Visitor info
Quick answers to the most common questions about visiting Ocean City, Maryland.
Yes — Ocean City’s beach and Boardwalk are free and open to the public.
The Beach Patrol guards the beach daily from mid-May through late September, roughly 10am–5:30pm.
The 2026 Best of Ocean City® Poll Winners include Spain Wine Bar for upscale casual dining, Harpoon Hanna’s for seafood and waterfront dining, Crab Bag for steamed crabs, Captain’s Galley for crab cakes, Barn 34 for breakfast and brunch, Lombardi’s for pizza and Italian food, and Blue Fish for Asian food. More than 34,600 votes were cast across 19 restaurant categories.
Harpoon Hanna’s received the most votes for Best Seafood in the 2026 Best of Ocean City® contest. Delmarva Boil Company received the Editorial Pick. The best choice depends on whether you want waterfront sit-down dining or a seafood-boil experience.
Crab Bag won the 2026 public vote for Best Crabs, while Assateague Crab House received the Editorial Pick. Both offer the casual crab-house experience many visitors associate with a Maryland beach vacation.
Captain’s Galley Crab Cake Shack won the 2026 public vote for Best Crab Cakes. Coin’s Pub & Restaurant received the Editorial Pick.
Harpoon Hanna’s won Best Waterfront Dining in the 2026 community vote. Oyster & Scales received the Editorial Pick. Ocean City also has waterfront restaurants overlooking the bay, ocean, Inlet and nearby marshes.
Barn 34 won both Best Breakfast and Best Brunch in the 2026 public voting. Crawl Street Tavern received the Editorial Pick for breakfast, and Oyster & Scales received the Editorial Pick for brunch.
Many of the winners are suitable for families, including Harpoon Hanna’s, Crab Bag, Lombardi’s, Mione’s and Dumser’s Dairyland. Families should consider menu variety, waiting times, location and whether they prefer indoor, outdoor or waterfront seating.
Reservations are strongly recommended at restaurants that accept them, particularly for waterfront dining, larger groups and evening meals during July and August. Many casual restaurants and crab houses do not accept reservations, so arriving before the busiest dinner hours may reduce the wait.
Ocean City locals and visitors vote in annual Best of Ocean City® polls. The restaurant receiving the most verified votes in each category becomes the Poll Winner. OceanCity.com also names an Editorial Pick in most categories to provide another locally informed recommendation.
About three miles, from the Inlet to 27th Street.
There is no longer a tram on the Ocean City Boardwalk. However, pedicabs are available as are bicycles and surrey rentals.
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:
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.The 2026 Best of Ocean City® winners include Thrasher’s for fries, Dough Roller for pizza, Candy Kitchen for candy and Fisher’s Popcorn for caramel corn. Golden Plate won Best Stand or Small Restaurant, while Quickies Mini Donuts received the Editorial Pick.
Thrasher’s French Fries won the 2026 public vote for Best Fries on the Boardwalk. The fries are traditionally served with salt and vinegar rather than ketchup.
Dough Roller won the 2026 public vote for Best Pizza on the Boardwalk. Brothers Pizza received the Editorial Pick.
Harrison’s Harbor Watch won the 2026 public vote for Best Sit-Down Restaurant. Captain’s Table received the Editorial Pick. Harrison’s overlooks the Inlet, while Captain’s Table is located near 15th Street.
Cork Bar won the 2026 public vote for Best Bar on the Boardwalk. Shenanigan’s Irish Pub received the Editorial Pick.
Fisher’s Popcorn won the 2026 public vote for Best Caramel Corn. Dolle’s Candyland received the Editorial Pick.
Candy Kitchen won the 2026 public vote for Best Candy. Dolle’s Candyland received the Editorial Pick.
Kite Loft won the 2026 public vote for Best Boardwalk Shop. Park Place Jewelers received the Editorial Pick.
The Ocean City Boardwalk runs roughly three miles from the Inlet to 27th Street. Walking the entire length and returning to the starting point can become a six-mile trip, so visitors may want to use the Ocean City bus or arrange transportation for one direction.
Morning is generally quieter and better for walking, biking and enjoying ocean views. Evenings offer the full Boardwalk atmosphere, with amusement rides, arcades, restaurants and shops operating, but summer crowds are larger.
The Boardwalk itself is open throughout the year, but individual businesses set their own hours. Many shops, food stands and attractions operate seasonally or reduce their hours outside the summer season.
Many sit-down restaurants, bars, candy stores and arcades remain open during rain, although outdoor stands and seasonal businesses may close. Hours vary, so confirm with the individual business during severe weather.
Locals and visitors vote in the annual Best of Ocean City® contest. The business receiving the most verified votes becomes the Poll Winner. OceanCity.com also names an Editorial Pick in most categories to provide another locally informed recommendation.
