part of the trail has a very apocalypse-esque/nature-will-prevail feel to it.
If you have a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, you can apply for an annual OSV (over sand vehicle) permit and traverse the sandy shores of this barrier island. You even may get lucky and spot some wild ponies on the beach from your car.
If you’d like to explore Assateague from the water, kayaks and stand up paddle boards are also available to rent.
After you’ve had your fill of sand and sun, grab lunch at Assateague Island Surf Shop. With açaí bowls, wraps, and sandwich’s this merch store/café/surf & skate shop has something for everyone.
Kayaking on Ayer’s Creek
If you’re looking for water sports sans waves, head over to Ayers Creek Adventures for a self-guided afternoon paddle or an eco-tour with one of their super knowledgeable guides. While we were out on the water, we spotted osprey, bald eagles (and a pair’s massive nest), and countless other seabird species. We had the best time exploring this unique ecosystem while asking our guide a million questions.
Tour Seacrets Distillery
We, along with many of our fellow DMV denizens, have been partying at Seacrets for years, so it’s no wonder the owner saw the need to start making his own spirits; this place sells some serious booze! Born in 2016, this distillery hand-crafts libations onsite and is a true portal back to prohibition. They have spent countless dollars and hours to successfully mimic the 1920’s and transport their patrons back to the 1920’s. As a bonus, the tour concludes with a visit to a physician-recommend speakeasy where you can sample their products. This last adventure is the cherry on top of an awesome tour and is the perfect segue to Seacrets onsite bar, restaurant, or club.
Adventure Indoors
Even rainy days at the beach can be adventure packed in OCMD. From indoor mini-golf, to entering your escape artist era, to trying your hand at arcade games, to axe throwing, OCMD’s indoor attractions offer a little something for everyone.
- Indoor Mini-Golf: Old Pro Golf hosts two indoor mini-golf locations. Their 68th St. location is undersea-themed and their 136th St. location is safari-themed, and both offer a great time!
- Axe Throwing: While we tend to consider ourselves mini-golf connoisseurs, on our most recent visit, we tried our hands at axe throwing and had the best time. The location of this attraction is perfect too, as after we finished our games, we walked right down the building’s stairs to The Other One Brewing Co. With the title of OCMD’s only on-island brewery, The Other One serves up seasonally-inspired beers in their laid back, Star-Wars themed taproom and outdoor patio. When you’re there, try one of their three nacho options – you won’t be disappointed!!
- Escape Rooms: If you are more brains and less brawn, a visit to Creative Escape Rooms may be more your style. The owners have two venues, one in downtown OC, right off the boardwalk and one in Midtown, and both offer private games in various themed rooms.
Catch the Sunset over the Bay
Located between 125th and 128th Streets, Northside Park may just be Ocean City’s best kept secret (to tourists). As OCMD’s largest and most popular greenspace on the island, Northside Park Pier is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Isle of Wight Bay.
If you are staying closer to downtown, Sunset Park is, as its name suggests, another great spot for sunset. On Thursday nights beginning in July, the city puts on “Sunset Park Party Nights” where attendees can enjoy a free concert and sunset!
Where to Drink and Dine in OCMD
A trip to Ocean City cannot be complete without indulging in some fresh local cuisine. Maryland is known for its seafood, and Ocean City is no exception. Enjoy fresh crabs, oysters, and other seafood dishes at the many restaurants located throughout the city. Below is a list of some of our long time favorites and newer discoveries.
- We love Fishtales for their bayside tables in the sand and beachy vibes and visit this restaurant when we want to relax and kick back in their hammocks.
- Liquid Assets is a local favorite for their large wine selection and incredible dishes. At this unique spot, you can select a bottle of wine from their in-house wine shop to take to your table and enjoy with dinner or to take with you to-go.
- Crab Bag serves up the best all you can eat crabs and offers to-go “crab-bags as well. That said we recommend eating-in as their laid-back ambience is awesome, and trust us, you want to always spring for the all-you-can-eat option and add the steamed shrimp.
- With the title of the first Spanish Wine Bar in OCMD, Spain Wine Bar is known for their Spanish tapas and Spanish wine selection. This spot is located on a rooftop and perfect for watching the sunset over the bay.
- For breakfast we love to grab a smoothie or acai bowl from Pablo’s bowls. This spot serves some power-packed bowls and is the best way to fuel up for the day.
From building sand castles and body boarding on family vacations, to celebrating our high school and college graduations with our friends, to road tripping to relax, unwind, and eat some amazing seafood, Ocean City, Maryland holds memories from each era of our lives and truly offers something for everyone.
No matter how many times we visit, we always leave eager to return again! That said, if you have any questions or additional recommendations, please do not hesitate to drop them in the comments!
Beautifully written, so inviting!! So many choices to enjoy , from eating, sight seeing, adventures to behold!! A must visit !! Thank you.