The Mid-Atlantic Beaches: Ocean City, Maryland
This one is a special post for me because I have the softest spot for Ocean City, Maryland. I’ve traveled all over the world from Southeast Asia to South America but there is something about this town on the Maryland/Delaware border that just can’t be beat.
Ocean City has it all. It’s got corn dogs on an endless boardwalk. It’s got fresh seafood straight from the boat. It’s got great beach clubs and nightlife, which earned it the moniker “Ocean Shitty.” It’s got lazy neighborhoods. It’s got great parks and fishing.
It’s one of the best beach towns in America.
One reason for this is that Ocean City (in my mind) is really four cities in one. So in this post I’ll be reviewing the four beach towns on the Maryland/Delaware Atlantic shore.
First, let's briefly cover each mini-city so that you know where to look to get what you need when you plan your visit because each is so unique and is targeted to a different demographic.
Starting from the north….
Family Fun
Rehoboth Beach is Ocean City if Ocean City read books. Rehoboth is what I imagine going to the beach in the 50s was like - it just feels more wholesome and less dirty. Rehoboth has bars and restaurants. It has a cute boardwalk. Simply put, Rehoboth Beach is a very pleasant family beach vacation.
Party, Party, Party
As we move further south we get to Dewey Beach. Dewey, DE, is known for being a party mecca on the east coast. This is where college and post college grads go to get absolutely hamboned in the summer. Dewey is tiny but the amount of bars they’ve crammed in will keep you busy all week. Come here if you’re on summer break and looking to get wild.
Private Family Beach Experience
Next up we have Bethany Beach, DE. Bethany is great but Bethany is the “burbs.” Bethany Beach, DE, is also a beach town but 99% of Bethany is family style beach houses. This is where you go if you want to get away for some peace and quiet, like a mini Outer Banks - for those who want to rent a giant house and not be bothered. There are bars and restaurants in Bethany but not a ton.
A Bit of Everything
And finally we have my personal favorite, Ocean City, MD, is everything. It’s family friendly while having night clubs. It’s action sports while laying on the beach. Ocean City is everything in 156 streets.
Since I was five years old my family has been in the same beach house every summer on 125th Street. We would take long weekends, stay for one week, two weeks, or a month, and today, now that my parents retired, they spend the entire summer there.
I’ll give some recommendations for Rehoboth, Dewey, and Bethany at the end but since Ocean City is my spot, I’ll be getting into much more detail on there.
Ocean City, MD
Where to StayDisclaimer, if you’re going to be visiting Ocean City in May-September you’re going to want to book well in advance. You’ll find vacancies on the bookends but if it’s the heart of the summer months - GOODLUCK. And be ready for a premium. Ocean City is where New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia), West Virginia, and beyond go in the summer months. AirBnBs have some good value in Ocean City but in this section we aren’t going to cover them.
Ocean City Hotels
Stay Near the Party
Holiday Inn - 66th Street
Address: 6600 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone: (410) 524-1600
The 66th Street Holiday in is the spot to be if you’re looking for something central and walking distance to just about everything you need in OC. First of all, it’s on the beach. But equally as important the beach side pool bar and lounge area is one of the best in the city. It has hammocks and plenty of lounge seating for guests.
The Lighthouse Club Hotel
Address: 201 56th St, Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone: (410) 524-5400
A bit swanky but a great experience for anyone. The Lighthouse Club Hotel is a little bit older but the location is amazing and the views are unbeatable. Located on the bay side in an old circular light house building, this hotel is located on a mini peninsula and provides guests with panoramic views of the Assawoman Bay (yes, that is the name). Amenities are a bit older but the property is gorgeous. Location-wise, you also can’t beat it - staying at The Lighthouse Club Hotel will let you walk to anywhere in central Ocean City that you want to go.
Recommended for older couples looking for a weekend away, younger couples where the guy still wants to “wow” his date, and anyone who can appreciate amazing sunsets.
Stay Near the Boardwalk
An Inn by the Ocean
Address: 1001 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone: (410) 289-8894
This adorable Inn sits right in the heart of the Ocean City Boardwalk and is more reminiscent of a bed and breakfast. As you stroll through this property you’d be forgiven for mistaking this for grandmas house. The cozy porch has rocking chairs and backs up literally to the Boardwalk and ocean. This is a lovely serene property built for folks who can appreciate some good R&R.Recommended for: couples looking for romance and some easy bars to stumble back from, older guests who want to avoid the commotion of the rest of Ocean City, and history buffs.
Hilton Suites Ocean City Oceanfront
Address: 3200 North, Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone: (410) 289-6444
Probably the best all-round hotel in Ocean City. It has a great pool deck that overlooks the ocean and is walking distance to the Boardwalk and the Central Ocean City bar scene. Recommended for: pretty much anyone. This is a great property in a great location and it isn’t too much of any one thing.
Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront
Address: Two 15th St, Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone: (410) 289-5008
A name we all know and trust, the Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront is as straightforward as it gets - a quality room, run by a quality brand, and in a great location. Many of the hotels near the boardwalk will be older bed and breakfasts or motels (see An Inn by the Ocean), not that there's anything wrong with that but I know it’s not everyone's cup of tea. So I wanted to recommend an affordable boardwalk option that anyone can enjoy.Recommended for: anyone who doesn’t want to think about their room and get to the damn beach already.
Stay Further North for More Quiet
Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel - Oceanfront
Address: 10100 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone: (410) 524-3535
The further north you go the more “quiet” it gets. That’s not to say there aren’t restaurants and shops on every single block but you move away from the beach clubs and get fewer spring breaker types. The Clarion is a north Ocean City staple, located on the beach, this is hotel is very similar to the other options listed above, just a little further away (only like 3 miles) from most of the action. Recommended for: Non-partiers who don’t mind driving, Ubering, or busing to the Boardwalk.
Fenwick Islander Motel
Address: 1 DE-1, Fenwick Island, DE 19944
Phone: (302) 539-2333
Fenwick Island isn’t technically Ocean City but it’s close enough given that the difference between Ocean City and Fenwick is like 140th Street and nobody can tell the difference. The Fenwick Islander is your classic beach motel. It’s a place to sleep right across the street from the beach. No frills but also nothing to complain about either. Recommended for: a last minute trip to the beach.
AirBnB
Finally we get to the AirBnBs, if you’ve frequented my posts you know I’m a proponent for AirBnB type homes. There are just so many cool options out there. Check out the AirBnB scene in Ocean City and you’ll find plenty of places with pools, plenty of space, and oceanfront views. If you have a decent sized group this is the option I’d pick.
What to do in Ocean City
There are so many fun things to do in Ocean City, MD, below are just a few of our favorites but you’ll also want to check the Ocean City Event Schedule to see what’s going on that week. OC often has concerts, car shows, biker weeks, food shows, beer festivals, the list goes on. So it’s worth checking before you plan you trip. Also know that traffic can be a beast on certain weeks.
Ocean City Nightlife
Seacrets is THE SPOT. Any one who frequents Ocean City will basically respond one of two ways when you tell them you’re going to Ocean City:
1. You’ve gotta check out Seacrets
OR
2. Stay the hell away from Seacrets
I’m on the “get your ass to Seacrets” boat. It’s glorious. One of the largest bars in the nation and revenue-wise it rivals many Las Vegas clubs. The whole facility is literally 6 acres! In the middle of Ocean City. Located on the bayside of 49th Street, Seacrets backs right up the water (you can even drive your boat up and water-taxi in) and has a large beach front area and in-water seating/tables. There is a beach stage and dance floor, indoor night club, restaurant area (the food is actually solid), a recently opened distillery that you can tour, and the best damn people watching this side of the Mississippi. I could write an entire post on Seacrets by itself but I’ll end it there.
Tips for first timers:
Get there early, like before it opens and queue up. ESPECIALLY holiday weekends. This is no hyperbole when I say that I’ve seen lines five blocks long.
If you’ve got a boat on a busy weekend you can skip the lines by taking it. I’ve never experienced a line when getting dropped off by boat, even when the front door is packed.
If you’re boating you’ll need to tie up to a mooring and get taxied in.
Bring cash - the front door almost always has a cover and if you boat in it’s expected that you tip the crew that ferries you in - you’ll also still need to show ID and pay the cover once on the dock.
Shirtless is more than accepted. And for women, don’t worry about dressing conservatively because 99% of the other patrons will not be.
Go during the day. It’s fun at night but there are plenty of other places to go in the evenings. Seacrets is the king of daytime in Ocean City.
Fagers Island
I love me some Fager's Island at night. Seacrets is the king of the daytime and in my humble opinion Fager’s is the evening party center of Ocean City. It is also a massive facility, more or less two separate large bars rolled into one. It also has a beach front area so sand between your toes is possible here as well. Otherwise, it has a large beach dance floor with EDM type music and then a nearly completely separate indoor bar/dance floor area with live music, typically a 90s cover or some sort of rock music.
Mackey’s
Mackey’s is dope. Smaller than Seacrets and Fager’s but also located right on the bayside waterfront and has a smaller beach area that you can walk across while enjoying your drinks. Mackey’s is gonna be my happy hour pick on this list. The indoor section is relatively open-air and the beach area has plenty of sand to walk around on. Late night is can get packed and the one bar can get really claustrophobic. Avoid the crowds and stop by for a late lunch and stick around for happy hour.
