
Ocean City Beach
Miles of sandy shores, a lively boardwalk, and family fun await at Ocean City, a classic East Coast beach destination.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Ocean City Beach
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Miles of sandy shores, a lively boardwalk, and family fun await at Ocean City, a classic East Coast beach destination.
"The beach was clean and well maintained with lots of food, stores and fun options on the board walk."

🎯 Get Your Beach Tags!
Don't forget beach tags for OC, MD! They're essential for access and avoiding fines.
🚗 Parking Perks
Finding parking can be surprisingly easy, even during busy times. Consider public transport or walking if possible.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Expansive Beach
Ocean City, MD & NJ
Miles of clean sand and warm waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Lifeguards are on duty during season.

Ocean City Boardwalk
Ocean City, MD & NJ
A vibrant promenade with shops, eateries, and amusement park attractions. A classic beach town experience.

Wild Horses of Assateague
Assateague Island National Seashore (near Ocean City, MD)
Witness these majestic creatures roaming freely on the beach and dunes. A unique wildlife encounter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Tag Essentials
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get Your Beach Tags!
Don't forget beach tags for OC, MD! They're essential for access and avoiding fines.
🚗 Parking Perks
Finding parking can be surprisingly easy, even during busy times. Consider public transport or walking if possible.
🌊 Lifeguard Safety
Swim during lifeguard hours for safety. They are a big reason many prefer OC.
🐬 Dolphin Sightings
Keep an eye out for dolphins! They've been spotted swimming offshore.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get Your Beach Tags!
Don't forget beach tags for OC, MD! They're essential for access and avoiding fines.
🚗 Parking Perks
Finding parking can be surprisingly easy, even during busy times. Consider public transport or walking if possible.
🌊 Lifeguard Safety
Swim during lifeguard hours for safety. They are a big reason many prefer OC.
🐬 Dolphin Sightings
Keep an eye out for dolphins! They've been spotted swimming offshore.
📸 Capture the Views
From sunrises to sunsets, the coastal scenery is stunning. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ocean City's clean beaches, warm waters, and the presence of lifeguards, making it a safe and enjoyable family destination. The boardwalk offers endless entertainment and dining options, contributing to a classic beach vacation experience. Some find it a bit overpriced, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
"This year was my third vacation here. The water at the beach was surprisingly warm, I would say it was warmer than the LI sound. It also isn't extremely crowded, and there are life guards on duty."
Danilo L
"OC beach is the best. The beach was clean and well maintained with lots of food, stores and fun options on the board walk. The beach is free with life guards on duty. You can spend a whole day here with family or friends."
Run Law
"Great place for family teen youth anything. This is a great place safe to hang out and just enjoy the area little over priced bc they know your visiting so just come prepared u already know but it’s cool and everything is good hat you think"
Cookieman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ocean City, Maryland is accessible by car via US-50. Public transportation options include bus services from major East Coast cities. For Ocean City, New Jersey, it's accessible via the Garden State Parkway. Many visitors arrive by car, and parking can be found along the streets or in designated lots, though it can be pricey.
Yes, Ocean City, MD, has a public bus system that runs along Coastal Highway, making it easy to get around without a car. In Ocean City, NJ, the Jitney is a popular option for getting around the island.
If you're coming for a day trip, driving is usually the most convenient. Be prepared for potential traffic, especially on weekends during peak season. Consider arriving early to secure parking.
Some TikTok creators mention less crowded access points or specific stretches of beach that feel more secluded. Exploring beyond the main boardwalk areas can reveal these quieter spots.
Coastal Highway in Ocean City, MD, can get congested, especially during summer. Be patient and aware of speed limits. Hurricane season can sometimes impact driving conditions and beach access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
In Ocean City, Maryland, beach access is generally free, but you will need to purchase beach tags during the summer season. These are required for individuals over a certain age and can be bought daily, weekly, or seasonally.
Beach tags can be purchased online in advance, at various retail locations throughout Ocean City, or from taggers on the beach. It's recommended to get them before you hit the sand to avoid any issues.
The beach is typically open from dawn until dusk. Lifeguards are on duty during specific hours, usually from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
The boardwalk itself is free to access. However, attractions, rides, and some shops on the boardwalk will have their own costs.
You can be fined if you are found on the beach without a valid beach tag during the required season. It's best to always have one with you.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ocean City offers a wide range of activities including swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, fishing, and parasailing. The boardwalk provides amusement park rides, arcades, and shopping.
Absolutely! It's a very popular destination for families, with lifeguards, clean beaches, and plenty of kid-friendly activities on the boardwalk.
Yes, you might spot dolphins swimming offshore. A short drive away, Assateague Island is famous for its wild horses.
Many visitors enjoy the areas around the boardwalk for easy access to amenities. However, some prefer quieter sections further north or south for a more relaxed experience.
Public restrooms and showers are available at various points along the beach and boardwalk, especially near public access areas and lifeguard stations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ocean City is known for its seafood, especially crab cakes and fresh catches. The boardwalk offers classic beach fare like pizza, fries, and ice cream. Don't miss the unique pasta dishes or local seafood shacks.
Yes, the boardwalk is lined with numerous restaurants and snack stands offering everything from casual bites to sit-down meals. Many feature ocean views.
TikTok creators and Reddit users often recommend places like Seacrets, De Lazy Lizard, and various seafood restaurants for a true Ocean City culinary experience.
Dining can be a bit pricey, as is common in tourist destinations. However, there are options for various budgets, from boardwalk snacks to more upscale restaurants.
Absolutely! Many restaurants cater to families with kid-friendly menus and a relaxed atmosphere. The boardwalk is especially good for quick, family-friendly meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for beach photography. The golden hour before sunset is particularly magical.
The boardwalk, the beach with its waves, the wild horses of Assateague, and the iconic Ocean City signs are all popular subjects. Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the boardwalk at night.
Look for the colorful beach umbrellas, the surfers catching waves, or the unique architecture of the beach houses. The wild horses on Assateague provide a truly unique photographic subject.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and ocean. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, like dolphins or horses. Protect your gear from sand and saltwater.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near the boardwalk and residential zones. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Ocean City: Maryland vs. New Jersey
When planning your trip, consider what you're looking for. OCMD often features more nightlife and a wider array of entertainment options, including places like Seacrets. OCNJ is known for its strict alcohol policy and emphasis on family activities. Both have excellent beaches, but the overall experience can vary. Understanding these differences will help you choose the Ocean City that best suits your vacation style.
The Iconic Ocean City Boardwalk Experience
For many, the boardwalk is synonymous with childhood memories and summer fun. It's a place to indulge in sweet treats, try your luck at carnival games, or simply enjoy people-watching. Some visitors recommend specific eateries or attractions, so it's worth doing a little research based on your interests. Remember that the boardwalk can get crowded, especially during peak hours and weekends, so be prepared for the lively atmosphere.
Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins and Wild Horses
For an even more extraordinary wildlife experience, a short trip to Assateague Island National Seashore is a must. This barrier island is famous for its population of wild horses that roam freely along the beaches and dunes. Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable sight and a popular subject for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit