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Ocean City

Frequently Asked Questions

Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland

Yes, you can use a metal detector with some restrictions depending on where you go. 

Ocean City:

There are no restrictions on using a metal detector in Ocean City.  

Assateague Island State Park:

In the state park on Assateague, metal detectors are only allowed beginning the day after Labor Day through May 30th and only on the ocean side of the primary dune.   During the season you will need to get written permission to use your metal detector from the Park Manager.

National Park on Assateague Island:

“Possessing or using a mineral or metal detector, magnetometer, side scan sonar, other metal detecting device, or sub-bottom profiler is prohibited within areas or lands managed by the National Park Service.”

General Ocean City FAQ

All locations are accessible for the physically challenged.
    • 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)
Yes, you can use a metal detector with some restrictions depending on where you go. 

Ocean City:

There are no restrictions on using a metal detector in Ocean City.  

Assateague Island State Park:

In the state park on Assateague, metal detectors are only allowed beginning the day after Labor Day through May 30th and only on the ocean side of the primary dune.   During the season you will need to get written permission to use your metal detector from the Park Manager.

National Park on Assateague Island:

“Possessing or using a mineral or metal detector, magnetometer, side scan sonar, other metal detecting device, or sub-bottom profiler is prohibited within areas or lands managed by the National Park Service.”

Assateague

Popular activities include camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and over-sand vehicle (OSV) use.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches
Assateague Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches
Yes, there are bridges and roads providing vehicle access to the island. In Maryland, you take 611 over the Verrazano bridge.  The State Park is in front of you and if you turn right and follow signs to the National Park, you will encounter that gate several miles up.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches

Pets

Pets are allowed on the beach and boardwalk from October 1 to April 30 in Ocean City and any time on Assateague; however, pets must be leashed at all times and the owner is responsible for removing any waste. There are lots of pet friendly hotels in town. Also,  The Ocean City Dog Park is on 94th Street, bayside.
Categories: Beaches, Pets

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
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

Beaches

Always. The beach is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the Ocean City Beach Patrol is on duty 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Always obey the Beach Patrol’s instructions, swim near a lifeguard at all times, and have a buddy with you when you’re in the surf. NOTE: Town Ordinances prohibit throwing balls/Frisbees and other sports on the beach between 9am and 5:30pm from May 30 to September 15.
Category: Beaches
There is plenty of Free parking in the West Ocean City Park and ride. There you can buy an all day bus ticket that will take you pretty much anywhere worth going in Ocean City. There’s not a ton of free parking in town but the Park and Ride is one of your best bets. You can pay to park at the meters around town and in the Inlet. Here’s more information on municipal parking.
Category: Beaches
All locations are accessible for the physically challenged.
    • 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)
That depends, but there’s an algorithm. Two beaches are reserved every day as ‘surfing beaches’ and their locations rotate daily. In addition, one section of beach along the inlet is reserved for surfers. It’s open Monday to Friday during the summer, except on July 4. Check out our surfing page for more information. To discover today’s surfing beaches or learn about the OC surf report:
Category: Beaches
Surf fishing is welcomed in Ocean City, but for safety’s sake, regulations require you remain 50 yards away from anyone on the beach or in the water between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. There are regulations against luring sharks and chumming.
Category: Beaches
Pets are allowed on the beach and boardwalk from October 1 to April 30 in Ocean City and any time on Assateague; however, pets must be leashed at all times and the owner is responsible for removing any waste. There are lots of pet friendly hotels in town. Also,  The Ocean City Dog Park is on 94th Street, bayside.
Categories: Beaches, Pets
Popular activities include camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and over-sand vehicle (OSV) use.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches
Yes, you can use a metal detector with some restrictions depending on where you go. 

Ocean City:

There are no restrictions on using a metal detector in Ocean City.  

Assateague Island State Park:

In the state park on Assateague, metal detectors are only allowed beginning the day after Labor Day through May 30th and only on the ocean side of the primary dune.   During the season you will need to get written permission to use your metal detector from the Park Manager.

