Recommended
Downtown
Nick's Mini Golf and Ropes Course - 21st Street
21st Street · Ocean City, Maryland
Insider Tip
The Ropes Course is not just for kids, it's great fun for adults too!
Plan your day
Things to Do in Ocean City, MD
Amusement rides, mini golf, water sports, fishing charters, beaches, and nature trails — find your next adventure across 10 miles of coastline.
Things to Do in Ocean City, MD: A Local's Guide
We're not a travel website writing about Ocean City from somewhere else. We live here, we work here, and we eat at the places we recommend. We've been helping visitors find the best things to do in Ocean City since 1999, so this guide is what we'd tell a friend who just got into town.
Start where everyone should: the Boardwalk. Walk it end to end for fries, caramel popcorn, rides, and arcades, then see our picks for the best of the Boardwalk. With 10 miles of free public beach, there's always room to spread out, and our beach guide tells you which stretch suits you.
Families can fill a week with amusement parks and rides and more than a dozen themed mini golf courses, and our kid-friendly guide covers the rest. On the water, there are jet skis, parasailing, and paddleboards, dolphin cruises and sunset sails, and some of the best fishing on the East Coast. Just south of town, the wild horses of Assateague Island are worth the drive.
Traveling without kids? Here's our guide to Ocean City for adults. Caught in the rain? We have rainy day ideas. Watching your budget? Try our list of free things to do. And don't miss what's on the events calendar while you're here, or one of our day trips from Ocean City, like historic Berlin.
Below, our local guide walks through each part of town and each kind of trip. After that, you'll find every activity we list, sorted by category and neighborhood, plus this year's Best of Ocean City winners as voted by locals and visitors.
The Boardwalk
The Ocean City Boardwalk runs about 3 miles from the Inlet to 27th Street. Walk it end to end at least once for the rides, arcades, taffy shops and the smell of fresh fries all the way up.
The food is half the point. Thrasher's has been frying potatoes since 1929; get them with vinegar, not ketchup. Fisher's caramel popcorn dates to 1937, Dolle's has pulled saltwater taffy since 1910, and Dumser's Dairyland has scooped ice cream since 1939.
At the Inlet end, Trimper's Rides has been running since the 1890s and still turns a hand-carved 1902 carousel. Jolly Roger at the Pier has its coasters next door, and Ripley's Believe It or Not! is right beside it. In summer, bikes are allowed on the Boardwalk only in the morning, so ride early.
See our best of the Boardwalk picks or browse Boardwalk businesses.
Beaches
All 10 miles of Ocean City's beach are free, and the Ocean City Beach Patrol puts lifeguards on the stands in season. The downtown beaches near the Boardwalk are the liveliest. North of 100th Street is quieter and more condo-lined. Our beach guide goes stretch by stretch, covering parking, surf and the seasonal dog rules.
Swim near a lifeguard stand and take home whatever you bring. For a beach with wild horses, drive 8 miles south to Assateague Island.
On the water
Ocean City sits between the Atlantic and two bays, so a lot of the fun happens on a boat. Fishing in Ocean City covers everything from crabbing off a bayside dock to offshore charters. This is the White Marlin Capital of the World, and the White Marlin Open fills the harbor every August. Headboats like the Angler take beginners out for a few hours, no gear needed.
For something calmer, boat tours run dolphin cruises and sunset sails. If you want speed, book jet skis, parasailing and paddleboards. The back bays are glassy at sunrise and perfect for a kayak.
Book through our directory: charter fishing, boat rentals, charters and tours and watersports.
Rides, mini golf and family fun
Families can fill a week here without repeating a day. We love Baja Amusements. Our Ocean City amusements guide has the full lineup, or browse amusement parks and rides.
Mini golf is close to a local sport, with more than a dozen themed courses on the island, indoor ones included. Our miniature golf guide says which are worth it. Nick's Mini-Golf & Ropes Course and Old Pro Golf offer a variety of courses for the whole family. Old Pro has 2 indoor courses for cold or rainy play. For the whole family playbook, start with Kid Friendly OC or browse family activities.
