There are many more than 50 fun things to do here in Ocean City, but if we named them all, you wouldn't get to discover things for yourself—plus you'd be overwhelmed trying to make your to-do list! The activities listed here range from peaceful and relaxing to non-stop, heart pumping action. For all you adrenaline junkies looking to take your vacation to the extreme, look for the adrenaline junkie logo found next to activities that are sure to be a rush of excitement!
1. Catch a Fish (Or Several!)
Anglers find themselves in a saltwater heaven in Ocean City, where one day you can reel in yellow fin tuna and blue marlin a short distance off-shore in the Gulf Stream, and the next day, drop a line in the bay or off one of the many piers for some flounder. There are several fishing outfitters and charters ready to set you on course for a fishing trip to brag about.
2. Delve Into an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
Crab legs or prime rib? Shrimp or steak? You don't have to choose at Ocean City's popular buffets—you can have it all. Several restaurants in town offer extensive buffets, many offering a baffling array of seafood, including local delicacies like Maryland Blue Crabs and white marlin. Those picky eaters in the family are bound to find happiness with the dozens and dozens of delicious offerings. And one thing is for sure—nobody's leaving hungry.
3. Parasail
Soar high above the boardwalk and get the best view of Ocean City—from 800 feet high in the air. Experienced guides guarantee a safe, smooth ride, and you might not even have to get your feet wet. Fly over the bay to check out the OC skyline, or take the ocean route and try to spot dolphins. And the best part—no experience is necessary for this exhilarating ride.
4. Shop, Shop, and Shop Again
We know the story—you go in for a beach towel and some sunscreen and you come out with a new necklace, a bathing suit, some candy and a handful of souvenirs you just had to have. It is Ocean City shopping at its finest—there's everything you need and much, much more. From beautiful jewelry to discount designer duds, you'll find a wide variety of merchandise all over town, from the outlet malls to the boardwalk.
5. Relax at a Spa
What better time to treat your body right than on vacation? Pamper yourself at one of the many area spas offering skin and body treatments, massage, sunless tanning, facials, manicures and pedicures. You'll be looking and feeling beautiful (and relaxed) in no time.
6. Catch Up on a Good Book
One of the best things about a beach vacation is simply lying on the beach and taking a break from the day-to-day stresses in life. Take the ultimate escape by packing a good read along with your sun block and towel and getting away from it all into a nice piece of fiction—or nonfiction, whatever your preference. Ocean City is home to a slew of bookshops that feature everything from the well-worn vintage classic to the latest thriller. If you opt to read your book on the beach, just make sure to flip over halfway!
7. Rent a Jet Ski
Take on the waves in your own watercraft. Fast and fun to drive, jet ski rentals are a great way to cool off and get your adrenaline pumping after a day of lounging in the sun. Area rental companies provide training and equipment and require that you stay within a certain riding area. Ride alone or with a friend, and prepare for a thrilling (and wet!) ride.
8. Wake Up to the Waves Hitting the Shore
You'll feel worlds away from home when you wake up to the sounds of the surf and the random seagull. If you're an early riser, open up your hotel blinds and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic. Don't have an oceanfront room? Take an early morning walk before the beachgoers have even opened an eye, and enjoy the quiet solitude and colorful sky.
9. Dine on the Docks
A beach vacation just isn't complete without a good meal and a cool drink with an ocean view. Ocean City is home to several quality restaurants with stunning views. Signature drinks, delectable seafood and a great atmosphere are staples of every waterside establishment. Some also double as popular hotspots at night, with live music and a fun-loving crowd.
10. Spot a Wild Pony
The ponies of Assateague Island have been roaming the sand dunes and marshes of their windswept strip of land for hundreds of years. Today, visitors come from near and far to check out the peculiar animals in their natural habitat. Just remember not to touch or feed the ponies—they are still wild animals.
11. Get a Birds-Eye View of OC on a Plane Ride
See the sites of Ocean City from a whole new vantage point—the sky. Air tours provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience and spectacular views of the ocean and pieces of land that make up Ocean City. Choose between a bi-plane with an open cockpit or a traditional enclosed cockpit tour. Either way, it is sure to be a thrilling experience. All tours operate out of the Ocean City Airport.
12. Eat Candy
You can't leave town without indulging your sweet tooth at Ocean City's many mouthwatering candy shops. Saltwater taffy is a classic beach treat and can be found all over the boardwalk. But you'll also find many other delicious and nostalgic treats such as fudge, sundaes, gummies, rock candy, caramel corn and much more.
13. Rent a Boat
Explore the bay waters around Ocean City on your own by renting a pontoon, deck boat or small cruiser for the day. Many rental companies also offer rentals for fishing rods, water skis, tubes and kneeboards, so you'll have plenty of action on the water. Of course, you may prefer to just bring a lunch, snacks and enough SPF 30 to last a full day's lounging in the sun.