Breweries
In recent years several breweries have popped up in Ocean City providing quality beers with great views and good vibes. What could be better than some craft beer while on the water?
The exception to my “won’t compete with Denver or Asheville” statement - so I’m starting this off by contradiction and completely discrediting myself, shit. The original Dogfish Head Brewery is located in Milton, DE, and is about an hour drive from Ocean City. The facility is relatively new and state-of-the-art as they’ve upgraded and expanded over the past few years. Definitely take the tour then enjoy some tastings while playing cornhole. Take a look at the event schedule and stop by for a concert for an awesome afternoon.
Burley Oak Brewing - this is the spot! Located in Berlin, MD this is another drive from OC but Burley Oak has some great vibes and great beers on tap - 100% worth the 20 minute trip.
Ropewalk
Ropewalk is a massive island themed oyster house and seafood restaurant with a large beer selection and great waterfront scenery.
Harpoon Hanna’s
My section for an older crowd. Harpoon Hannas is on Fenwick Island and located right on the water in a quiet canal that connects the Assawoman Bay and Little Assawoman Bay. They have great seafood, my family loves stopping by for crab legs, and the Tiki Bar has some great “mature” energy. And just to be clear, when I say “mature” I don’t mean “old,” I just mean folks who can enjoy a relaxing drink with some Jimmy Buffet playing in the background.
Purple Moose Saloon
An Ocean City staple, if you’re looking for a dive on the Boardwalk then look no further than the world famous Purple Moose Saloon. This rock n roll bar feels like the Hells Angels are about to walk in at any point. It’s grungy and raw and that’s what I like about it. They bring in some great live music so come here ready bring the noise and rock out.
The Original Green Turtle
If you’re looking for something in north Ocean City that’s a little more divey then look no further than the original Green Turtle. It’s not the biggest space but it’s a great watering hole to kill an evening if you’re sticking around 120th Street.
Outdoor Adventures
Hit up the beach (obviously)
Ocean City beaches are free. The Atlantic water can be chilly but overall the beach is a quality East Coast beach.
Pet’s not allowed in the summer months
Alcohol not allowed but I’ve never had an issue with a red solo cup or water bottle
Plenty of space for beach games so bring everything you need
If you’re looking for something unique, the best beach is located on Assateague (more on that below).
Assateague Island State Park and National Seashore
Assateague Island is a must see and do. It’s not far from Ocean City, literally across the bridge and can be clearly seen from the inlet in south Ocean City. What makes Assateague a must see is the natural beauty highlighted by the wild horses that live here in the summer and migrate to Chincoteague Island, VA in the winter. Assateague has the best beaches in the Ocean City area so get out there bright and early to spend a day exploring and relaxing.
Tips:
The beach is a must see but definitely schedule time to drive around and visit the nature trails.
Bug spray! Horseflies aren’t bad but they definitely exist.
One of the best days I ever had growing up was at the end of a hike in Assateague where I went clamming for the first time. Grab a clam rake and give it a shot!
Rent a Boat
The Assawoman Bay is basically boating for amateurs. Most of the time the water is tepid and traffic isn’t too bad. Grab some fishing poles and find some blues and flounder. During low tide there are a few sandbars in the middle of the bay that you can pull up to and have your own private island. Many of these sandbars are meant for bird mating so I should probably not encourage it but honestly there will be like 20 boats tied up so until the city actually does something to discourage folks from beaching their boats there I think you should go with the flow. Once you’re done fishing, there is no shortage of restaurants with available dock space.
Parasail
Right next to Mackey’s you’ll be able to go parasailing right in the bay. If you’ve never been it’s worth it at least once. If you’ve already been then there isn’t anything different from what you’ve seen before.
Fishing, claming, and crabbing
You’re in Maryland. GO CRABBING!
Clamming is great fun. Find some shallow areas near the 1st Street Bridge and grab yourself some clams. One time I literally collected 76 clams in an hour in that exact spot.
Fishing-wise, you’re looking at Flounder, Rockfish and Blue Fish. Charter a boat or do some surf fishing right on the beach.
If you’re a serious fishing buff try to make it for the White Marlin Open (left) to see some crazy boats and gnarley fish.
Northside Park
An awesome park on 125h Street. It has two large sports fields, a mile long trail that circles the whole park, long pier for fishing and crabbing, kayak rentals, three softball fields, outdoor exercise area, a small lagoon, and a nice playground for the kids.
Sunset at the Northside Park Pier
Ride a Bike on Boardwalk
With over 30 streets of shops, carnival games, rides (including a rollercoaster that will that you for a loop then do it again backwards) renting a beach cruiser and stroll down the Boardwalk is a great way to spend a day.
