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 £104 per night
Next weekend
From £437 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | US$10 = £7.97 |
Language | |
Average weekend price | £88 per night |
Average weekday price | £96 per night |
Typical stay | 2 nights |
Ocean City Boardwalk
3 miles from city centre
Seacrets
5.2 miles from city centre
We enjoyed the ocean view.
2 May 2024
We enjoyed the ocean view. The water in the pool was nice, large pool. Would stay there again. We saw the wild horses and one was born just the day before we got there and there were 2 eagles nesting.
Ocean City is awesome.
1 May 2024
Ocean City is awesome. There is so much to do. There are tours you can do to see the wild ponies and the dolphins. You can park and just walk to everything and anything you want to do. The hotels are great. The boardwalk alone is great. There is amusement rides at the end. Just staying for the beach would be worth it too. Many Many activities worth checking out.
The main thing I liked was that they allowed two larger dogs.
26 April 2024
The main thing I liked was that they allowed two larger dogs. The place was clean and had easy access to yard area for the dogs. The only real issue that we had, which wasn't even much of an issue, was that the kitchen sink had very low water pressure and the hot water in the kitchen sink didn't work. When I contacted them about it, they offered to come and look at it if we wanted them to. We told them it was fine for the couple nights we were staying. I highly recommend. The location is amazing as well.
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!
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