Beaches Near Ocean City MD

 

Ocean City Beach is One Of The Best In The U.S.

Welcome to Ocean City, where the sun, sand, and surf merge to create an idyllic coastal paradise – but it’s more than just another resort town. Nestled along the eastern shores of the United States, Ocean City Beach stands as a true gem among the country’s finest coastal destinations. With its pristine stretches of powdery sand, sparkling azure waters, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Ocean City Boardwalk, it’s no wonder that Ocean City beaches consistently rank among the best beaches in the nation. Princess Bayside Beach Hotel offers bayside beach the best of both worlds, as we are directly across the street from the Atlantic Ocean and Ocean City Beach. We are also situated right on the bay with our own private bayside beach area. Read on as we discuss what makes the beaches in Ocean City unforgettable.

Ten Miles of Beautiful Coastline

With its ten miles of the finest beaches, Ocean City is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends the charm of a beach town with the amenities of a vibrant city. Located in Maryland, this coastal gem has earned its reputation as one of the premier beach destinations in the United States. Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean City Beach offers visitors an expansive playground of sun, sand, and surf. Beyond its breathtaking natural beauty, Ocean City offers an array of amenities and attractions that make it a well-rounded destination. At the heart of the beach, the lively Ocean City Boardwalk stretches for three miles, beckoning visitors with its vibrant energy. Lined with bustling shops, charming boutiques, and mouthwatering eateries, the Ocean City Boardwalk is a haven for those seeking a mix of leisurely strolls and retail therapy. Indulge in delicious seafood delicacies, savor a sweet treat from a local ice cream parlor, or test your skills at one of the arcade games. For those seeking adventure, Ocean City Beach is a watersports paradise. The steady ocean breeze and consistent waves make it an ideal kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing destination. Ocean City Beach isn’t just about sun and surf—it also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. The beach’s vibrant nightlife scene further adds to its allure, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to those who want to dance the night away.

Where is the Best Beach in Ocean City?

Downtown Beaches: The Inlet to 27th

The downtown area at the southern end of Ocean City attracts a lively crowd, while the famous boardwalk stretches from the inlet parking lot to 27th Street. This section sees a large number of beachgoers due to its high concentration of hotels. Although swimming can be challenging, Inlet Beach is popular for day-trippers and fishermen. Additionally, the downtown area provides ample public bathrooms for visitor convenience.

Midtown Beaches: 27th to 62nd

The midtown area of Ocean City offers a charming and less crowded atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals. Unlike the downtown area, it features fewer hotels and more condominiums, creating a more relaxed and spacious environment. Along this stretch, Princess Bayside Beach Hotel offers stunning sunset views.

North Ocean City Beaches: 62nd to Delaware Line

If you’re seeking a peaceful getaway, the beaches in North Ocean City are the ideal choice, as they tend to be less crowded. Often referred to as “condo row,” this area still offers a selection of oceanfront hotels. However, they are interspersed with towering condo buildings, creating a sense of separation and tranquility. Enjoy the serenity of North Ocean City’s beaches, where you can escape the hustle and bustle.

How to Stay Near Ocean City’s Best Beaches

To stay near Ocean City’s best beaches, choose a hotel that offers a range of enticing features. Enjoy the luxury of a private bayfront beach by booking accommodation at Princess Bayside Beach Hotel. With a superior location just one block away from the ocean, you’ll have easy access to the pristine sandy shores. The hotel also partners with an on-site- (keep this word) eco-friendly watersports center, offering thrilling activities such as kayaks and glow paddleboards at night. Unwind and soak up stunning bay views at the outdoor rooftop pool, which includes a bar. Additionally, our resort is a popular choice for staycations, making it perfect for long weekends and holiday getaways. It is also well-equipped to host weddings and frequently welcomes bachelor/bachelorette parties. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the convenience of having 14 golf courses nearby.

Book Your Ocean City Adventure Today!

Ocean City Beach stands tall among the best beaches in the United States, captivating visitors with its undeniable allure. With its ten miles of beautiful coastline, this beach destination perfectly blends natural beauty and a vibrant city atmosphere. Ready to experience the best of Ocean City Beach? Browse hotel room availability, book your stay, and indulge in the ultimate luxurious coastal retreat. Contact us today for more info.

Ocean City Beaches FAQs

Are the beaches in Ocean City, MD, free?

