Ocean City Center for the Arts
Ocean City, Maryland offers miles of free beaches, a lively boardwalk, and a thriving arts scene, perfect for a classic coastal getaway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Ocean City Center for the Arts
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ocean City, Maryland offers miles of free beaches, a lively boardwalk, and a thriving arts scene, perfect for a classic coastal getaway.
"Best beach in the East coast! Thrashers, Dumsers, salt water and the most amazing sunrise."
☀️ Beach Day Essentials
Pack sunscreen, towels, and chairs. The beach is free, but parking can be challenging.
🎨 Art Center Exploration
Check the Art League's schedule for rotating exhibits and events. Admission is often free!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean City Beach
Ocean City Boardwalk
Miles of sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the ocean breeze. Famous for its sunrises!
Ocean City Performing Arts Center
Convention Center
Catch live music, comedy shows, and theatrical performances in this vibrant venue.
+1
Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts
94th Street
Explore local art exhibits, attend workshops, and discover unique pieces by regional artists.
+2Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access & Parking
Arts & Events Hub
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Beach Day Essentials
Pack sunscreen, towels, and chairs. The beach is free, but parking can be challenging.
🎨 Art Center Exploration
Check the Art League's schedule for rotating exhibits and events. Admission is often free!
🎶 Performing Arts Lineup
Book tickets in advance for popular shows at the Performing Arts Center.
🚗 Day Trip to Berlin
Consider a short trip to nearby Berlin for a charming small-town experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Beach Day Essentials
Pack sunscreen, towels, and chairs. The beach is free, but parking can be challenging.
🎨 Art Center Exploration
Check the Art League's schedule for rotating exhibits and events. Admission is often free!
🎶 Performing Arts Lineup
Book tickets in advance for popular shows at the Performing Arts Center.
🚗 Day Trip to Berlin
Consider a short trip to nearby Berlin for a charming small-town experience.
🍽️ Local Eats
Explore diverse dining options, from seafood at the Convention Center to viral treats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Ocean City's beautiful beaches and vibrant boardwalk atmosphere, highlighting the stunning sunrises and classic seaside fun. While the free beach access is a major plus, parking can be a significant challenge, especially during peak times. Some find the decor in public spaces a bit unusual, but overall, it's a recommended destination for a classic beach vacation.
"Very nice place and location. This is the convention center, and different activities can take place here at the same time. There is ample space inside and out. They have a small food court there where you can have some good options with seafood. I enjoyed having their shrimps and fries 🍟 😋."
TrésorS. YYAMA
"Been here a couple times to use the bathroom. The decorations in the building are weird with whacky colors. Bathrooms aren’t sparkling clean, but they get the job done."
Jess W
"Love this beach. We typically go for 4-6 hours. A day ticket is $10 per person above 12. Finding free parking is definitely challenging on weekends or holidays next to beach. We never had to use restrooms so no comment there. Highly recommended."
saroash Liaqat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ocean City is accessible by car via US-50 East. If flying, the nearest major airports are Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most common method.
Ocean City has a public bus system that runs along Coastal Highway, making it easy to get around without a car. The Boardwalk also has a tram service during peak season.
The Ocean City Center for the Arts is located on the second floor of the OC Community Center at 1735 Simpson Ave. It's accessible by car, and public bus routes also stop nearby.
Yes, Ocean City, MD is a popular day trip destination from Baltimore. The drive typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours via US-50 East.
The Center for the Arts is located within the OC Community Center, which is a few blocks from the beach. It's a pleasant walk, or you can take a short bus ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the beach in Ocean City, Maryland is free and open to the public. You do not need to purchase a beach pass.
Admission to the Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts is generally free, allowing visitors to explore exhibits and enjoy the space.
Yes, tickets are required for performances at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center. It's recommended to purchase them in advance, especially for popular shows.
The Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts is typically open Monday-Friday from 9 am to 9 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current hours.
While on-site ticket purchases might be possible, it's best to buy tickets for the Ocean City Performing Arts Center in advance online or through their box office to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The Center for the Arts features rotating art exhibitions, artist studios, and often hosts workshops and events. It's a great place to experience local and regional art.
