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Ocean City

The Ocean City Boardwalk

3 Miles of Boardwalk dotted with shops and restaurants
Boardwalk tram, bike and pet rules
Hotels, Thrashers fries, Fishers Popcorn, and lots of ice cream

Explore The Ocean City Boardwalk
From the Inlet to 27th Street

You will be hard pressed to find a list of the best boardwalks in the United States and not see The Ocean City, Maryland Boardwalk among the top.  This iconic landmark stretches for three miles along the beach and is always open.

This classic boardwalk is a vibrant hub of activity, lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and amusements.

The enticing aroma of fries, soft-serve ice cream, and caramel popcorn fills the air. With its mix of games, rides, and lively barkers, the Boardwalk offers a classic seaside ambiance.

The award-winning boardwalk also boasts stunning waterfront and beachfront hotels, fabulous restaurants, and attractions that rival any world-class seaside resort.

Ocean City Boardwalk Virtual Tour

Take an interactive virtual tour of the Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. These 360 degree images will take you through the board from start to finish. View our Ocean City Boardwalk Guide for more about hotels, things to do, rules,...

Boardwalk Rules & FAQ's

Boardwalk FAQ

Pets are only permitted on the Boardwalk between October 1st and April 30th, and they must be kept on a leash.
Categories: Boardwalk FAQ, Pets
Definitely the inlet lot.  Here is information from the Town of Ocean City on parking in the inlet lot. Your first 30 minutes are free, including handicapped! Patrons must pay for expired time prior to leaving the Inlet Lot to avoid being billed for additional administrative costs April 1 – May 23, 2024 Monday – Thursday: FREE Parking Friday – Sunday: $3.00/hour May 24 – September 30, 2024 Daily Rate: $3.50/hour July 4, 2024 – $5.00/hour October 1 – October 31, 2024 Monday – Thursday: FREE Parking Friday – Sunday: $3.00/hour

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

When parking at the Inlet Parking Lot in Ocean City, here’s what you need to know: Payment Options:
  • You can pay for your parking session when you arrive or before you leave the lot by paying for the amount of time you have stayed.
  • Use a nearby kiosk to enter your license plate details and pay for your desired parking duration. Make sure to enter your complete license plate, including numbers.
  • There’s a 30-minute grace period to start your parking session, including for handicapped spaces.
Receipt Display:
  • There’s no need to display the receipt on your dashboard after payment.
ParkMobile App:
  • Alternatively, you can use the ParkMobile App to pay for your parking at the Inlet Parking Lot.
Violation Fees:
  • Violations of parking regulations at the Inlet Lot will result in a mailed bill for the time spent in the lot, plus a $25 administrative fee.
  • If the violation fee is not paid within 30 days, it will escalate to $50.
Payment Before Leaving:
  • To avoid additional administrative costs, make sure to pay for any expired time before leaving the Inlet Lot.
Assistance:
  • Parking lot ambassadors are available at the booth located in the center of Row E in the Inlet Parking Lot.
  • For technical support and guidance on using the parking machines, you can call the number displayed on the front of the machine.
Following these guidelines ensures a smooth parking experience at the Inlet Parking Lot in Ocean City, Maryland.

Q: When are the stores and shops on the Ocean City Boardwalk open?

A: There’s no set time for all stores to open or close on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Each business has its own unique hours of operation.

Q: How can I find out the hours for a specific store or restaurant?

A: The best way to find out the hours for your favorite stores and restaurants is to:

  • Check their individual websites
  • Look up their hours on their Facebook pages
  • Call them directly

Q: Are the stores open year-round?

A: Many stores and restaurants are open seasonally, with their hours varying depending on the time of year.

Q: When do most stores open for the season?

A: Typically, most stores and restaurants begin to open around Memorial Day weekend, often starting with weekend-only hours.

Q: When can I expect most stores to be open daily?

A: As the summer season progresses, you’ll find that most businesses are open daily during the week and on weekends.

Q: Are stores open after Labor Day?

A: Yes, many stores and restaurants remain open on weekends after Labor Day.

Q: Are there any special events that might extend store hours in the fall?

A: Yes, events like Oceans Calling and Sunfest often encourage businesses to remain open, at least on weekends, well into October.

Remember: It’s always best to confirm the hours of operation for a specific store or restaurant before heading to the Ocean City Boardwalk.

