Planning a Trip to Ocean City? Here are 15 of the Best Things to Do in Ocean City (Maryland)

By Waleed M | Updated May 2nd, 2022

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Visiting Ocean City, Maryland? If so, you’ll find plenty of things to do once you get there. From amusement parks to zoos, there are plenty of activities to entertain both children and adults of all ages in this popular coastal resort town located on the Atlantic Ocean coast at the southern tip of the state. The following 25 Best Things To Do In Ocean City will give you some great ideas of things to do when visiting this fun city by the sea!

Forts McHenry

BALTIMORE, MD – APR 16: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 16, 2017. In the War of 1812, it defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British .

Traveling around Maryland is a great way to learn more about our state’s history, says Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine spokesperson Carrie Duncan. Visit one of three historic forts that protect Baltimore’s Harbor: Fort McHenry, Fort Whetstone or Fort Carroll. The fort was instrumental in preventing an attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812, Duncan says. Today you can tour through it and see where Francis Scott Key wrote ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ The fort also hosts events throughout each year, including an annual Flag Day celebration in June.

Maryland State Aquarium

Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America – September 6, 2016. The Inner Harbour of Baltimore, MD, with USCG Lightship Chesapeake historic ship, National Aquarium building and Power Plant building

The Maryland State Aquarium in Baltimore is one of those destinations that locals and tourists alike flock to for a day trip. Whether you want to learn about wildlife or just watch it, there’s plenty on offer here. Stop by soon! You can also book your tickets online before your visit.

Tip: This aquarium also has an IMAX theater!

Hiking & Biking Trails

Cycling woman and man riding on bikes at sunset mountains forest landscape. Couple cycling MTB enduro flow trail track. Outdoor sport activity.

The best way to see Ocean City is from above. Take advantage of local opportunities for exercise and explore stunning views with friends and family—all while getting your heart pumping. Within five miles of Ocean City, you’ll find hiking trails that lead through forests, around lakes, over bridges and right next to waterfalls. Some hiking trails end up in parks where you can enjoy an afternoon picnic; others come out near popular beaches, allowing visitors an opportunity for a post-hike swim in shoreline waters.

Walk The Broadwalk

Boardwalk

The Broadwalk is an iconic part of Ocean City’s beach town atmosphere. The 2.5-mile-long boardwalk has been a destination since it was built in 1870, and it remains one today for both tourists and locals alike. In addition to shopping and dining, you can visit historic sites like Rose Haven mansion or Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Museum along with other attractions such as arcades, live entertainment, and amusement rides. What are you waiting for?

Go Kayaking, Canoeing Or Paddle Boating

Chattahoochee river at the Jones bridge park in Georgia with some geese in the middle and a few people fishing in the background near the rusted exempt railroad bridge on a sunny day in springtime

Ever since we were kids, our favorite thing to do on any body of water has been kayaking. Whether it’s windy or calm, sunny or cloudy, it doesn’t matter; when you see that inviting waterway stretching out before you, all you want is to get in and get paddling. Go Kayaking at Rehoboth Beach offers half-day tours for families and includes lesson time in kayak techniques.

Shopping, Dining and Nightlife

Little Rock, Arkansas: January 10, 2020: River Market District, which is one of the most popular areas for dining in Little Rock. Little Rock has a population of 198,606.

There are lots of activities to choose from in Ocean City. After or before the beach, check out one of these places. There are 25 different things that each visitor should try while they’re here.

Tour and Sightseeing

A middle-aged woman stand up paddle boards on a bay at sunset in Ontario, Canada.

Along with excellent water tours and scenic excursions, Ocean City has a number of exhilarating tour options that make the perfect way to enjoy your favorite beach town! Choices include ghost walks highlighting various historic Ocean City sites or food tours that give you the opportunity to taste samples at some of Ocean City’s best restaurants. Indeed, tours of the distillery are even offered, so that visitors can be a part of the process of making world-class spirits firsthand.

Annual Events

group of old and healthy people walking in the nature

There’s always an event going on in Ocean City. From art festivals to film fests, these events make up some of OC’s most popular attractions. But it’s not just special events that keep visitors coming back; there are also plenty of annual happenings that draw crowds year after year, from golf tournaments to concerts and more.

Outdoorsy Fun in The Sun

Sure, you can walk along the boardwalk or head into one of many indoor amusements in town. However, when it comes to getting away from it all, Ocean City is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Surfing, sailing and kite boarding opportunities abound; numerous marinas offer boat rentals or charters for fishing excursions and sunset cruises.

Fishing

It’s no secret that those who spend time on or in the water have some of life’s best moments. It’s important not only to have lots of fun but also to pay attention and learn more about your surroundings. From fishing trips where you can catch blue crabs and flounder, to sailboat tours around historic lighthouses and sunsets along our pristine beaches, there is something for everyone in Ocean City.

Relax and Watch the Waves

Beach sign in Ocean City, near the fishing pier, Ocean City, Maryland, USA, September 3, 2019

The wide ocean boardwalk that runs through downtown Ocean City is packed with businesses and restaurants, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for there, it’s easy to hop on your bike or in your car and drive across town. That way, even if you run out of things to do in downtown O.C., you have an abundance of choices at your fingertips.

Because there is so much to do in Ocean City, you’ll want to spend at least three days here—preferably longer if you have time. The town gets more than 3 million visitors each year, and for good reason: There’s plenty of fun stuff for families, couples and solo travelers. Plan ahead with your itinerary and transportation details to make sure you hit as many must-see sites as possible while staying within your budget.