Community awards
Best of Ocean City®
Celebrating the very best restaurants, bars, Boardwalk businesses, and things to do in Ocean City, Maryland—voted by locals and visitors— these are the places that make OC unforgettable.
What is the Best of Ocean City®?
The Best of Ocean City® is the longest-running, most prestigious readers’ poll of its kind in town. Every year, we call on visitors and locals to crown the best of the best across dining, bars, things to do, and the boardwalk. Last year’s polls drew more than 125,000 votes across 42 categories.
Winners earn online recognition on OceanCity.com, a spot on the official Best of Ocean City® list, and a place on the Best of Ocean City® Trails, so you can taste and explore the community’s favorites for yourself.
Best of Ocean City® Trails
Grab a free pass and explore this year’s winners. Follow the trail, check in at each spot, and unlock exclusive offers as you go.
Best of the Boardwalk
Best Restaurants
Best Bars
Best Things to Do
Voting is open
Cast your ballot across 48 categories including dining, bars, things to do, and the boardwalk. It takes just a few minutes.
Cast your voteView winners
See winning businesses by year and category. Use past results to plan your next trip around community-certified favorites.
View 2026 winners
Community photo contest
See the winning photo
The winning shot from this year’s OceanCity.com Photo Contest — chosen by community vote.
How It Works
Nominate
Suggest your favorite local businesses across all award categories during the open nomination window.
Vote
Once nominations close, the top contenders in each category advance to the public voting round.
Celebrate
Winners are announced, featured on OceanCity.com, and recognized with Best of OC badges.
Award Categories
Voters choose favorites across 48 categories that reflect the full Ocean City experience.
Best Restaurants & Food
Best Bars
Best Things to Do
Best of the Boardwalk
2027 Timeline
Aug 26
Public Voting
All Summer
Winner Spotlights
Own a business in Ocean City?
Winning a Best of OC award drives real traffic. Promote your nomination, encourage customer votes, and amplify your win with featured placement on OceanCity.com.