There is no universal time for a store to be open or closed.  Each business runs its own hours. So check the website or Facebook page of your favorite business to see their hours. Typically, the shops restaurants and stores open around Memorial Day, at least on the weekends.  As Spring moves into Summer, the businesses are almost all open during the week as well as the weekends.  Most businesses remain open on the weekends after Labor Day and will start closing as we get into October.  Now, with Oceans Calling, Sunfest and other big events in October, you will find the businesses will keep their stores and restaurants open at least on the weekends well into October.
Category: Boardwalk FAQ
Most are down near the inlet end of the boardwalk.  
 
 
Sportland Arcade 506 S Atlantic Ave
near Jolly Roger at the Pier
 
Funcade
905 Atlantic Avenue 
  View the Ocean City Arcade Directory
Category: Boardwalk FAQ
Yes, public bathrooms can be found at the following locations: 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 Rinse Stations can be found at: Caroline Street (4) Inlet Beach (4) 9th Street (2)
Categories: Beaches, Boardwalk FAQ
The Boardwalk is technically open year round, however many businesses close during the offseason. Businesses open on an individual basis, so it’s best to contact them directly if you want to know their offseason schedule.
Category: Boardwalk FAQ
Biking is allowed only between the hours of 2 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day). It is allowed anytime of the day and night in the off-season from the Tuesday after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day subject to the following exceptions: Springfest and Sunfest (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday), between 2:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon of the same day. Class 2 & 3 Electric bicycles are not allowed on the boardwalk at any time.
Category: Boardwalk FAQ
Skateboarding/ rollerblading/ rollerskating is prohibited on the Boardwalk during the summer season, but is allowed anytime of the day and night in the off-season from the Tuesday after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day.
Category: Boardwalk FAQ
Yes, the Town of Ocean City provides beach wheelchairs at designated locations from 10am to 5pm daily, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Chairs are available from the Beach Patrol and must be used within a block of where they are picked up. Chairs can be rented at the following lots: Inlet Lot, 7th St., 30th St., 40th St., 48th St., 59th St., 70th St., 81st St., 89th St., 94th St., 107th St., 120th St., 130th St., 139th St., 145th St.
Categories: Beaches, Boardwalk FAQ
As of May 1, 2015, the Clean Air Smoking Ban is in effect. All public smoking on the beach/Boardwalk must be confined to designated areas.
Categories: Beaches, Boardwalk FAQ
**The Boardwalk tram is suspended indefinitely** The Boardwalk Tram costs $5.00 per person, per boarding, per one way ride. Although the tram runs every day throughout the summer, it may not maintain its normal schedule during during inclement weather due to safety precautions. For further questions please contact Transportation at 410-723-1606. Summer Boardwalk Tram Hours: May 24 – September 2 2024, 12pm -Midnight/Daily Special Events Boardwalk Tram Hours: Springfest: May 2-5 2024, OC Cruisin’ Weekend: May 16-19, Post Labor Day: September 3-8, Bikefest: September 11-15, Sunfest: Thursday, October 24-27
Tags: Boardwalk, trams
The rides are located near the inlet south of Somerset Street.  You have Trimper’s Amusements and Jolly Roger at the Pier, both of which are popular.  Trimper’s has the oldest (and most spectacular) carousel located inside so you can enjoy it even if it rains.  Most of the kiddie rides are inside too.
Category: Boardwalk FAQ

Best of Ocean City®: The Boardwalk

2024 Winners

Each year, OceanCity.com hosts a Best of Ocean City® contest with voting in over 50 different categories. From the best caramel corn to the best candy, pizza and restaurant, these categories give you the road map to explore the Boardwalk.  See all the winners of this years Best of Ocean City: Boardwalk. 

Boardwalk Attractions and Activities
What's On The Boardwalk in Ocean City

Trimper Rides

Marty’s Playland

Best of OC 2023

The Kite Loft

Inlet Village

Chesapeake Ghosts Tours – Ocean City Ghost Walks

Where to Eat on the Boardwalk
Restaurants, Bars, Ice Cream and Concessions

Boardwalk Restaurants

Where to eat on the Boardwalk

Sweets, Treats & Fast Eats

All along the boardwalk you will find ice cream, popcorn, candy, and classic boardwalk style food such as fried dough, pizza, & hot dogs. 

