Ocean City Maryland beach and boardwalk during the day

Visit the famous pier in Ocean City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Weekend Getaways

Take 3 Days and Find Your Beach — Plus a Whole Lot More — in Ocean City, Maryland

For more than a century, summer travelers have been flocking to Ocean City, Maryland, to stroll the boardwalk and soak in the sights, sounds and flavors of a town that exudes an energy you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

While there are plenty of boardwalks all up and down the Eastern Seaboard, Ocean City has long been considered one of the best, thanks to its 10 miles of sandy beach — lined with Ferris wheels, arcades and loads of seafood joints. Note that Ocean City is much quieter outside of the summer months and brief shoulder seasons. But while attractions shut down and many restaurants close, the often wild and windswept beach is still a draw for travelers looking for serenity and solitude.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Friday: Explore the Boardwalk

Two beach chairs during sunset on the beach with waves crashing
Lounging on the beach is always a vacation favorite. (Photo: Getty Images)

You could’ve gone to any beach on the East Coast, but you chose Ocean City for a reason. This favored summertime destination offers a vibrant mix of action and beach activities that will keep you as busy (or not) as you’d like to be.

You’re going to need to fuel up, and the Fractured Prune is where to start. The famous doughnut joint has been serving homemade delicacies since 1976 and now has additional shops around town — you’re never too far from a location. If you like your already sweet doughnuts even sweeter, the “Caramel Kiss” and the “Pebble Beach” are favorites.

Get your bearings with a stroll along the boardwalk, entering around 12th Street in the town center. Early in the day the beach will be pretty quiet, aside from the few dozen kite fliers putting on an aerial show. Make your way to the fishing pier, taking note of the places you’d like to stop later.

During the warmer months, the boardwalk can get really packed, so it’s a good idea to have a sense of where you’d like to go so you don’t have to figure it out while wading through the crowds. For quick bites, Thrasher’s French Fries, Fisher’s Popcorn and Dumser’s Dairyland are local favorites.

Once you hit the fishing pier, make your way back toward 12th Street. The beach at this end of town gets crowded due to its close proximity to so many shops and eateries — and it’s a real magnet for families. Keep in mind that the tide comes in quick (and far), so be sure to give yourself some space for when that happens.

When it’s time to break for dinner, Hooper’s Crab House is a great choice. Known for its massive portions of crab legs, shrimp, hush puppies and more, you’re guaranteed to get your fill.

Before you call it a night, head back to the boardwalk for a few minutes to take in the amusement park lights. It’s a pretty spectacular scene.

Saturday: Give the Amusement Parks a Whirl

Ocean City boardwalk at night with Ferris wheel in background
The city is vibrant after the sun sets too. (Photo: Getty Images)

Saturdays on the boardwalk are always lively. So it’s best to have a plan of attack. Trimper’s Rides is at the tip of the city, right by the fishing pier. There are arcade games, a Ferris wheel and even a roller coaster, plus plenty of fast-food eateries for when you’ve worked up an appetite. Grab a quick lunch at Guido’s Burritos before knocking the adrenaline level up a bit at Jolly Roger Amusement Park, which opens promptly at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and quickly fills up.

There are loads of attractions for every age, as well as some specifically for kids — like the Giant Wheel or the two mini-golf courses. The Ferris wheel is another favorite with great views of the ocean. Stick around until 5 p.m. to catch the free circus, during which acrobats perform stunts for cheering crowds.

After a day of rides, you’ll be ready to relax a bit. The Captain’s Table at the Marriott Courtyard Ocean City Oceanfront hotel is the place to unwind, with fresh-caught seafood and great views of the boardwalk and ocean.

Sunday: Hit the Links

With 17 championship courses within a short drive from the boardwalk, golf is another popular warm-weather activity in Ocean City. Try Eagle’s Landing for its sweeping views of Sinepuxent Bay and the Assateague Island National Seashore. Just be sure to start your day early so you have enough time to spend a few more hours on the beach.

Two crab cakes with micro greens on top and sauce on plate
Crabcakes are the perfect seafood dish. (Photo: Marriott International)

After a morning of golf, head to Liquid Assets for upscale American fare and an impressive beer list, with more than a dozen craft brews. When in Maryland, you have to get the crabcakes — and this is the perfect place to do so.

The beach in North Ocean City is an ideal place to spend a few hours on your last day in town: The crowds are less dense, but the views are just as stunning. From 33rd Street up to 145th Street, you’ll be able to squeeze in a bit more space for a beach chair and towel without rubbing elbows with your neighbor.

For dinner, it’s time to head bayside, where the atmosphere is noticeably more peaceful. Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar sits right on the water and has a sandy patio — a great place to enjoy their classic Blu Crab Dip, served with pretzel bread. Consider digging in to one of their “feasts” for all-you-can-eat crab, chicken and shrimp.

If you still have some energy to burn, a nighttime walk along the beach or boardwalk is the best way to end your stay. For a sweet treat, Candy Kitchen has an impressive selection of fudge, chocolates and candies that you can bring with you on your stroll.