Best Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland

The Best Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland for 2026

What are the best things to do in Ocean City, Maryland? According to thousands of votes cast by Ocean City locals and visitors, the 2026 favorites 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.

But the best Ocean City activity depends on who is traveling and what kind of experience you want. Families with young children may be looking for amusement rides or a rainy-day activity, while teenagers and adults may prefer jet skis, parasailing, fishing or a day on the bay.

That is why the Best of Ocean City® awards recognize 12 different Things to Do categories. Use the 2026 winners below to find the right activities for your family, interests, budget and vacation schedule.

Want to experience the winners for yourself? Download the free Best Things to Do in Ocean City Trail, check in at participating attractions, discover available offers and earn entries toward OceanCity.com prizes.

How We Choose the Winners:

How We Choose the Best Things to Do in Ocean City

The Best of Ocean City® Things to Do awards are determined through an annual community vote. Ocean City locals, frequent visitors and vacationers vote for their favorite attractions, watersports operators, tours and outdoor activities.

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 Ocean City’s attractions and tourism businesses. This gives visitors another locally informed recommendation alongside the public’s choice.

The results are not based on a handful of anonymous reviews. They reflect votes from people who have ridden the rides, rented the boats, played the golf courses and made these activities part of their Ocean City vacations. The Best of Ocean City® awards for things to do aren't based on a handful of anonymous online reviews — they're decided by the people who actually did them. Each year, voting opens in early summer on OceanCity.com and on our Facebook page (facebook.com/ocfun), and stays open through the following June, giving locals and visitors a full year to weigh in.

For 2026, that meant 13,300+ votes cast across 12 categories — from Best Mini Golf and Best Arcades to Best Boat Tours and Best Fishing Charters.

See the complete results across restaurants, bars, things to do and Boardwalk businesses on the 2026 Best of Ocean City® winners page.

Find the Best Ocean City Activities for Your Vacation

Ocean City offers far more than its beach and Boardwalk. Visitors can spend a day riding amusement rides, cruising the bay, searching for dolphins, fishing offshore, racing across the water on a jet ski or escaping indoors when the weather changes.

Here is how to choose among the 2026 Best of Ocean City® winners.

Best Family Activities in Ocean City

Trimper Rides won the new Best Family Fun category in the 2026 public vote. Located near the Inlet, Trimper Rides has been part of the Ocean City Boardwalk experience for generations. Its mix of classic children’s rides, family attractions and thrill rides makes it suitable for groups with different ages and interests.

Baja Amusements received the Editorial Pick for Best Family Fun. Located in West Ocean City, Baja offers go-karts, miniature golf, arcade games and other attractions away from the busiest portion of the resort.

Trimper Rides is the natural choice for families planning a Boardwalk evening. Baja Amusements is particularly convenient for visitors staying in West Ocean City, visiting Assateague or looking for go-karts and activities in one location.

Best Arcades in Ocean City

Marty’s Playland won the 2026 public vote for Best Arcade. Located on the Boardwalk near the Inlet, Marty’s has entertained generations of Ocean City visitors with arcade games, skee-ball and prize-redemption games.

Funcade received the Editorial Pick. Its Boardwalk location provides another convenient indoor stop when families need a break from the beach, heat or rain.

Arcades work well for mixed-age groups because visitors can play for a few minutes or spend an entire afternoon competing for tickets and prizes.

Best Miniature Golf in Ocean City

Old Pro Golf won Best Mini Golf in the 2026 public vote. Its elaborate themed courses have made miniature golf one of Ocean City’s most recognizable family traditions.

St. Nick’s Mini Golf received the Editorial Pick. Its Christmas theme adds another distinctive option to the resort’s unusually large collection of miniature golf courses.

Mini golf courses can become busy after dinner and on cloudy days. Playing earlier in the morning or afternoon may mean shorter waits.

Best Rainy-Day Activities in Ocean City

Old Pro Indoor Golf won the 2026 public vote for Best Rainy Day Activity. Its indoor themed courses allow families to preserve one of their favorite Ocean City traditions even when the weather does not cooperate.

Ocean’s Playhouse received the Editorial Pick. Located in West Ocean City, the indoor playground is designed for babies through age 12 and gives younger children space to climb, explore and play indoors.

Old Pro is the better fit for groups with older children, teenagers and adults. Ocean’s Playhouse is specifically designed for families with babies and younger children.

Find more indoor ideas in our guide to rainy-day activities in Ocean City.

Best Jet Ski Rentals in Ocean City

Under the Bridge Watersports, also known as OCA Watersports, won the 2026 public vote for Best Jet Ski Rentals.

Odyssea Watersports received the Editorial Pick. Odyssea has operated in the local watersports industry for decades and offers jet skis and other ways to experience the bay.

Jet skiing is a strong choice for visitors seeking a faster, more adventurous alternative to a boat tour. Age, licensing and operator requirements may apply, so confirm policies with the rental company when reserving.

Explore additional options in the Ocean City watersports guide.

Best Boat Rentals in Ocean City

48th Street Watersports won the 2026 public vote for Best Boat Rental. The Midtown location gives visitors direct access to Ocean City’s back bays.

Bayside Boat and Jet Ski Rentals received the Editorial Pick. Its pontoon and motorboat rentals are popular with families and groups that want to explore the bay at their own pace.

A boat rental allows a group to plan its own day on the water, but the operator assumes responsibility for navigation and safety. First-time boaters may be more comfortable choosing a guided boat tour.

Reservations are strongly recommended during summer, particularly for weekends and larger pontoon boats.

Best Boat Tours in Ocean City

Sea Rocket won the 2026 public vote for Best Boat Tour. Its trips combine sightseeing, time on the Atlantic and the possibility of seeing bottlenose dolphins along the Ocean City coastline.

Seacrets Cruises received the Editorial Pick. Its tropical-themed boats bring the atmosphere of Seacrets onto the bay for a distinctly Ocean City cruising experience.

Sea Rocket is a strong choice for families and visitors interested in sightseeing and wildlife. Seacrets Cruises may appeal more to groups looking for music, drinks and a social cruise.

Boat routes and wildlife sightings depend on weather and water conditions. Dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Best Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals

48th Street Watersports also won Best SUP or Kayak Rental, giving it two Poll Winner awards for 2026.

Assateague Outfitters received the Editorial Pick. Its location is ideal for visitors who want to paddle in a more natural setting near Assateague Island.

The calm back bays are generally more approachable for beginners than the open ocean. Kayaks offer more stability and storage, while stand-up paddleboards provide a more active balance challenge.

Morning outings often offer calmer conditions, cooler temperatures and increased opportunities to see coastal wildlife.

Best Parasailing in Ocean City

OC Parasail won the 2026 public vote for Best Parasailing.

Island Parasail received the Editorial Pick. Both give visitors an opportunity to rise above the water and see Ocean City from an entirely different perspective.

Parasailing does not require the participant to steer or operate the boat. The crew manages the flight, making it accessible to many people who want an adventurous experience without learning a new watersport.

Age, weight and weather restrictions vary. Confirm current requirements directly with the operator before booking.

Best Fishing Charters in Ocean City

The Angler won the 2026 public vote for Best Fishing Charter. The Angler offers fishing trips from downtown Ocean City and has served generations of visiting anglers.

Saltwater Adventures received the Editorial Pick. Its smaller custom fishing trips offer a more personal alternative to a traditional party boat.

The Angler may be the better choice for visitors looking for a shared head-boat experience. Saltwater Adventures may appeal to families and small groups seeking a more customized trip.

Fishing conditions, target species and trip lengths change throughout the season. Ask what type of trip is planned, what equipment is included and whether a fishing license is covered before booking.

Best Surf Shops in Ocean City

Malibu’s Surf Shop won the 2026 public vote for Best Surf Shop. The longtime downtown business is part of Ocean City’s surfing history and remains a destination for surfboards, clothing and beach equipment.

Chauncey’s Surf Shop received the Editorial Pick. With its strong local identity and multiple generations of Ocean City customers, Chauncey’s provides another trusted source for surf gear and advice.

A knowledgeable local surf shop can help visitors choose equipment appropriate for their experience and understand current ocean conditions.

Best Golf Course Near Ocean City

Lighthouse Sound won Best Golf Course in the 2026 public vote.

Located just across the bay from Ocean City, the course is known for its coastal setting and views of the Ocean City skyline. It is a destination course for golf groups as well as vacationers hoping to play one memorable round during their trip.

Tee times fill quickly during popular golf seasons. Reserve in advance and confirm current rates, dress requirements and rental-club availability.

Best Things to Do in Ocean City by Traveler

Best Activities for Families With Young Children

Families with younger children should consider Trimper Rides, Marty’s Playland, Old Pro Golf and Ocean’s Playhouse. These activities can be enjoyed without operating motorized equipment or spending several hours offshore.

Best Activities for Teenagers

Teenagers may particularly enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, miniature golf, arcades, paddleboarding and amusement rides. Check age and operator restrictions before making reservations.

Best Activities for Couples

Boat tours, parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and golf all work well for couples. A late-afternoon boat tour can combine sightseeing with sunset views.

Best Activities for Large Groups

Pontoon boat rentals, fishing trips, miniature golf and amusement parks accommodate groups more easily than activities with limited equipment. Reserve ahead when traveling with a large party.

Best Activities for Adventure Seekers

Jet skiing and parasailing provide the most obvious adrenaline, while offshore fishing, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding offer more physically active ways to experience Ocean City.

Best Activities for a Rainy Day

Old Pro Indoor Golf, Ocean’s Playhouse and the Boardwalk arcades are among the 2026 award winners that can rescue a rainy beach day. Indoor attractions become crowded when rain is widespread, so go early when possible.

Make the Most of Your Ocean City Vacation

The best Ocean City vacations combine familiar traditions with at least one new experience. Ride a classic Boardwalk attraction, take the family miniature golfing, explore the bay by boat or see the coastline from high above the water.

Use the 2026 Best of Ocean City® winners to build an itinerary around businesses trusted by locals and returning visitors. Download the free Best Things to Do Trail to keep the winners on your phone, check in as you visit and discover available offers.

Browse more things to do in Ocean City, explore the complete Ocean City watersports guide or see all 2026 Best of Ocean City® winners.