Oceans Calling returns in late September. Check the official festival site for the exact dates and lineup.
On the beach and Boardwalk in downtown Ocean City, around the Inlet.
FULL BAG POLICY:
Typically the first full week of August in Ocean City, Maryland.
The weigh-ins are free and open to the public. They take place at Harbour Island at 14th Street and the Bay in Ocean City each day of the tournament, typically from 4:00 PM to 9:15 PM.
You can also watch the weigh-ins on the live screen at Marlin Fest in the inlet parking lot.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. It can get hot and sunny on the docks. Also, bring your camera or phone to capture the action. You can bring water – but you may also be able to buy water from entrepreneurial vendors. As usual, bring money if you want to buy an iconic White Marlin Open t-shirt or other cool stuff from vendors.
The wild ponies of Assateague Island can be seen throughout the island. They are frequently on the ocean side of the Verrrazano bridge to the island. We find the drive to the National park offers ample sightings. Some popular viewing areas include:
Ponies often graze near the campsites and trails, so it is possible to see them while driving, hiking or camping. Please remember to keep a safe distance from the ponies and never feed them
You can also take a guided tour to enhance your viewing of the ponies and learn more about their history and behavior. Several companies offer tours of the island, including a Coastal Bays tour on the OC Bay Hopper.
Rates vary by company and boat size, but here’s a general range based on current local listings:
Bayside Boat & Jet Ski Rentals (5307 Coastal Hwy):
Odyssea Watersports (106 52nd St):
Always confirm current pricing directly with the rental company, as rates can vary by season.
It depends on when you were born. If you were born after July 1, 1972, you are required to have a valid boater’s certificate to operate the vessel. Rental companies like Bayside can issue a free temporary certificate on-site after you review the required safety materials from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Always check with your rental company in advance. baysideboatrentals
A few key things to keep in mind:
Public Transportation
Public Transportation is available on both the Ocean City’s Beach Bus that travels north and southbound along Coastal Highway and the West Ocean City Shuttle to and from the West Ocean City Park and Ride. All Ocean City municipal buses are accessible.
Parking If you are driving from outside of Ocean City, parking options are available at the West Ocean City Park and Ride and at both the Ocean City Convention Center Parking Lot and the 100th Street Municipal Parking Lot. There will be Public Transportation available to and from the festival from these locations. Accessible parking is available at all municipal parking lots for patrons who have Placards. Be advised there are no parking options for the festival from N. Division Street south to the inlet. Addresses for the lots listed above are as follows: West Ocean City Park and Ride 12848 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842 Ocean City Convention Center Parking Lot 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 100th Street Municipal Parking Lot 10267 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 Accessible pick-up/drop-off The Accessible drop off and pick up point is available at 1 N. Division St (east of Baltimore Ave.). Accessible Festival Entrance There are two entrances at the festival. One located at the intersection of the Boardwalk and Talbor Street and the other located at the intersection of Boardwalk and S Division Street (next to Dumser’s Dairyland). There are specially designated lanes at each Festival entrance for patrons with disabilities. Look for the accessible signs above the entrance lanes or ask a staff member to direct you to the lanes. Accessibility Services Center The Access Center will be located at the main Guest Services & Information tent located just inside the festival entrance located off of the main Boardwalk and South Division Street. Our Access Center services include, but are not limited to:
The Festival provides many American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted music performances for patrons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Please email access@countrycallingfestival.comto request a specific performance be interpreted.
We ask that you make a request no later than September 4th, 2024 to allow adequate time to prepare. We will make every effort to accommodate, but cannot guarantee, requests not timely submitted.
A schedule of interpreted performances will be posted here.Patrons are allowed to bring their medically necessary materials and medications into the Festival, provided that all medicine has a prescription label with the patron’s name. Our personnel at the entry gates will verify the contents of any medically necessary materials. Out of concern for the festival staff who handle the trash, please dispose of your medical waste and syringes in the proper disposal, which is located at the medical tent. Please see the official Festival map for the location of the medical tent. Please do not dispose of these items in other trash bins at the Festival.
Service Animals
Pets are not allowed within the Festival grounds. However, miniature horses and dogs, which have been trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability, are welcome. If accompanied by a service animal, you will be provided a Patron Notice of Responsibility for a Service Animal or you can request the form in advance from access@countrycallingfestival.com. Please enter through the accessible lane at either entrance.
Have Questions About Our ADA Access & Accommodations?
For any questions, please email: access@countrycallingfestival.com
(provided by Country Calling)
Seacrets won Best Bar Overall in the 2026 Best of Ocean City® community vote. Fish Tales received the Editorial Pick. Seacrets is best suited to visitors seeking a large entertainment and nightlife complex, while Fish Tales offers a more relaxed waterfront and marina atmosphere.
