By Abby Grifno
Ocean City is a small vacation town that packs a big punch for every visitor. With plenty of family-friendly activities in and out of the water, as well as a variety of evening events along the boardwalk, there is something for everyone at this seaside spot.
With many excellent options, those visiting for a weekend or even a day may feel overwhelmed picking from the plethora of restaurants and activities. We’ve crafted together a list of fun activities we are sure your family will love!
Explore the beach
The main event at Ocean City? The beach of course! With soft sand and blue skies, the ocean is the perfect place to cool off on a warm day. Consider heading there early in the morning to book the perfect spot or even fly a kite. We recommend getting a unique kite at the famous Kite Loft.
As the day warms up, there are many activities for the adventurous folks in your crew. For those looking to feel the waves, consider renting a surfboard from one of the local surf shops. Some, like Malibu’s Surf Shop, even offer lessons to get you right in the groove. With mild waves, Ocean City is beginner friendly with plenty of opportunities to test your skill.
Or, looking for something with equal adventure but less of a learning curve? Try renting out one of the jet skis on the bay or, if you want to see the beautiful beach from above, try parasailing.
Horse around at the national park
Just a few miles outside of Ocean City is Assateague Island and National Park. If you have a car, take the short drive over and enjoy a less busy beach. At Assateague, you won’t find a huge boardwalk or even much food around, so be prepared to pack a picnic or go in between meals.
The best part of this beach is that wild horses roam around freely. You can’t approach them, but seeing a horse near the forest on the beach adds a magical touch that’s hard to beat. With its calmer atmosphere, Assateague is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
For those looking for a beach outing, head past the bridge and find parking nearby. If you’re looking to explore the national park, they offer ranger-guided programs, kayaking, and even camping.
Don’t forget about the grub
Ocean City has some excellent seafood options that everyone from the picky eater to the refined palette can enjoy. Don’t forget to try a Maryland blue crab!
For lunchtime, consider eating a classic burger at Hammerheads or enjoying a seafood crepe at the Bayside Skillet.
Ocean City also has a host of novelty restaurants for dinner. One of our favorites is Anglers, where each dinner also comes with a short boat ride after. Macky’s Bayside Bar and Grill gives beachfront views, and BLU Crabhouse and Raw Bar–known for a great happy hour–lets you feel the sand on your feet. Other popular options include the Hobbit Restaurant, On the Bay Seafood, and Fish Tails Bar and Grill.
Keep in mind that most restaurants in Ocean City don’t take a reservation, so you’ll want to allow some extra time to get seated, especially if you have a large party.
Work off dinner by taking a swing at mini golf
When you first drive to O.C., you’ll notice that mini-golf is everywhere, and for good reason. It’s a great evening activity that allows for all group sizes. Many places have intricate layouts or fun optical illusions that kids and adults can enjoy.
From Hawaii-themed to pirates and dinosaurs, there is a theme for every kid. Drive along the strip to find one that looks fun to you, or check out an old favorite, Ember’s Island.
End the night scoring big or with a view
No trip to Ocean City is complete without a stop at Jolly Rogers or Trimper Rides. Both of these amusement parks can be found side by side at the end of Ocean City’s boardwalk. They each have unique rides, with Trimper’s charging per ticket and Jolly Rogers having a wristband (all-you-can-ride) option. Before closing, they also frequently run deals to help you save.
Our favorite ride? The Ferris Wheel–you can take in all of Ocean City and the beautiful beach. It’s the perfect place for a photo or to soak in the end of a successful trip.
If heights aren’t for you, then check out some of the many games available to play. Near the amusement parks, there are several arcades filled with classic and modern games. Tickets are transferable between locations on the boardwalk too, so check them all out!
See you at the beach!
With so many restaurants, activities, and the beautiful sea to explore, Ocean City makes a great day or weekend trip. Just walking along the boardwalk will give you a taste of beach life. After you go once, we’re sure it will find a place in your summer plans for years to come.