Summertime crowds swell to a breaking point in Ocean City – a beachy resort town that stretches along a barrier island off Maryland's coast. Nevertheless, few, if any, destinations on the US's east coast offer as quintessential an American summer escape as 'OC'. From the beach to the boardwalk, trips here are all about the sun, the sand and the sea.
The 4.8-kilometre Ocean City Boardwalk is the city's beating heart. Every inch of space opposite the beach is occupied by souvenir shops, bars, hotels and all amounts of arcade games and rides. At the boardwalk's southern end, a 1920s-era fishing pier features a Ferris wheel, restored carousel and other amusements. Elsewhere, you'll find public recreation centres like Northside Park and theme parks like Jolly Roger at the Pier, which offers go-kart racing and mini-golf.
Seafood dominates restaurant menus in Ocean City. Blue crabs are a Maryland signature, and you can order yours here baked, fried or steamed. Salt water taffy is another local staple – a soft, chewy candy invented in New Jersey that's now sold in seaside destinations across the US.
No visit to Ocean City is complete without time spent on the beach – during the warmer months, at least. Though often crowded, the sands here are spacious, clean and free to use. By day, visitors enjoy dips in the chilly Atlantic, while the more adventurous take to kayaking and surfing. At night, all return to shore to soak in the sunset.
Tonight
From £140 per night
This weekend
From £280 per night
Next weekend
From £187 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | US$10 = £8.04 |
Language | |
Average weekend price | £87 per night |
Average weekday price | £92 per night |
Typical stay | 2 nights |
Ocean City Boardwalk
3 miles from city centre
Seacrets
5.2 miles from city centre
I loved the room, and was surprised there was a Fridge,...
24 April 2024
I loved the room, and was surprised there was a Fridge, stove, and dishwasher and dishes to use. I didn't have much time to use the jacuzzi but was it there and in working order. I checked. :) The view of the ocean was spectacular, and hearing the waves so close by at night, allowed me to have a peaceful deep sleep every night! The view in the lobby was awesome and everything I need was either a phone call away or within walking distance. We ate dinner at the Original Crabcake Factory, excellent food. I am already planning to go back I enjoyed myself so much!
Our first visit to Ocean City & it was a quick overnight...
11 April 2024
Our first visit to Ocean City & it was a quick overnight stay. We walked the Boardwalk & took in the sights. Had door dash that evening from local restaurant, Fat Daddys. Their service & food made the stay even better. We are excited to have an alternative to stay when we travel & looking forward to booking another trip soon.
Great place to visit in the summer with the boardwalk and...
29 March 2024
Great place to visit in the summer with the boardwalk and the shops. Lots of white sandy beach line. Bike rentals are awesome as well and hermit crab purchase for the kiddos are fun. I would avoid going to Ocean City in the spring, winter and fall. It's way too cold to really enjoy all of the amenities. Best time to go is June - September!
The beaches are beautiful the sand is nice and the dunes...
23 March 2024
The beaches are beautiful the sand is nice and the dunes have really come a long way and of course the water is beautiful. But interfering this is the dogs the ever-present intrusion of Unleashed animals and poop. I don't believe the city enforces it's leash laws or pooper scooper laws.
Ocean City is overpriced with lots of inner city liberals...
13 March 2024
Ocean City is overpriced with lots of inner city liberals moving in and illegal aliens. The town is being overrun with dogs and dog friendly hotels. The costs of everything is too high from hotel rooms to restaurant food especially. For the money you're going to spend you can have a nice Cruise in the Caribbean and still save money.. on the other hand if you don't mind dog poop on the beach and you just want to get to the ocean it's a great escape. But there are too many people here now and it's not so quiet. The smell of pot is ever present even in the hotel rooms.
I love staying in Ocean City, MD.
4 March 2024
I love staying in Ocean City, MD. Everything is so convenient to get to from this hotel. Lots of food options and shopping even in off season. We love the Bad Monkey, Purple Moose Saloon, Assateague Island and the boardwalk.
North Ocean City, Ocean City
From £172 per night
Boardwalk, Ocean City
From £361 per night
Boardwalk, Ocean City
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