Rainy days
Rain doesn't have to cancel your Ocean City trip. Ripley's Believe It or Not! and the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum are both on the Boardwalk near the Inlet. The arcades stay open, and indoor mini golf keeps kids busy. Up on 94th Street, the Ocean City Center for the Arts runs gallery shows and classes year-round.
Our rainy day guide has the full list, or browse rainy day activities.
Free things to do
Some of the best things to do in Ocean City cost nothing. The beach and Boardwalk are free, and every summer week the town puts on free events: Sundaes in the Park with fireworks at Northside Park, Sunset Park concerts and Movies on the Beach. Sunrise over the ocean and sunset over the bay are free too.
See free things to do in Ocean City for the full list.
Grown-ups: sunsets, bars and nightlife
After dark, the action moves to the bay side. Catch the sunset from a bayside deck; Seacrets on 49th Street is the town's best-known bar, Jamaican-themed with several stages.
Our Ocean City without kids guide has more adult-only ideas, and best bars in Ocean City ranks the nightlife. For dinner first, start with best restaurants in Ocean City.
Events by season
Ocean City's festival calendar runs from Springfest in April through Winterfest of Lights at New Year's. Check our events calendar for this year's dates.
Beyond the island
Some of the best things to do near Ocean City are a short drive away. Assateague's wild horses are 8 miles south. Check out our Assateague Guide for more information. Historic Berlin is about 15 minutes west. Chincoteague and NASA Wallops are about an hour down the coast. Our guide to day trips from Ocean City maps them all out.
Recommended for you
Recommended things to do
Top activity & attraction partners — featured at the top of every search.
Recommended placement. Get Listed Here
RecommendedMid-townOdyssea Watersports
120 52nd St · Ocean City, Maryland
Insider Tip
Use Odyssea for boat repairs too, they really know their stuff!
RecommendedMid-townBayside Boat and Jet Ski Rentals
5307 Coastal Hwy, · Ocean City, Maryland
Insider Tip
Time goes quickly on a pontoon boat, go for more than 2 hours and take lots of snacks!
RecommendedDowntownSea Rocket
307 Dorchester St · Ocean City, Maryland
Insider Tip
The speed boat is great fun for all ages!
Limited-time offers
Activity & Attraction Deals
Discounted gift certificates for Ocean City activities and attractions. Restrictions may apply — view the details before purchasing.
Looking for exclusive offers? Book through OceanCity.com and look for the offer flag when you enter your dates.
Sale!$100 Gift Card to Island Parasail
Parasail above the Ocean City coastline. This $100 gift card is yours for just $60. Gift certificates will be mailed to you via USPS. Island Parasail is not your typical large-scale operation. Instead, they focus on delivering a personalized and exhilarating experience, ensuring each ride is more than just a trip—it’s an adventure! Get ready to soar! At 400, 600, and 800 feet, you’ll experience Ocean City and the Atlantic Ocean like never before - from a bird’s eye perspective.
$100$60
Sale!$25 Gift Card to Saivo Wellness Spa
Save $10 on a $25 gift card to Saivo Wellness Spa at the Grand Hotel Ocean City. Gift cards will be mailed to you by USPS. Radiance. Wellness. Confidence. Saivo Spa is Ocean City's newest luxury med spa specializing in advanced facial treatments, Botox, dermal fillers, massage therapy, and total wellness experience. Our mission is to help you glow.
$25$15
Featured partners
Top picks by category
Jump straight to our featured advertiser in each category.
Upcoming Events
Things to do guides
Longer reads on how to actually do each of these: where to go, what it costs, and when to turn up. For the editorial pick of the year, see the best things to do in Ocean City, MD.
Bike Riding in Ocean City, MD
Boating
Camping in Ocean City, MD
From wild-pony camping on Assateague to RV resorts minutes from the boardwalk, here's where to pitch a tent or park your rig near Ocean City.
Fishing in Ocean City Maryland
Free Things to Do in Ocean City MD
Discover free things to do in Ocean City, Maryland, all year round! From beautiful beaches and Boardwalk strolls to free family-friendly events and activities, explore budget-friendly ways to enjoy Ocean City without breaking the bank.
Golf
Jet Skiing in Ocean City, Maryland
Kayaking
Miniature Golf in Ocean City
Ocean City Amusements
Ocean City Watersports
Discover the best Ocean City, Maryland watersports, including boat rentals, jet ski rentals, parasailing, fishing charters, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more.
Ocean City, MD Boat Tours, Cruises and Boat Rides
Explore the best boat tours in Ocean City, Maryland, from dolphin-watching cruises and Assateague wildlife trips to sunset sails, family adventures, party boats and private charters.
Other Watersports
Paddleboarding
Parasailing in Ocean City, Maryland
Discover the best parasailing in Ocean City, Maryland, including where to fly, what it costs, how long the experience lasts and what first-time parasailers should know.
Pontoon Boat Rentals
Surfing
Although technically defined as "the art of riding waves," surfing is really what any of us do when playing in the waves and riding them from ocean to beach. Surfing is a lifestyle. Surfing is a culture. Surfing is one of the coolest things in the world to do and one that we recommend everyone try at least once. For those that have adapted the lifestyle, we don't need to say anything else. For those who haven't, Ocean City, Maryland is home to some of the finest surfing on the East Coast and gains national recognition for its quality waves each year, so the sooner you paddle out and experience it for yourself, the better. Bodyboarding was officially born in 1971 and has since grown into one of the most participated recreational activities that takes place on any beach around the world. In fact, the east coast is home to TWO of the world's top professional bodyboarders. What is even more interesting… Out of this coast that stretches from Florida to Maine, both pro bodyboarders, Brian Stoehr and Jay Reale, are from Ocean City, Maryland.
Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Ocean City, MD
Rainy day in Ocean City? Don’t let the gray skies spoil your vacation! From museums and indoor mini golf to escape rooms, movies, shopping, ice skating, spas, and great food, there are plenty of ways to keep the fun going.
More Ocean City guides
- Best Bars in Ocean City, Maryland
- Best Restaurants in Ocean City, Maryland
- Best Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland
- Best of the Ocean City Boardwalk
- Ocean City Air Show
- Ocean City Weddings
- The Ocean City Boardwalk
- Assateague Island
- Parking in Ocean City
- Pet-friendly Ocean City
- Springfest 2027
- White Marlin Open 2026
- Ocean City FAQs
Plan your visit
The practical side: when to come, where to park, and what else is happening while you are here.
Beach guide
Access points, parking, lifeguard hours and which stretch suits you.
Events calendar
What is on while you are here, from festivals to fireworks.
Kid friendly Ocean City
Activities that work with small children in tow.
Day trips
Assateague, Berlin, Chincoteague and the rest of the coast.
Explore the map
Everything above, plotted across the 10 miles of coastline.
Ocean City FAQs
Parking, dogs, drinking, bikes on the Boardwalk, and the other usual questions.
Browse activities by category
Tap a category to filter the directory.
- Downtown66
- Open Year Round30
- Miniature Golf15
- Rainy day activities20
- Watersports32
- Boat Rentals, Charters and Tours20
- Mid-town30
- Shopping68
- North52
- West Ocean City24
- Amusement Parks17
- Fishing and Boating21
- Tours12
- Jet-skiing10
- Charter fishing9
- Other Watersports8
- Go Karts4
- Family3
- Berlin30
- Boardwalk25
- Outdoor Recreation20
- Transportation12
- Arcades9
- Entertainment6
- Community Services18
- Beer, Wine & Liquor8
- Grocery and convenience stores8
- Art & Culture7
- Health & Beauty5
- Healthcare4
- Boat Storage and Repair4
- Parasailing3
- Civic Organizations3
- Movies2
- oceansplayhouse1
- oceans playhouse1
- Weddings1
- Golf15
- Places of Worship13
- Surfing12
- Golf Courses12
- Parks11
- Kayaking6
- Marinas5
- Museums4
- Fishing Piers4
- Real Estate4
- Bike Rentals4
- Craft Beer4
- SUP4
- Waterparks3
- Concert & Live Music Venues3
- Golf Packages2
- Boat Ramps2
- Hospitals2
- Paintball1
- Libraries1
- Bayfront1
- Medical Clinics1
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2026 Best of OC WinnerWest Ocean City12639 Ocean Gateway · Ocean City, Maryland
Baja Amusements have been an Ocean City tradition since 1981. Go Karts! There are a total of 8 tracks at the park, to suit all ages, including: Family Track, Family Gran Prix and Corkscrew - These…
Insider Tip
More than just go-karts, there's plenty to keep you busy here for a few hours!