National Park on Assateague Island:

“Possessing or using a mineral or metal detector, magnetometer, side scan sonar, other metal detecting device, or sub-bottom profiler is prohibited within areas or lands managed by the National Park Service.”
Yes, you may set up your sun shade, canopies, pop-up tents and umbrellas however they must be behind the lifeguard towers so their view to the water is not obstructed.  Nothing between the line of lifeguard towers and the water.
Category: Beaches
During the summer season, the Ocean City Beach Patrol is on duty from 9am- 5pm.
Category: Beaches
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
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
YES! You do not need a license or any permission to metal detect on OC’s beaches, but it is prohibited in the National Park on Assateague and allowed between Labor Day and Memorial Day in the state park on Assateague Island.  You can obtain written permission from the Park Manager in the State Park if you want to use a metal detector during the high tourism season. The Ocean City beach is 10 continuous miles of all sand, has a large number of daily visitors, and get frequent coastal storms, which is all great for metal detecting.   If you have lost an important piece of jewelry or metallic item on your visit to the beach, try contacting one of the local metal detecting specialists on theringfinders.com.  Many have high success rates on finding your item for a very reasonable fee. 
Category: Beaches
Yes, 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.
Category: Beaches
Assateague Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches
Yes, there are bridges and roads providing vehicle access to the island. In Maryland, you take 611 over the Verrazano bridge.  The State Park is in front of you and if you turn right and follow signs to the National Park, you will encounter that gate several miles up.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches

Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland

Yes, you can use a metal detector with some restrictions depending on where you go. 

Ocean City:

There are no restrictions on using a metal detector in Ocean City.  

Assateague Island State Park:

In the state park on Assateague, metal detectors are only allowed beginning the day after Labor Day through May 30th and only on the ocean side of the primary dune.   During the season you will need to get written permission to use your metal detector from the Park Manager.

National Park on Assateague Island:

“Possessing or using a mineral or metal detector, magnetometer, side scan sonar, other metal detecting device, or sub-bottom profiler is prohibited within areas or lands managed by the National Park Service.”

General Ocean City FAQ

All locations are accessible for the physically challenged.
    • 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)
Yes, you can use a metal detector with some restrictions depending on where you go. 

Ocean City:

There are no restrictions on using a metal detector in Ocean City.  

Assateague Island State Park:

In the state park on Assateague, metal detectors are only allowed beginning the day after Labor Day through May 30th and only on the ocean side of the primary dune.   During the season you will need to get written permission to use your metal detector from the Park Manager.

National Park on Assateague Island:

“Possessing or using a mineral or metal detector, magnetometer, side scan sonar, other metal detecting device, or sub-bottom profiler is prohibited within areas or lands managed by the National Park Service.”

Assateague

Popular activities include camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and over-sand vehicle (OSV) use.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches
Assateague Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches
Yes, there are bridges and roads providing vehicle access to the island. In Maryland, you take 611 over the Verrazano bridge.  The State Park is in front of you and if you turn right and follow signs to the National Park, you will encounter that gate several miles up.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches

Pets

Pets are allowed on the beach and boardwalk from October 1 to April 30 in Ocean City and any time on Assateague; however, pets must be leashed at all times and the owner is responsible for removing any waste. There are lots of pet friendly hotels in town. Also,  The Ocean City Dog Park is on 94th Street, bayside.
Categories: Beaches, Pets

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
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

