Ranked among the top U.S. travel destinations by USA Today, Ocean City has been a popular East Coast summer getaway for over 100 years. From its century-old boardwalk to its classic putt-putt courses, Ocean City offers a nostalgic experience you can’t find at other beach locations.
Why Ocean City is Ranked a Top U.S Travel Destination:
Keep reading to learn more about our favorite things to do in Ocean City and discover why it’s a top travel destination.
Located along the Atlantic Ocean and Assawoman Bay, Ocean City is famous for its fresh seafood, especially crabs. Find your seafood fix at one of our favorite restaurants below.
2107 Herring Way, Bahia Marina, Ocean City, MD 21842 (21st St, bayside)
410-289-0990
Looking for a casual dining experience with waterfront views? Check out Fish Tales, located in Bahia Marina on 21st Street. This popular spot offers seafood staples like Maryland Crab Soup and steamed clams, plus a full raw bar and eclectic daily specials. The vibe stays laid-back and family-friendly, with a playground and indoor arcade for the kids. It's first come, first served, so arrive early on busy summer evenings.
8003 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842
410-723-4665
Hooked is part of Common Ground Hospitality's portfolio of seafood restaurants in Ocean City, alongside sister spots Off The Hook and Just Hooked. Offering authentic farm-to-table eats and fresh seafood, Hooked's menu changes with the seasons and catch of the day, all built around the motto “Fresh. Honest. Local.” Expect an upscale-casual atmosphere with a lively patio, a well-chosen wine and craft beer list, and daily happy hour from 3 to 6 PM.
Whether you want to play on an award-winning course with a view or putt putt with your kiddos, Ocean City is home to some of the best golf locations in the country.
12723 St Martins Neck Rd, Bishopville, MD 21813 (one mile west of Ocean City off Route 90)
410-641-1189
The Links at Lighthouse Sound is a top-rated golf destination, recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 10 Best New Public Golf Facilities in America. The eighteen-hole course features sweeping views of the bay, the Ocean City skyline, and surrounding marshlands, with the back nine winding along the water for some of the most photographed holes on the Eastern Shore. After your round, the on-site Lighthouse Sound Restaurant serves lunch and dinner with the same waterfront views, making it an easy full day out for golfers and non-golfers alike.
13903 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842
410-250-5678
Lost Treasure Golf is an 18-hole miniature golf course that leads players through a mini golf expedition to find “hidden treasure,” themed around fictional explorer Professor Duffer A. Hacker's 1930s search for lost gold and diamond mines. Two separate 18-hole courses wind through caves, waterfalls, and mountain scenery, and this course is a favorite amongst putt putt enthusiasts and a top recommendation on Reddit for travelers with children. Bring back your scorecard within four days of your round for a discount on your next game.
You can’t plan a beach vacation without spending some time in the sand. Enjoy the shoreline at two of our favorite Ocean City beaches.
Ocean City Beach was named a top U.S. beach by both Travel + Leisure and Tripadvisor in 2024. Located right next to the Ocean City Boardwalk, it offers easy access to dining and shopping, so you won't need to go far to enjoy a meal or grab a drink. With over 10 miles of shoreline, this beach has plenty of room to relax without feeling crowded.
7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811 (about 20 minutes south of Ocean City)
410-641-1441
Looking for something a little more secluded? Take a twenty-minute drive from Ocean City to the Assateague Island National Seashore. Known as the Island of Wild Ponies, visitors can explore beaches and maritime marshes while viewing wild horses from a distance.
The seashore spans over 41,000 acres across Maryland and Virginia, with swimming beaches, hiking trails, kayaking, and both drive-up and backcountry camping. Bring bug spray and your own shade, since the undeveloped beach has none of the boardwalk's amenities, and always keep at least 40 feet between yourself and the ponies.
Stop by one of Ocean City’s local boutique stores to find a new look for the beach or boardwalk.
3408 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842 (35th Street and Coastal Hwy)
410-524-1760
Located at 35th Street and Coastal Hwy, ish Boutique offers stylish clothing, accessories, home decor, beauty products, children's clothes, and gifts. Shoppers can find pieces from popular brands like Free People and Beyond Yoga.
5909 Coastal Hwy #4, Ocean City, MD 21842
On the hunt for high-end denim or closet staples? Head over to Monkee's on Coastal Hwy, where you can find designer brands like Mother, Paige, and Dolce Vita. The boutique leans polished resort-wear, so it's a great stop for pulling together an outfit for a nice dinner out or a boardwalk evening. Staff are known for hands-on styling help if you're shopping for a special occasion while in town.
This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Ocean City's boardwalk. For over a century, the Ocean City Boardwalk has been a hub of entertainment for both locals and tourists. Although the boardwalk has changed over the years, many of the original businesses remain. For a truly nostalgic visit, we recommend the following experiences while exploring the boardwalk.
500 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842 (Wicomico Street and the Boardwalk)
410-289-6000
Dolle's Candyland has been a staple in Ocean City for over 114 years, run by the same family since 1910. Located at Wicomico Street and the Boardwalk, this family-owned shop is famous for its saltwater taffy, caramel popcorn, fudge, caramels, and chocolates, all made on-site in full view of the boardwalk crowd. The classic white bucket of caramel popcorn is a rite of passage for visiting families, and three more locations around Ocean City and Berlin mean you're never too far from a fix. They also ship nationwide if you want a taste of the boardwalk once you're home.
401 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842 (original boardwalk location)
410-289-7232
Thrashers focuses solely on perfecting french fries (which means their fries are pretty incredible). Since 1929, the recipe has remained a closely guarded secret, featuring Idaho potatoes fried in peanut oil and seasoned with apple cider vinegar. True to boardwalk tradition, there's no ketchup on offer, only salt and vinegar, so come prepared to eat them the classic way. Several locations dot the boardwalk beyond the original spot, and it's cash only, so plan ahead before you get in line.
The 100 Collection™ is proud to partner with Seaside Vacation Rentals & Sales for the best Ocean City Vacation Rentals. Owners Lance and Elaine Stitcher love the beach and spending time with friends and family, so they wanted to create curated spaces where others can do the same. Their Ocean City vacation rentals boast beautiful ocean views, enormous private balconies, and expansive outdoor decks.