2026 Best of OC WinnerDowntownBetween 2nd & 3rd Street on the Boardwalk, 209 N. Atlantic Ave, Suite 123 · Ocean City, Maryland
Park Place Jewelers | Fine Jewelry on the Ocean City MD Boardwalk Discover elegance, craftsmanship, and exceptional service at Park Place Jewelers, a beloved Ocean City destination for fine jewelry…
West Ocean City12461 Ocean Gateway · Ocean City, Maryland
Flagship Premium Cinemas is a first-run movie theatre providing you with a better cinema experience! Flagship features power reclining heated seats, digital projection, digital surround sound and a…
North12301 Jamaica Ave · Ocean City, Maryland
Hang a right onto 125th Street just before you reach Grotto Pizza, and prepare to embark on a prehistoric adventure at our Dino Golf Course! With two thundering waterfalls and lifelike dinosaurs…
Downtown2300 Philadelphia Ave · Ocean City, Maryland
Travel to a world of ancient magic and mystery at Old Pro Golf’s Temple of the Dragons mini golf course in midtown Ocean City, MD. An undiscovered Mayan temple takes you on an unforgettable journey…
2026 Best of OC WinnerMid-town117 49th St · Ocean City, Maryland
Your Tropical Adventure Awaits! Step aboard Ocean City’s largest floating tropical experience—our state-of-the-art party boat at Seacrets! Enjoy handcrafted cocktails while cruising the bay, where…
Insider Tip
Lots of different cruises to choose from, including family friendly!
Downtown
2026 Best of OC WinnerNorth146th Street · Ocean City, Maryland
Visit St Nick's Course at the corner of Rt 54 and Coastal Highway and enjoy some festive fun! Saint Nick’s Mini Golf, a uniquely themed Christmas and winter wonderland, opened May 2025. Prepare for…
2026 Best of OC WinnerWest Ocean CitySuite 940 12741 Ocean Gateway, · West Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean's Playhouse is Ocean City's only indoor playground for babies through 12 years olds. It's also a birthday party venue with birthday packages including balloons, decorations, and unlimited play.…
Insider Tip
Offers birthday parties year round - affordable and FUN! Can get discounted gift cards on our store: https://www.oceancity.com/store
2026 Best of OC WinnerNorth13603 Coastal Highway · Ocean City, Maryland
Safari Village Indoor Golf Take a walk on the wild side without ever leaving Ocean City, MD! Old Pro Golf’s Indoor Safari Village brings the magic of the African safari indoors, complete with…
12424 Ocean Gateway · Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City's only racing go-karts with real racing go-karts! They have s peeds up to 30 mph, and the Sodi RX8 kart is top of the line. Race for the best lap of the season! State-of-the-art timing…
Berlin11206 Five-L Drive · Berlin, Maryland
Odyssea Watersports has expanded its service department to a new location in Ocean Pines, MD with a large storage warehouse and service shop, Odyssea Jet and Prop Shop . Specializing in personal…
West Ocean City12320 Ocean Gateway · West Ocean City, Maryland
The mission of the Greater Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce is to enhance the economic growth of the region by providing leadership, inspiration, education, and development opportunities to…
West Ocean City12445 Ocean Gateway Unit 7 · West Ocean City, Maryland
A one-stop destination for beauty and wellness, Tifferson's Beauty & Wellness Center offers expert hair, skincare, lashes, brows, waxing, spa services, and bridal beauty. With both in-salon and on-site services available, their experienced team will help you look and feel your best for any occasion.
2026 Best of OC WinnerNorth6801 Coastal Highway · Ocean City, Maryland
68 th St Indoors -"Undersea Adventure" Dive into the depths of imagination at Old Pro Golf’s Indoor Undersea Adventure, the pride and joy of our founder and a tribute to his love of scuba diving.…
Insider Tip
Indoor course great for rainy days or days when it's really hot!