Seacrets won the 2026 public vote for Best Live Music. Beach Barrels received the Editorial Pick. Seacrets presents music across multiple stages, while Beach Barrels offers performances in a smaller North Ocean City setting.
Fager’s Island won the 2026 public vote for Best Place to View a Sunset. The Angler Restaurant & Bar received the Editorial Pick. Both overlook the bay, providing western views of the sunset.
Coconuts Bar & Grill won Best Happy Hour Specials in the 2026 public vote. The Angler received the Editorial Pick. Because specials change seasonally, confirm current times and prices directly with the bar.
The Original Greene Turtle in North Ocean City won the 2026 public vote for Best Sports Bar. Beach Barrels received the Editorial Pick.
Harborside Bar & Grill won the 2026 public vote for Best Drinks and is associated with the Original Orange Crush. Many Ocean City bars serve their own versions of the cocktail, and visitors can explore participating locations through the OC Orange Crush Trail.
Burley Oak Brewing Company in Berlin won the 2026 public vote for Best Local Brewery. Fin City received the Editorial Pick. Both are within easy driving distance of Ocean City.
Many Ocean City bars are also full-service restaurants and welcome families during daytime and early evening hours. Age restrictions and admission policies vary by business and may change later at night. Contact the establishment directly if you plan to bring children.
Seacrets operates as both a restaurant and an entertainment venue, and children are generally admitted during designated family hours. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Age restrictions apply later in the evening. Confirm the current policy and cutoff time directly with Seacrets before visiting.
Some nightlife venues may charge a cover for particular bands, special events or late-night admission. Many smaller bars and daytime entertainment venues do not. Check the bar’s current entertainment schedule before arriving.
Guests purchasing alcohol must be at least 21 and should carry valid government-issued photo identification. Individual establishments may also require identification for late-night entry regardless of whether a guest plans to drink.
Choose a designated driver or use public transportation, a taxi or a rideshare service. Never drive after drinking. Ocean City’s municipal bus operates along Coastal Highway, although schedules and service frequency vary by season.
The 2026 Best of Ocean City® winners include Trimper Rides for family fun, Marty’s Playland for arcades, Old Pro Golf for miniature golf, Sea Rocket for boat tours, 48th Street Watersports for boat and paddleboard rentals, and Lighthouse Sound for golf.
Trimper Rides, Marty’s Playland, Old Pro Golf, Baja Amusements and Ocean’s Playhouse are among the best activities for families with children. The right choice depends on the children’s ages, the weather and whether the family wants indoor or outdoor entertainment.
Old Pro Indoor Golf won the 2026 public vote for Best Rainy Day Activity, while Ocean’s Playhouse received the Editorial Pick. Other choices include arcades, movies, shopping and indoor attractions.
Popular Ocean City watersports include jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and boating. The 2026 winners include Under the Bridge Watersports, OC Parasail and 48th Street Watersports.
What is the best boat tour in Ocean City?
Old Pro Golf won the 2026 public vote for Best Mini Golf. St. Nick’s Mini Golf received the Editorial Pick.
A coastal boat tour offers one of the best opportunities to see dolphins near Ocean City. Sea Rocket won Best Boat Tour for 2026, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Reservations are recommended for boat rentals, boat tours, fishing trips, jet skis, parasailing and golf tee times. Amusement parks, arcades and most miniature golf courses generally accommodate walk-in visitors, although waits may be longer during peak periods.
Many operators accommodate beginners and provide safety instructions and required equipment. However, age, swimming ability, weather conditions and physical limitations should all be considered. Follow the operator’s instructions and never participate while impaired.
Locals and visitors vote in the annual Best of Ocean City® contests. The business receiving the most verified votes becomes the Poll Winner. OceanCity.com also names an Editorial Pick in most categories to provide another locally informed recommendation.
Ocean City offers dolphin cruises, Assateague wildlife tours, sunset cruises, speedboat rides, eco-tours, pirate adventures, party boats, fireworks cruises and private charters.
Dolphins are frequently observed in Atlantic waters near Ocean City, but they are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Some Assateague boat tours provide opportunities to see wild horses along the shoreline. Sightings depend on the horses’ location and are not guaranteed.
Many are family-friendly, but minimum ages, trip lengths and boat amenities vary. Parents should confirm age restrictions, restroom availability, shade and life-jacket policies.
Light rain may not cancel a trip. Operators generally make decisions based on wind, lightning, visibility and water conditions. Ask about weather and refund policies before booking.
Yes. Reservations are recommended during summer, particularly for sunset cruises, weekend trips, special-event cruises and private charters.
Pet policies vary by boat and operator. Service-animal and pet rules should be confirmed directly before booking.
Accessibility varies considerably because docks, boarding steps and boat layouts differ. Contact the operator to discuss the passenger’s specific mobility needs before purchasing tickets.