Fuck yes. I don’t care how old or young you are. The Jolly Roger Water park is sick! They’ve got some scary slides that will get your adrenaline pumping. I highly recommend getting a drink or two beforehand and heading over for a few hours. Speedworld is no slouch itself. It is the largest go-kart track on the east coast. There are different tracks with different speeds and types of go-karts. This one I don’t recommend pre-gaming for!
Putt Putt
Putt Putt is dope and Ocean City has some of the best courses ever! I don’t need to recommend any because there is one every 5 blocks and there are few duds.
Yoga on the Beach
Is it better in a studio? Yes. But it’s still nice to wake up early and get some fresh air while stretching and meditating. Bring cash.
Where to eat in Ocean City
Breakfast/Brunch
brunch spot. Get it. If you like crabcakes with very little filler - bam! If you like bloody mary’s that have shrimp, crab, and scallops in them - bam! Head there, get good food, get good drinks.
Uber Bagels - lines can get long but definitely worth it.
Fractured Prune Donuts - holy smokes these donuts are so good! Do it! Do it now!
Lunch
Lizzie’s Lobster Roll - holy cow, if you enjoy lobster rolls then head to 142nd Street for Lizzie’s. It’s definitely $$$$ but you basically get an entire lobster in your bun. Try the hot Connecticut Style or the more traditional New England style, which is served cold. This is locally owned and operated and you’ll likely get to chat with Lizzie or her son while you wait (they’re crazy nice)!
Shrimp Boat has some of the best fresh seafood in the Ocean City area. Located across the 1st Street Bridge, this divey restaurant is about 15 minutes from Ocean City proper and gives you cheap baskets of delicious shrimp, crab, scallops, clams, fish and lobster.
Dinner
Ready for some all you can eat crabs?
Head to Crab Bag. This is why you’re in Maryland right here. Get your hands dirty, grab a beer, and go to town.
Best pizza in the city? Grotto’s has you covered.
Ready for something south of the border? Tequila Mockingbird has great mexican and better margs.
Want a classy dinner? Catch 54 is your spot.
Want to try some exotic burgers? Head to The Abbey.
Ice Cream
Dumsers all day baby
Bonus Late Night
Check out some of the Best Restaurants of 2019.
Advice from a local
The best locals that I can think of are my parents and my brother, who lived there every summer growing up, and my sister, who frequents there in the summers now. Let’s see what they’ve got to say:
Jan
Pull the boat into Fish Tails!
Northside Park for the Fourth of July Fireworks is my favorite!
Rippons Seafood is great for a fresh catch to cook at home.
Just get a boat and explore the Assawoman Bay.
Keith
Ocean City is a great place to charter a deep sea fishing group. And if going out to the ocean isn’t your speed you can always do some of the flounder groups in the bay.
I’m a fan of docking the boat and heading to any of the bayside bars. The Reel Inn is an OC staple.
Chris
Head to Fish Tales for the sunset and to watch the boats come in at the end of the day.
Grab some Thrashers French Fries on the Boardwalk. DO NOT use ketchup!
Exercise on 125th Street at Northside Park.
I love Tequila Mockingbird for a drink and some tacos.
Enjoy a happy hour at Mackey’s.
Blogs better than ours
Ocean City actually has a great city website and is well worth visiting before visiting. The Best of Ocean City section has more bars and restaurants from folks who know more than I do.
Bethany Beach
Where to eat in Bethany Beach
DiFebo’s Restaurant
Bethany Blues BBQ
Blue Crab Restaurant
Kohr Bros Frozen Custard
Bethany Boathouse
Where to drink in Bethany Beach
The Big Chill
FINS Alehouse & Raw Bar
Heidaway
What to do in Bethany Beach
Bethany is about R&R. Go to the beach, rent a bike, read a book, and do whatever else makes you happy.
Dewey Beach
Where to eat Dewey Beach
Nick’s Philadelphia Cheese Steaks
Nalu Hawaiian Surf Bar & Grill
Jimmy’s Grille Dewey
The Starboard
Where to drink in Bethany Beach
The Starboard
Northbeach
Bottle & Cork
Rusty Rudder
Hammerheads
The Lighthouse
What to do in Bethany Beach
Dewey and Bethany are more simple than Rehoboth and Ocean City. In Dewey you go to the beach and party. In Bethany you go to the beach and hang out at home.
Rehoboth Beach
Where to eat in Rehobeth
Leo’s Modern Mixture
Eden Restaurant
Henlopen City Oyster House
Chesapeake & Maine
Salt Air
Where to drink in Rehobeth
Cuvee Ray Wine Bar and Restaurant
The Pond Bar & Grill
The Swell Tiki Bar & Grill
Irish Eyes Restaurant & Pub
What to do in Rehobeth
As I said above Rehoboth is Ocean City light. It’s the Diet Coke of Ocean City. The margarine of Ocean City. It’s a very pleasant town so go do pleasant things there.
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