Downtown2305 Philadelphia Ave · Ocean City, Maryland
Embers Island Miniature Golf course is located at the Embers Center on 24th street & Coastal Highway on the bayside. With two 18-hole courses, Embers Island is the best mini golf course on the…
West Ocean City12424 Ocean Gateway · Ocean City, Maryland
There are a total of 7 tracks at Grand Prix, suiting all ages: Family Speedway & Family Cyclone: These two "Family Tracks" have double-seat go-karts. Passenger rides free. These are easy courses with…
Mid-town2801 Philadelphia Ave · Ocean City, Maryland
Hear ye, hear ye! Brave mini-golfers are summoned to the kingdom at Old Pro Golf’s Renaissance Castle on 28th Street in Ocean City, MD. Step back in time to a world of jousting knights, mischievous…
2026 Best of OC WinnerDowntown511 Boardwalk · Ocean City, Maryland
The Kite Loft is a treat for the eyes! They sell kites, kite accessories, aerial toys, windsocks, banners, yard ornaments, and other fun products for everyone! From its humble beginnings on a side…
North
2026 Best of OC WinnerDowntown2107 Herring Way · Ocean City, Maryland
Welcome to Island Parasail—Ocean City’s premier parasailing experience. We’re not a big, impersonal operation. Instead, we pride ourselves on delivering a personalized, high-energy adventure where…
Insider Tip
A really fun place to parasail, next to Fishtails!
Mid-town45th Street · Ocean City, Maryland
When the sun's shining, head on down to our championship 18-hole course right by the Aloft Hotel and Taphouse Restaurant in Ocean City, Maryland! It's a real test of skill, nestled in the heart of…
North8001 Coastal Hwy · Ocean City, Maryland
Step into adventure at Trapped Rooms in Ocean City, MD! Visit us at our new second location at 8001 Coastal Highway! Explore our escape rooms: School of Magic, Poltergeist, Lost Temple, and Candy…
2026 Best of OC WinnerDowntown2107 Herring Way, Slip 5 in Bahia Marina · Ocean City, Maryland
Experience Ocean City Aboard the "Kashmir" Explore Ocean City’s stunning waters aboard the “Kashmir,” our custom-built 25′ center console. We provide everything for your fishing trip – licenses,…
Activities by Interest
Ocean City packs an incredible variety of activities into its 10-mile stretch. Here's a breakdown to help you plan.
Water Sports
Jet skis, parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing lessons, and banana boat rides along the coast.
Fishing & Charters
Deep-sea fishing, bay fishing, headboat trips, and private charters departing from the OC inlet.
Amusement & Arcades
Jolly Roger, Trimper's Rides, Ripley's, and dozens of boardwalk arcades and attractions.
Mini Golf
Over a dozen themed courses from pirate adventures to tropical jungles — a true OC tradition.
Nature & Outdoors
Assateague Island wild horses, biking the boardwalk, bird watching, and state park trails.
Tours & Experiences
Dolphin cruises, sunset sails, ghost tours, escape rooms, and go-kart racing.
Planning Tips
See all articles
Guide to Thanksgiving in Ocean City 2026
Celebrate Thanksgiving in Ocean City, Maryland! Discover local restaurants serving delicious holiday buffets and traditional Thanksgiving dinners, and enjoy a stress-free holiday without the cooking or cleanup.
Anne
Sunfest Weekend in Ocean City: Enjoy Sunfest, OCtoberfest & More
Sunshine, Sunfest and Shore Craft Beer’s OCtoberfest make for a great fall weekend in Ocean City. Explore the events happening Oct. 22–25, then spend Saturday enjoying Sunfest, sampling craft beverages at OCtoberfest and heading back to the Inlet.
What to Drink at Berlin’s Oktoberfest: Beers, Ciders and Cocktails
What to Drink at Berlin’s Oktoberfest: A Look at the Beer and Beverage Lineup Berlin’s Oktoberfest is bringing together Maryland breweries, familiar favorites and seasonal pours.…
Save on activities
Browse our gift cards and deals for discounts on popular attractions, water sports, and family activities.