Planning guide
Best of the Ocean City Boardwalk
Discover the best places to eat, drink and shop on the Ocean City Boardwalk. More than 14,800 votes determined the 2026 winners for fries, pizza, candy, caramel corn, restaurants, bars and Boardwalk shops.
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The Best Places on the Ocean City Boardwalk for 2026
What are the best places to eat, drink and shop on the Ocean City Boardwalk? According to more than 14,800 votes cast by Ocean City locals and visitors, the 2026 favorites include Thrasher’s for Boardwalk fries, Dough Roller for pizza, Fisher’s Popcorn for caramel corn, Candy Kitchen for candy, Harrison’s Harbor Watch for a sit-down meal, Cork Bar for drinks and Kite Loft for shopping.
The Ocean City Boardwalk stretches from the Inlet to 27th Street and contains hundreds of restaurants, food stands, bars, arcades and shops. Some have been part of Ocean City vacations for generations, while others are newer businesses creating traditions of their own.
The Best of Ocean City® Boardwalk awards make it easier to decide where to stop. The 2026 contest covers eight categories, from classic Boardwalk foods to restaurants, bars and shopping.
Use the winners below to build your own Boardwalk itinerary—or download the free Best of the Ocean City Boardwalk Trail, check in at participating businesses, discover available offers and earn entries toward OceanCity.com prizes.
How We Choose the Winners:
How We Choose the Best of the Ocean City Boardwalk
The Best of Ocean City® Boardwalk awards are determined through an annual community vote. For 2026, Ocean City locals, frequent visitors and vacationers cast more than 14,800 votes across eight Boardwalk categories.
The business receiving the most verified votes in each category is named the Poll Winner. In most categories, OceanCity.com also recognizes an Editorial Pick, selected by people familiar with the Boardwalk and its businesses. This gives visitors another locally informed recommendation alongside the public’s choice.
The results are not based on a handful of anonymous online ratings. They reflect votes from people who walk the Boardwalk, return to these businesses and make them part of their Ocean City traditions.
See the complete results across restaurants, bars, things to do and Boardwalk businesses on the 2026 Best of Ocean City® winners page.
Experience Trail
Best of the Boardwalk Trail - 2026 Winners
2026 Best of the Boardwalk Winners
Voted by the OceanCity.com community.
| Category | Poll Winner | Editorial Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Best Bar on the Boardwalk | Cork Bar | Shenanigan's Irish Pub |
| Best Fries on the Boardwalk | Thrasher's | — |
| Best Candy on the Boardwalk | Candy Kitchen | Dolle's Candy |
| Best Pizza on the Boardwalk | Dough Roller | Brothers Pizza |
| Best Sit Down Restaurant | Harrison's Harbor Watch | Captain's Table |
| Best Stand/Small Restaurant | Golden Plate | Quickie's Donuts |
| Best Boardwalk Shop | Kite Loft | Park Place Jewelers |
| Caramel Corn | Fisher's Popcorn | Dolle's |
Discover the 2026 Best of the Ocean City Boardwalk Winners
The best Boardwalk stop depends on whether you want a quick snack, a complete seafood dinner, a cold drink or a souvenir to take home. Here is what visitors should know about the 2026 winners.
Best Fries on the Ocean City Boardwalk
Thrasher’s French Fries won the 2026 public vote for Best Fries on the Boardwalk.
Few foods are as closely connected to Ocean City as a bucket of Thrasher’s fries. Served hot and traditionally topped with salt and vinegar, they have become a required stop for generations of Boardwalk visitors.
Thrasher’s does not need an elaborate menu. The attraction is the simplicity: fresh-cut potatoes, cooked in peanut oil and served in a paper container made for eating while walking the boards.
There is no Editorial Pick in this category for 2026.
Best Pizza on the Ocean City Boardwalk
Dough Roller received the most votes for Best Pizza on the Boardwalk. The longtime Ocean City business has served generations of visitors and operates several locations, including restaurants directly on the Boardwalk.
Brothers Pizza received the Editorial Pick. Its large slices make it a convenient choice for visitors who want a quick meal without leaving the Boardwalk.
The two winners offer slightly different experiences. Dough Roller is a familiar Ocean City tradition with sit-down and carry-out options, while Brothers Pizza is well suited to grabbing a slice and continuing down the boards.