The Ocean City Boardwalk offers classic beach town attractions, including amusement rides, shops, restaurants, and beautiful ocean views. Don't miss the iconic Thrashers fries!
The Center for the Arts often has exhibits that appeal to all ages. They also sometimes use recycled materials for art projects, which can be engaging for children.
The Convention Center hosts a wide range of events, including art festivals, car shows like Cruisin' Ocean City, and performances at the Performing Arts Center.
The beach can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak summer season. Visiting on weekdays or early in the morning can offer a more relaxed experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ocean City is known for its seafood, especially crab cakes and shrimp. Don't miss local favorites like Thrashers fries and Dumser's ice cream. Viral treats like Dubai strawberry chocolate cups are also popular.
Yes, Ocean City has numerous seafood restaurants. The Convention Center itself has a food court with seafood options, and many establishments along the coast offer fresh catches.
For unique eats, try places like Cheese Wheel Pasta or the viral Dubai strawberry chocolate cups at House of Ice Cream. Exploring nearby Berlin also offers charming dining spots. +2
While some restaurants can be pricey, you can find more affordable options like boardwalk fries, pizza slices, and casual eateries. The Convention Center's food court offers varied choices.
For a local vibe, skip the tourist traps and explore bars like Seacrets or those recommended for their unique atmosphere. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The beach at sunrise offers stunning photographic opportunities. The boardwalk, with its vibrant atmosphere and iconic signs, is also a great subject.
Yes, you can generally take photos within the public areas of the Ocean City Center for the Arts to capture the artwork on display. Be mindful of any specific exhibit restrictions.
Look for opportunities at events like car shows, where classic and exotic cars provide great photo ops. The unique decor in some hotels can also be interesting. +1
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic lighting for beach photography in Ocean City, creating beautiful colors and long shadows.
Drone usage in Ocean City is subject to local regulations and FAA guidelines. It's essential to check current rules before flying a drone for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, remember that parking can be challenging, so arriving early is key. The Convention Center offers a convenient food court with diverse options, and there are many casual eateries along the coast.
🚗 Day-Trippers
Consider packing a picnic or enjoying quick bites from boardwalk vendors to save time and money.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
+2 It's a great place to discover new artists and perhaps find a unique souvenir. Admission is often free, making it an accessible cultural experience. Don't miss checking the schedule for the Ocean City Performing Arts Center for live music, theater, and other performances.
+1 Keep an eye out for special art-focused events like the Illuminate Ocean City Mind-Body-Spirit-Arts Festival for a broader creative immersion. The town also hosts events like plein air painting contests, showcasing the artistic inspiration drawn from the coastal scenery. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Arts Scene
+2Beyond the galleries, the Ocean City Performing Arts Center at the Convention Center is a venue for a variety of performances, from musical acts to theatrical productions. Checking their schedule in advance is key to catching a show during your visit.
+1 The arts community also thrives through events like the Illuminate Ocean City Mind-Body-Spirit-Arts Festival, highlighting a holistic approach to creativity and wellness. Community involvement is also a strong theme, with initiatives like using recycled water bottles for art projects at the Center for the Arts, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and creative reuse.
These efforts underscore a vibrant arts scene that extends beyond traditional galleries, engaging the community in unique and meaningful ways.Ocean City's Beach Experience
While the beach itself is free and accessible to all, parking can be a significant challenge, particularly on weekends and holidays. Arriving early in the day is often recommended to secure a spot, or visitors may need to utilize paid parking lots.
For those looking for a more active beach experience, options like the OC Rocket Speedboat are available, offering thrilling rides on the water.
Culinary Delights in Ocean City
Beyond traditional offerings, Ocean City embraces popular food trends. Viral sensations like Dubai strawberry chocolate cups have gained traction, with places like House of Ice Cream serving them up.
When it comes to drinks, Ocean City boasts a variety of bars. While some are tourist traps, others offer a more local feel, and spots like Seacrets are popular for their lively atmosphere.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit