44.6 F
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

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

Trimper’s Treats

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

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Popular

Ocean City Hotel Group

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Boardwalk 360°

Park Place Hotel

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Boardwalk Hotel Group

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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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