Best Candy on the Ocean City Boardwalk
Candy Kitchen won the 2026 public vote for Best Candy on the Boardwalk. Its colorful displays, chocolates, fudge, gummies and saltwater taffy have made it one of the Boardwalk’s most recognizable destinations for sweets.
Dolle’s Candyland received the Editorial Pick. Dolle’s is another historic Ocean City name with deep ties to the Boardwalk and a devoted following for its saltwater taffy and homemade candy.
Both businesses make it easy to put together a box of Ocean City treats to take home—or to eat before reaching the end of the Boardwalk.
Best Caramel Corn on the Ocean City Boardwalk
Fisher’s Popcorn won the 2026 public vote for Best Caramel Corn. The smell of warm caramel corn drifting onto the boards has become part of the Ocean City experience.
Dolle’s Candyland received the Editorial Pick, giving Dolle’s recognition in both the candy and caramel corn categories.
Caramel corn travels relatively well, making it one of the most popular Ocean City foods to bring home after a vacation. Keeping the container tightly closed helps it remain fresh—assuming it lasts that long.
Best Sit-Down Restaurant on the Boardwalk
Harrison’s Harbor Watch won the 2026 public vote for Best Sit-Down Restaurant on the Boardwalk.
Located at the southern end of the Boardwalk overlooking the Inlet, Harrison’s combines seafood and raw-bar selections with views of Assateague Island, the fishing boats and the water surrounding the Inlet.
Captain’s Table received the Editorial Pick. Located inside the Courtyard by Marriott near 15th Street, Captain’s Table offers a traditional sit-down dining experience convenient to both the beach and Boardwalk.
Harrison’s Harbor Watch is a natural choice for visitors who want seafood and an Inlet view. Captain’s Table provides another full-service option farther north along the Boardwalk.
Best Food Stand or Small Restaurant
Golden Plate won the 2026 public vote for Best Stand or Small Restaurant on the Boardwalk.
The category recognizes the smaller businesses that define the Boardwalk food experience—places where visitors can stop for something satisfying without committing to a long sit-down meal.
Quickies Mini Donuts received the Editorial Pick. Its hot miniature donuts are easy to share while walking and provide a sweet alternative to the Boardwalk’s more familiar candy, ice cream and caramel corn.
These winners are particularly useful for families and groups whose members want different foods at different times.
Best Bar on the Ocean City Boardwalk
Cork Bar won the 2026 public vote for Best Bar on the Boardwalk. The longtime local bar offers an unpretentious atmosphere only steps from the beach and Boardwalk activity.
Shenanigan’s Irish Pub received the Editorial Pick. Located directly on the Boardwalk at Fourth Street, Shenanigan’s combines Irish-inspired food, drinks, ocean views and seasonal live music.
Cork Bar is a strong choice for visitors looking for a casual neighborhood-style bar. Shenanigan’s offers a larger restaurant-and-pub experience directly overlooking the Boardwalk and ocean.
Best Shop on the Ocean City Boardwalk
Kite Loft won the 2026 public vote for Best Boardwalk Shop. Its colorful collection of kites, windsocks, toys and outdoor decorations makes the store almost as visually distinctive as the kites flying above the beach nearby.
Park Place Jewelers received the Editorial Pick. The family-operated jeweler offers fine jewelry, beach-inspired designs and Ocean City pieces intended to last well beyond a single vacation.
The winners represent two very different kinds of Boardwalk shopping: Kite Loft for playful and colorful gifts, and Park Place Jewelers for something more personal or permanent.
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What Should You Eat on the Ocean City Boardwalk?
For a classic Ocean City tasting tour, begin with a bucket of Thrasher’s fries, add a slice from Dough Roller or Brothers Pizza, and finish with Fisher’s caramel corn, Candy Kitchen sweets or a box from Dolle’s.
Visitors looking for a full meal can choose Harrison’s Harbor Watch near the Inlet or Captain’s Table near 15th Street. For something smaller, try Golden Plate or Quickies Mini Donuts.
It would be difficult—and probably unwise—to eat every winner in one afternoon. The free Boardwalk Trail lets visitors spread the experience across several days.
A Best of the Boardwalk Walking Route
Because the Boardwalk runs roughly three miles, it helps to plan stops by area.