14. Play Golf
Some of the finest golf courses on the East Coast are just minutes away from downtown Ocean City. Big-name course designers and beautiful surroundings have made this region one of the fastest growing golfing destinations in the country. Since it is so popular, remember to make your tee time well in advance.
15. Go on an Eco-Adventure
Away from the bustling boardwalk, there are still areas of pristine natural beach, with swaying marsh grasses and plentiful wildlife. And luckily, exploring these areas is surprisingly easy. Just head over to Assateague Island, rent a kayak or bicycle, and explore the island. Or, take a guided nature cruise right from Ocean City and let a professional naturalist explain the eco-system and point out wildlife.
16. Walk the Boardwalk
Fun, colorful and full of sights, sounds and smells, the Ocean City Boardwalk is an exciting place and one of America's most treasured beachfront destinations. Whether you're on your way to the rides or the beach, a walk along the boardwalk is one of the quintessential parts of a beach vacation. Grab some ice cream along the way and do some people watching, or just walk hand-in-hand with your sweetheart like couples have done for dozens of years.
17. Watch the Sunset
It's a simple pleasure, but a prolonged sunset over the bay is one of the greatest joys of an Ocean City vacation. Grab dinner and some cocktails at one of the bayside restaurants and stay until it's dark. Or opt for a sunset cruise out onto the ocean, and you can watch the sun set behind the hotels that line the beach.
18. Ride a Roller Coaster
From smooth, easy rides for the whole family to the twisting and turning of more intense coasters, Ocean City has a ride that can put a smile (and maybe a scream!) on anybody's face. On the boardwalk and beyond are multiple amusement parks with rides to make you dizzy, scared, exhilarated or maybe even soaking wet. Adults and kids alike can revel in the good old-fashioned entertainment of genuine thrills.
19. Visit a Museum
While it may seem counterintuitive on a beach vacation, sometimes heading indoors for an afternoon can be quite rewarding. That is certainly the case if that afternoon happens to be spent in one of Ocean City's unique museums.From the bizarre exhibits at Ripley's to the historic artifacts at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, there are plenty of exciting stories just waiting to be heard. Check event schedules for special programs and exhibits.
20. Hit the Arcade
The old midways of 1920s-era amusement parks eventually transformed into the modern day arcade, and a sense of nostalgia still exists in the several boardwalk arcades around today. Way beyond pinball and skee-ball (although you'll find those too), OC arcades are spilling over with state-of-the art virtual reality games. And some of the most popular games today require a little more agility than thumb movement—dancing and step games always draw the biggest crowds.
21. Race Go-Karts
Speed, adrenaline and maybe a little bit of competition—go-karting has all the elements of a high-energy family activity. As perennial backseat drivers, kids love having their chance behind the wheel. There are even tracks for kids as young as 7 years old! Adults can challenge themselves (and each other) to more advanced tracks as well. One thing is for sure—once that checkered flag drops, be ready on the gas, or watch that 8-year-old fly past you like a pro.
22. Get Married
It's no surprise beach weddings are popular—the beautiful backdrop of the sprawling ocean, the romantic sound of waves rolling in, the gentle sea-salt breezes. Who wouldn't be in the mood to tie the knot?Ocean City is a particularly popular spot for destination beach weddings because of the enormous amount of activities and attractions just minutes away. The groomsmen can go for a golf outing, the bridesmaids can hit the outlets, the kids can play arcade games, and all the while, the bride and groom can enjoy the beautiful beaches of Ocean City. Sound romantic?
23. Go Crabbing
It's a family tradition passed down through centuries—the search for the coveted blue crab. Luckily, in Ocean City, finding crabs is easier than finding a cab. Just pick up a fishing net, some string and some chicken, and head to the bayside of the island. As the crabs bite onto the chicken on one end of the string, scoop them up in the net, and you've got yourself a nice appetizer. No license is required for crabbing, but regulations limit each person to one bushel of crabs, and all crabs retained must be male and at least 5 inches point to point.
24. Play Beach Volleyball
Really, how many sports can you play in a bathing suit? Beach volleyball has to be one of the best ways to get fit and tan at the same time, and it also happens to be pretty fun. Grab the family or some friends and head to the Dorchester Beach Volleyball Park between Dorchester and Talbot Streets right off the boardwalk. There are a few nets up and down the beach, but this park has 10 public courts always available for pick-up play and always a fun crowd up for some friendly competition.
25. Play Some Putt Putt
Maybe you're not ready for the pro courses designed by world-renowned course architects. Or maybe you simply enjoy playing golf surrounded by wild animals, waterfalls, pirates and spinning windmills. Either way, you're sure to come across plenty of colorful and extravagant mini-golf courses in and around Ocean City, with themes as varied as the jungle, lost treasure and even outer space.
