Ocean City, MD Beaches
10 Miles of Free Sandy Beaches! 3 Miles of Boardwalk!
The Beaches in Ocean City
Where is the best beach?
Ocean City, MD is a continuous 10-mile sandy beach. The sand and water are equally beautiful along the entire stretch of Maryland’s coast, but you’ll find differences based on what is on the land in each area and the crowds. Downtown beaches are the busiest, because of the boardwalk and the high concentration of lodging options. The crowds on the beach spread out as you head north and you will find more condos to rent.
Bonfires on the Beach
Bonfires are allowed on the beach, but you must first get a permit. Bonfire must be a minimum of 75 feet away from the dunes and only untreated, natural wood may be used in the bonfire. The bonfire permit only covers the singular date and location specified. Additional locations or dates will require additional, separate permits. The person obtaining the permit must be present during the hours of the bonfire and be over 21. More information on bonfires on the beach at Assateague and in Ocean City is available here.
Metal Detecting on the Beach
You do not need a license or any permission to metal detect on OC’s beaches, but it is prohibited on Assateague.
Read below for more details on Downtown, Midtown, North Ocean City and Assateague beaches
FAQs about the Beach in Ocean City, MD
Beaches
-
- Boardwalk at Worcester Street
- Boardwalk at Caroline Street
- 3rd Street & St. Louis Avenue next to Skate Park
- Boardwalk at 9th Street
- Boardwalk at 27th Street
- S. Division Street Transit Center
- Park & Ride on Rt. 50, just west of Harry Kelley Bridge
- Transit Center on 144th Street
PUBLIC RINSE-OFF STATIONS
Rinse-off spigots are provided at the following locations:- Caroline Street (4)
- Inlet Beach (4)
- 9th Street (2)
- Check Ocean 98.1 WOCM or other local radio stations
- Call the OC Beach Patrol at (410) 289-7556
- Visit http://oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/Beach_Patrol
Downtown: Beaches from the inlet to 27th
The downtown area (southern end) attracts a much larger crowd and is a little more lively.
- The famous Ocean City boardwalk runs from the inlet parking lot to 27th Street.
- The highest concentration of hotels deliver the highest concentration of beach goers.
- The inlet has a large parking area and many day-trippers use this beach.
- Home to the pier and the inlet.
- More fishermen and a trickier place to swim.
- More public bathrooms.
Midtown: Beaches from 27th to 62nd
The midtown area is less crowded and has its own charm:
- Favorite of locals
- Fewer hotels and more condos
- Home to many fabulous hotels with spectacular sunset views (on the bayside.)
Click on the 360º image of the beach behind the Hilton Hotel at 38th Street to see what you can expect when you come to Ocean City, MD. Move the image around with your cursor. You will see the Hilton itself.
Click on the 360º image of the beach behind the Hilton Hotel at 38th Street to see what you can expect when you come to Ocean City, MD. Move the image around with your cursor. You will see the Hilton itself.
North Ocean City: Beaches from 62nd to Delaware Line
The beaches in North Ocean City are the least crowded and perfect if you want to get away from it all.
- Known as “condo row,” North Ocean City still has a lot of oceanfront hotels, but they are separated by large condo buildings.
- The Princess Royale and the Ashore Resort and Beach Club are self-contained resort properties where you don’t ever have to leave the beach.
- If you are coming to Ocean City to participate in events at Northside park or you want to visit several of the local craft breweries in Delaware, these are the closest beaches.
Beaches on Asssateague Island
If you don’t like all the development in Ocean City and you really want to get away, then Assateague Island is the beach to try.
- There are two parks, the National Park and the State Park.
- Camping is available on Assateague
- You don’t have to get a permit to have a bonfire.
- Pets on leashes are allowed.
- Great place to surf fish – you can even drive onto the beach with a permit at the northern end of the national seashore.
Accessing the Beaches
Accessing the Beaches
The Ocean City beaches are easily accessible either from the boardwalk, or through entry paths located at every block above 28th. Hotels and condos have their own access ways. Bike racks are located at many of the entry points. See a list of Wheelchair accessible beaches. There are parking lots and metered spaces downtown. Free street parking is available at most entry points as you head north.
Ocean City Beach Rules
Beach Rules
- Use of the beach is free; no beach tags needed, and is open to the public 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- No ball-playing, Frisbee-throwing, or Kites of any kind between 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily from May 30 to September 15, by Town Ordinance.
- No Pets allowed on the beach or boardwalk Between May 1st and September 30th.
- Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited on the beach.
- No skim boarding between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- No surfing between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., unless in designated surfing areas. Two surfing beaches are announced daily.
- Surf fishing is permitted in Ocean City, but be sure you are at least 50 feet away from swimmers
Public Bathrooms
Public Restrooms by the Beach
- Boardwalk at Worcester Street
- Boardwalk at Caroline Street
- 3rd Street & St. Louis Avenue next to Skate Park
- Boardwalk at 9th Street
- Boardwalk at 27th Street
- S. Division Street Transit Center
- Park & Ride on Rt. 50, just west of Harry Kelley Bridge
- Transit Center on 144th Street
Rinse-off spigots are provided at the following locations:
- Caroline Street (4)
- Inlet Beach (4)
- 9th Street (2)
Wheelchair Accessible Beaches in Ocean City
| ADA BEACH ACCESS | BEACH WHEELCHAIRS AVAILABLE | BOARDS TO BEACH | MATS TO BEACH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlet Lot | Yes | Yes | No |
| Somerset St. | No | Yes | No |
| Talbot St. | No | Yes | No |
| N. Division St. | No | Yes | No |
| 1st St. | Yes | Yes | No |
| 7th St. | Yes | No | No |
| 12th St. | No | No | No |
| 25th St. | No | No | No |
| 27th St. | Yes | No | No |
| 30th St. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 35th St. | No | No | No |
| 37th St. | No | No | No |
| 40th St. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 48th St. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 59th St. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 70th St. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 81st St. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 89th St. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 94th St. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 107th St. | Yes | No | *At 109th – between Capri & Golden Sands |
| 120th St. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 130th St. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 139th St. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 145th St. | Yes | No | Yes |