Beaches

Always. The beach is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the Ocean City Beach Patrol is on duty 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Always obey the Beach Patrol’s instructions, swim near a lifeguard at all times, and have a buddy with you when you’re in the surf. NOTE: Town Ordinances prohibit throwing balls/Frisbees and other sports on the beach between 9am and 5:30pm from May 30 to September 15.
Category: Beaches
There is plenty of Free parking in the West Ocean City Park and ride. There you can buy an all day bus ticket that will take you pretty much anywhere worth going in Ocean City. There’s not a ton of free parking in town but the Park and Ride is one of your best bets. You can pay to park at the meters around town and in the Inlet. Here’s more information on municipal parking.
Category: Beaches
All locations are accessible for the physically challenged.
    • 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)
That depends, but there’s an algorithm. Two beaches are reserved every day as ‘surfing beaches’ and their locations rotate daily. In addition, one section of beach along the inlet is reserved for surfers. It’s open Monday to Friday during the summer, except on July 4. Check out our surfing page for more information. To discover today’s surfing beaches or learn about the OC surf report:
Category: Beaches
Surf fishing is welcomed in Ocean City, but for safety’s sake, regulations require you remain 50 yards away from anyone on the beach or in the water between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. There are regulations against luring sharks and chumming.
Category: Beaches
Pets are allowed on the beach and boardwalk from October 1 to April 30 in Ocean City and any time on Assateague; however, pets must be leashed at all times and the owner is responsible for removing any waste. There are lots of pet friendly hotels in town. Also,  The Ocean City Dog Park is on 94th Street, bayside.
Categories: Beaches, Pets
Popular activities include camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and over-sand vehicle (OSV) use.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches
Yes, you can use a metal detector with some restrictions depending on where you go. 

Ocean City:

There are no restrictions on using a metal detector in Ocean City.  

Assateague Island State Park:

In the state park on Assateague, metal detectors are only allowed beginning the day after Labor Day through May 30th and only on the ocean side of the primary dune.   During the season you will need to get written permission to use your metal detector from the Park Manager.

National Park on Assateague Island:

“Possessing or using a mineral or metal detector, magnetometer, side scan sonar, other metal detecting device, or sub-bottom profiler is prohibited within areas or lands managed by the National Park Service.”
Yes, you may set up your sun shade, canopies, pop-up tents and umbrellas however they must be behind the lifeguard towers so their view to the water is not obstructed.  Nothing between the line of lifeguard towers and the water.
Category: Beaches
During the summer season, the Ocean City Beach Patrol is on duty from 9am- 5pm.
Category: Beaches
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
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
YES! You do not need a license or any permission to metal detect on OC’s beaches, but it is prohibited in the National Park on Assateague and allowed between Labor Day and Memorial Day in the state park on Assateague Island.  You can obtain written permission from the Park Manager in the State Park if you want to use a metal detector during the high tourism season. The Ocean City beach is 10 continuous miles of all sand, has a large number of daily visitors, and get frequent coastal storms, which is all great for metal detecting.   If you have lost an important piece of jewelry or metallic item on your visit to the beach, try contacting one of the local metal detecting specialists on theringfinders.com.  Many have high success rates on finding your item for a very reasonable fee. 
Category: Beaches
Yes, 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.
Category: Beaches
Assateague Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches
Yes, there are bridges and roads providing vehicle access to the island. In Maryland, you take 611 over the Verrazano bridge.  The State Park is in front of you and if you turn right and follow signs to the National Park, you will encounter that gate several miles up.
Categories: Assateague, Beaches

11 COMMENTS

  1. What are the O.C. Police 👮‍♀️ doing to minimize the pot smoke all over the place?…
    We have gone from fighting cigarette smoke – to pot smoke!!!
    This is out of control
    Not good to walk my Grandkids around

  2. Hello I have two businesses in Ocean City and I like to be listed on your website and featured on your Facebook page. Can you please show me how to contact you or send me the link where I can look into marketing opportunities. Thank you!

    • Thanks for your interest in advertising on OceanCity.com. We will contact you regarding advertising on Ocean City by email today.

  3. Hello, I’m looking to relocate from Fayette County, Pa to Berlin, Md. There is my Fiance and 12 year old daughter and myself. I have heard that some hotels will allow you to stay at the hotel while you work there. I was wondering if there are any hotels in ocean city or around ocean city that might be hiring that may help with housing? I have experience in housekeeping, waitress and as a cook. I also worked other jobs as well. My fiance is multi talented. He can work security, construction, electrical work, plumbing, lawn care, etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated… Thank You!!

  4. Hi, what is beach access like for people with disabilities? I do not need a wheelchair. I need a solid, relatively even surface to walk on. Where can I find this information?

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