26. Observe the Ocean Bowl Skatepark
Watch skateboarders and inline skaters glide up and down ramps, do jumps, kick-flips and more exciting tricks from the observation deck at the newly updated Ocean Bowl Skatepark. The oldest operating municipal skate park in the country, Ocean Bowl is extremely popular, especially among the youngsters. Kids that don't look even old enough to tie their own shoe can be seen flying up ramps and across rails like pros.
27. Rent a Bike
Flat and scenic, Ocean City and surrounding areas are ideal for biking. Go for an early morning ride on the Boardwalk before it gets too crowded. For more advanced riders, ride all the way to Crisfield on the Beach to Bay Indian Trail (87 miles), or complete a 100-mile loop called the Viewtrail 100, which begins and ends in historic Berlin. Or just take your own route around town, the beach or out in the country past farmland and coastal marshes.
28. Buy Some Art
We're guessing you've noticed the world-renowned Ocean Gallery on the Boardwalk (it's hard not to!), but perhaps you haven't noticed the dozens of other galleries and artists across Ocean City selling their creations. Inspired by the beautiful natural surroundings and bustling beach, area artists are bursting with creativity. Browse through galleries all around town, meander around one of the many arts festivals, or attend a reception at the Art League of Ocean City gallery, which always features new local and regional artists.
29. Cool Off on a Speed Boat
It's 90 degrees, you've been in the sun all day, and you're craving a cool breeze. Sounds like the perfect time to jump on one of Ocean City's speedboat cruises, which blasts you across the ocean at top speeds. Feel the wind and cool mist on your face as you try to spot dolphins in the boat's high-powered wake. Just don't forget to take off your hat.
30. Listen to Live Music on the Beach
If the quintessential Ocean City day is spent splashing in the waves and sunning on the sand, the quintessential Ocean City night is setting up a lawn chair and listening to live music as the sun goes down. Every Wednesday at North Division Street, listen to a variety of tribute bands and local favorites as they bring the day to a close. There are also a number of special outdoor concerts on the beach throughout the year, including a patriotic concert on July 4th and the biggest Ocean City festival, Sunfest, from Sept. 20–23.
31. Have Sundaes on Sundays
Every Sunday night, a slew of sugar-craving families head to Northside Park (127th Street and the Bay) for live entertainment, children's activities and an ice cream sundae bar with all the toppings you can imagine. Starting at 6 p.m. and lasting until 8 p.m., Sundaes in the Park is a great way for parents to enjoy the sunset over the bay while the kids enjoy two of their favorite things—ice cream and games.
32. Eat Crab Cakes
Nothing says "Maryland" more than crab cakes, and here in Ocean City, you'll find the delicious patties around every turn. Using the meat from our local delicacy, the blue crab, local restaurants serve up cakes in a variety of ways. You have to try the boardwalk-style crab cakes, sinfully deep-fried, breaded and served on a bun. Then, for a nice dinner, try one of the gourmet varieties, using all-lump crabmeat and unique flavorings.
33. Take a Day Trip
While there are a million and one things to do right here in Ocean City, don't limit yourself to the island! There are plenty of exciting destinations just a short drive away that make great day trips or overnight excursions. Get back to nature on Assateague Island, go shopping in Delaware, or visit the zoo in Salisbury. See our Destinations section in this guide for more information about each destination.
34. Get Sling Shot (Or Just Watch…)
As you're peacefully walking down the boardwalk, you may notice a few screams in the distance. Then you see some sort of half-circle cage being catapulted through the air so fast you can barely tell there are actually humans in there. This is Jolly Roger's Slingshot, which boasts speeds of 100 mph and a thrill like no other. For those with a tough stomach, it's worth the adrenaline rush. But watching from the ground is almost as amusing.
35. Buy Souvenir Jewelry
We all love souvenir t-shirts, but how many of those shirts do you end up giving away during your annual closet cleaning? Perhaps a better way to remember your Ocean City vacation is by investing in some beautiful jewelry, inspired by the beauty of the ocean and the style of city. Find signature bracelets, beautiful gems, silver, gold and, of course, diamonds.
36. Bird Watch
Thanks to its location along the Eastern seaboard, Ocean City and the surrounding areas have an amazing variety of birds. In fact, more than 350 species have been recorded, both migratory and resident species. Head to Assateague Island for unbeatable views of migratory birds, as well as the native brown pelican and the endangered Piping Plover. Within Ocean City, you might see a variety of shorebirds and gulls, as well as snow geese, herons and other waterbirds. Consider taking a chartered bird watching trip 20 miles off shore to see more rare birds.
37. Eat Boardwalk Food
Deep-fried crab cakes fish platters, corn dogs and juicy hamburgers are just a few of the tasty indulgences lining the boardwalk. An Ocean City vacation is just not complete without these Boardwalk staples, so forget about calories and dig in. After one smell of those fries, did you really think you could just walk away?
38. Paintball
Duck, dodge and take your best shot! Get your energy going and adrenaline pumping with a few games of paintball. Paintball is action-packed and family-friendly, so bring the kids along, and let their imaginations run wild as they flee from their rivals and overcome obstacles on different courses. Paintball is a great way to embrace the kid in you.
39. Go Kayaking
There's something about the rhythm of paddling a kayak that is unmistakably soothing. Around Ocean City, beautiful natural coastal areas make kayaking even more of a serene experience. Go on a guided tour around Assateague Island and learn about the importance of the ecosystem around you. Or rent a kayak on your own and explore areas you could never get to on foot.
40. Ride the Boardwalk Tram
Take in all the sights and sounds of the boardwalk without taking a step. Hop on the Boardwalk Tram, which runs from the Inlet to 27th Street and stops anywhere in between. Operating from 11 a.m. to midnight during the summer, the Tram is a great way to get around and experience the thrills of Ocean City at the same time. The trams even go out on the pier. For additional information, please call Ocean City Transportation Operations at 410-723-1606.
41. Learn to Surf
Surfing has been a popular Ocean City pastime for many years, and it continues to grow in popularity every year. Though the generally mild, non-threatening waves are ideal for a beginner, there's still some gnarly-sized swells that you can master with just your board and some pure talent. Nothing is as exhilarating as riding that first wave all the way in. Many surf shops in the area offer private and group lessons for any age.
42. Play Tennis
The classic resort activity, tennis is one of the most popular organized sports in Ocean City. Perhaps this is due in part to the city's immaculate courts throughout town, as well as the Ocean City Tennis Center, which boasts six premier, cushioned courts and three fast-dry courts. With lessons and programs for adults and kids, several tournaments and a team of professionals always on staff, the Ocean City Tennis Center is a great resource for visitors and locals alike. They'll even help you find a playing partner during your vacation.
43. Take Them Out to a Ball Game
An American summer is not complete without a bag of peanuts and the crack of a bat right before a home run. While no home runs are guaranteed, the Delmarva Shorebirds do guarantee a good, laid back time at the Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury. The Class A minor league team plays April through September in the South Atlantic League.
44. Slide Down a Waterslide
While a day at the beach is hard to beat, the salt and sand that seems glued to your body afterward is just plain annoying. So why not escape the sand for a day and go to one of the area's fine water parks? Slip and slide down a fun tube that ends in an invigorating splash!
45. Ride a Segway
If you haven't tried the two-wheeled "human transporter device" called a Segway yet, you are missing out. Easy enough for seniors and exciting enough for teens, Segway tours are gaining popularity all over the country. After a few minutes of training, you'll be gliding around effortlessly and wondering how plausible it would be to buy one of your own. There are Segway tours operating in Ocean City, on the boardwalk and Northside Park and in historic Berlin.
46. Go Out on the Town
If the most exciting part of your vacation is when the sun goes down, Ocean City won't disappoint. Whether you prefer low-key beach music or high energy techno, there are plenty of Ocean City restaurants, lounges and night clubs full of energy and excitement. Live entertainment and parties right on the sand are big staples of Ocean City nightlife. For those who'd rather watch the action than participate, check out a comedy club or jamboree.
47. Watch for Dolphins
As the ocean warms up in the summer, more than just tourists are drawn to Ocean City. Atlantic Bottle-Nosed Dolphins make their way north every year as well and can be seen just a few hundred yards off the coast. Several area cruise companies offer specific dolphin watching cruises, but you're almost certain to see a fin gliding through the water at some point during your stay.
48. Go Kiteboarding
If you'd rather not hang ten, perhaps you'd rather hang on—for dear life! The adventure water sport of kiteboarding or kitesurfing combines wakeboarding, surfing and gymnastics into one absolutely extreme sport using a board combined with the power of a large hand-controlled kite. Take lessons from one of the Ocean City pros, and you'll be gliding across the water in no time.
49. Go Antiquing
Amid the modern attractions and hotels, antiques might be the last thing on your mind. But this area of Maryland is one of the most popular areas for antiquing in the Mid-Atlantic. The small towns on the Eastern Shore are ripe with quaint country stores, crafts markets and antique shops. Berlin and Salisbury are good places to start browsing.
50. Rollerblade and Scooter Rentals
Enjoy the breeze for the afternoon, grab the kids and break out the rollerblades and scooters, or rent some from a local shop. Rollerblading or taking the scooter out for the day is a fun and reasonably inexpensive way to tour Ocean City on your time, not to mention catching up on a little exercise.