Begin Near the Inlet
The southern end contains many of the Boardwalk’s rides, arcades and busiest attractions. Harrison’s Harbor Watch provides a sit-down meal with an Inlet view, while Thrasher’s is an essential early stop for many visitors.
Continue Through the Lower Boardwalk
The lower Boardwalk contains a dense collection of food stands, bars, candy stores and souvenir shops. This is where visitors can combine Boardwalk food with arcades and amusement rides.
Pause Around Fourth Street
Shenanigan’s Irish Pub provides a place to sit down for food, drinks and ocean views. It can serve as a natural rest stop before continuing north.
Explore the Middle and Upper Boardwalk
As you move north, the crowds often become less concentrated. Captain’s Table near 15th Street offers a full-service meal, while Boardwalk hotels and oceanfront restaurants provide additional places to stop.
For parking, biking hours, pet rules, history and a complete overview, use our full Ocean City Boardwalk guide.
Experience the Best of the Ocean City Boardwalk
The Ocean City Boardwalk is built from traditions: the fries visitors order every summer, the pizza stop their children request, the candy they carry home and the shop they never pass without entering.
The 2026 Best of Ocean City® winners represent the places voters believe deserve to become part of those traditions.
Download the free Best of the Boardwalk Trail to keep the winners on your phone, check in as you visit and discover available offers. For complete information about attractions, hotels, parking, history and Boardwalk rules, read the Ocean City Boardwalk guide.
You can also see all 2026 Best of Ocean City® winners.
Frequently asked questions
Boardwalk
How long is the Boardwalk?
About three miles, from the Inlet to 27th Street.
Are dogs allowed on the Ocean City Boardwalk?
Pets are only permitted on the Boardwalk between October 1st and April 30th, and they must be kept on a leash.Where is the best place to park to get to the rides on the Boardwalk?
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/hourIMPORTANT 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.
- There’s no need to display the receipt on your dashboard after payment.
- Alternatively, you can use the ParkMobile App to pay for your parking at the Inlet Parking Lot.
- 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.
- To avoid additional administrative costs, make sure to pay for any expired time before leaving the Inlet Lot.
- 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.
When does the Boardwalk Tram run?
There is no longer a tram on the Ocean City Boardwalk. However, pedicabs are available as are bicycles and surrey rentals.
When is the boardwalk open?
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.Are bikes allowed on the OC boardwalk?
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.Is skateboarding allowed on the boardwalk?
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.Where are all the rides on the Ocean City Boardwalk?
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.What are the Ocean City Boardwalk Store Hours?
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.Where are the arcades on the boardwalk?
Most are down near the inlet end of the boardwalk.Marty’s Playland 5 Worcester Street – on the boardwalk near the inlet parking lot. One of the largest game an prize selections in Ocean City and a Best of Ocean City® winner.Fun City Arcade Caroline Street and the BoardwalkSportland Arcade 506 S Atlantic Avenear Jolly Roger at the PierFuncade905 Atlantic AvenueView the Ocean City Arcade DirectoryWhat is the best food on the Ocean City Boardwalk?
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.
Who has the best fries on the Ocean City Boardwalk?
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.
What is the best pizza on the Ocean City Boardwalk?
Dough Roller won the 2026 public vote for Best Pizza on the Boardwalk. Brothers Pizza received the Editorial Pick.
What is the best restaurant on the Ocean City Boardwalk?
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.
What is the best bar on the Ocean City Boardwalk?
Cork Bar won the 2026 public vote for Best Bar on the Boardwalk. Shenanigan’s Irish Pub received the Editorial Pick.
Where can I get the best caramel corn on the Boardwalk?
Fisher’s Popcorn won the 2026 public vote for Best Caramel Corn. Dolle’s Candyland received the Editorial Pick.
What is the best candy store on the Ocean City Boardwalk?
Candy Kitchen won the 2026 public vote for Best Candy. Dolle’s Candyland received the Editorial Pick.
What is the best shop on the Ocean City Boardwalk?
Kite Loft won the 2026 public vote for Best Boardwalk Shop. Park Place Jewelers received the Editorial Pick.
How long is the Ocean City Boardwalk?
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.
When is the best time to visit the Ocean City Boardwalk?
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.
Is the Ocean City Boardwalk open year-round?
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.
Do Boardwalk restaurants stay open when it rains?
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.
How are the Best of the Boardwalk winners selected?
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.
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