OceanCity.com Favorites:  Thrashers Fries, Fisher’s Popcorn, & Dumser’s Ice Cream

Restaurants & Pubs

Ready to sit down and enjoy a meal or drink while watching the boardwalk activity?   You will find casual dining along the entire boardwalk.  

We love Backshore Brewing at 10th Street.  It’s the only brewery actually in Ocean City and if you go, ask for Nate.  He’s the brewer there and will make you feel welcome!  

Shenanigan’s Irish Pub is a favorite year-round, but particularly on St. Patrick’s Day.  If a Guinness or Smithwick’s calls, this should be your destination.  They have great burgers too!

Popular Boardwalk Places to Eat & Drink

Tipsy Taco

Epic Bar and Grill

2024 Best of Ocean City Winner

The Wedge Bar

2024 Best of Ocean City Winner

Shenanigans Irish Pub

Sticky Fingers Dessert Bar

Where to Stay on the Boardwalk
Prime Location Hotels, Motels & Condos on the Boardwalk

Hotels, motels, condos, and even a B&B overlook the ocean along the boardwalk. The Grand Hotel & Spa, the Park Place Hotel, the Boardwalk Hotels, some of the Harrison Hotels, the Hyatt, as well as the Dunes Manor, which sits just beyond the terminus of the boardwalk, are just a few of the oceanfront hotels. There are also numerous hotel options just off the boards on the ocean block. 

Stay at The Grand Hotel

View current offers and book your stay on the boardwalk.

Popular Boardwalk Hotels

Top Choice! 360°

Grand Hotel Oceanfront

Details

Popular

Ocean City Hotel Group

Details

Boardwalk 360°

Park Place Hotel

Details

Boardwalk Hotel Group

Details

History of the Ocean City, MD Boardwalk
Established in 1902

The Ocean City Boardwalk dates back to 1902 when several hoteliers decided they and their guests needed a way to walk easily between their places of business while enjoying the view of the ocean. The result was a wooden walkway that was removed at high tide and stored on the hotel porches. In 1910, a more permanent boardwalk was created for the visitors and residents of Ocean City.

It originally ran five blocks, but was extended to 15th Street the following decade. When the boardwalk was destroyed in the great storm of 1962, it was rebuilt to its current length, running from the inlet through 27th St., ending just before the Dunes Manor Hotel.

In 2012, the Ocean City Boardwalk underwent a complete renovation whereby the old splintering and rotten boards were replaced with new wood, while retaining the old-fashioned feel of its historic past.

Famous Landmarks on the Ocean City Boardwalk

Inlet Indian

Ocean City Inlet Indian
The Inlet Indian Statue, Ocean City, MD

This oak carving of an Assateague Indian was presented to the people of Maryland by the artist, Peter Toth, in 1976. The artist has donated totem carvings to each of the 50 states over the years. The tree from which Peter carved this member of the Assateague Indian tribe, a subset of the Nanticoke who still live in this area, was over 100 years old.

United States Coast Guard Tower in Ocean City

Construction on this tower began in 1934 to stand watch for the life-saving station and to watch for German U-boats during World War II. While not open to the public, this five-story structure stands sentinel to the Ocean City Inlet and adjacent to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum.

Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum

Ocean City, MD Life Saving MuseumTake a tour of the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum for an exciting look at Ocean City’s unique history. The original life-saving station was built in 1878 between North Division Street and Caroline Street.  In 1890-1891 a larger building was constructed in front of the original station, which was used to house a life-saving boat. After being abandoned mid-century, the building was slated for demolition, but was saved in 1977 and moved to its current location.  It was carefully restored and now houses museum exhibits that portray the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the history of the town. Exhibits include:

    • The Boardwalk of Yesterday,
    • Davy Jones’ Locker
    • Sands of the World
    • Surf’s Up!
    • Aquariums featuring local marine life

Ocean City Pier Building

This building was constructed in 1926 where it replaced a building finished in 1907. The second floor was originally a ballroom. The original building contained a dancing pavilion, skating rink, bowling alleys, pool room, and refreshment booths.

6 COMMENTS

  1. Good morning,

    Could you tell me if all the businesses on the boardwalk or nearby will be open as of April 22, 2022. Or are you able to tell me if a majority of the establishments and entertainment will be open. We have a vacation planned and just trying to figure out what will be open or closed.

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