Yes. Ocean City Maryland Beach is open from 6 am to 10 pm, while the Ocean City Beach Patrol starts duty from 10 am to 5.30 pm.

Where should I park for the beaches in Ocean City?

The best place to park for free for the Ocean City, Maryland beaches is in the Park and Ride. Other free parking spots exist, but this is one of the best bets.

Where can I find a public restroom in Ocean City?

Public restrooms in Ocean City can be found along the Boardwalk, beach access points, parks, municipal buildings, and some restaurants or businesses. Look for signage or ask nearby establishments for the closest restroom.

Are pets allowed on the beach & boardwalk?

Pets are allowed from October 1 to April 30 but must always remain leashed. The owner is also responsible for their pet.

Are bathrooms available on the boardwalk & beach?

Yes, bathrooms are available on the boardwalk and near the beach in Ocean City.

Is smoking banned on the beach/ boardwalk in Ocean City?

Due to the Clean Air Smoking Ban, enacted in 2015, all public smoking on the beach and boardwalk must be limited to designated areas.

image credit: Ground Picture/ Shutterstock

Best Restaurants in Ocean City MD

Ocean City, Maryland, is a popular vacation destination on the East Coast, known for its beautiful beaches and exciting boardwalk. But in addition to its sun, sand, and surf, Ocean City is also home to a thriving food scene, with a wide variety of restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine.  Whether you’re in the mood for a casual beachside meal or an upscale dining experience, there’s something for everyone in Ocean City. Princess Bayside Beach Hotel provides Ocean City’s best rooms and accommodations. Read on as we explore some of the top restaurants in Ocean City, MD, from waterfront seafood shacks to elegant wine bars.

The Best Way to Start Your Day in Ocean City!

Start your day right with the perfect drink at Royale Roasters. In the Princess Royale Gallery, Royale Roasters prides itself on serving top-notch high-quality beverages to help you get the day going. Royale Roasters serves various Starbucks blends, cappuccinos, espressos, and other signature beverages. It also serves Teavana teas for those who prefer tea to coffee. Pair your beverage with handmade baked goods and pastries from the quaint baked dessert café, which uses only the freshest all-natural ingredients.

Best Oceanfront Breakfast in Maryland

Schooners Oceanfront Restaurant is a popular dining spot on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland. This restaurant offers stunning ocean views and a relaxed, casual atmosphere, making it a perfect place for a leisurely meal. Enjoy the abundance of flavors featuring breakfast menu items, including waffles, biscuits, French toast, sausage, and more. Breakfast is served from 7 am to 11 am, allowing you to enjoy the warm morning air while soaking in some much-needed vitamin D while planning your day.

Eat & Let Loose, Day or Night!

Seacrets is not just a restaurant; it’s an entire experience you won’t find anywhere else. With its unique island-inspired decor, multiple bars, and expansive outdoor seating areas overlooking the bay, Seacrets is everyone’s favorite Ocean City destination. You’ll feel transported to a tropical paradise when you enter the restaurant. Discover the Seacrets as you savor their delicious Caribbean-inspired pizza, Jamaican fries, nachos, and Caribbean quesadillas served at lunch and dinner. Their magical mustard sauce is also a hot commodity, as guests often buy it in bottles to take home. This restaurant doubles as a nightclub when the sun goes down, and the party heats up with live music and DJs performing on multiple stages. Seacrets has a happy hour from 4 to 7 pm every Sunday to Friday, with drinks starting as low as $3. With its lively atmosphere, breathtaking views, and delicious food and drinks, Seacrets truly offers a unique and unforgettable experience that is not to be missed.

Best Ocean City Lunch with a View

The Current is the perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy their lunch while enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The restaurant offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for all to enjoy. Aside from the chicken and beef, you can order shrimp, clam, or tuna, depending on your fancy. There’s also the ‘To Share’ option on the menu, allowing you to enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals with your family or friends at an affordable price. Enjoy standout dishes and pair them with exotic cocktails, local craft beers, or wine while watching live entertainment.

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

If you’re looking for a sweet treat to cool off on a hot day in Ocean City, look no further than Dumsers Dairyland. Since 1939, Dumsers Dairyland has become an integral part of the nostalgia surrounding Ocean City. The ice cream parlor traces its origins back to Mrs. Gladys Dumsers, who initiated the tradition of crafting homemade ice cream on the boardwalk. Building upon this legacy, Dumsers Dairyland has faithfully upheld her cherished practices since 1981. Over time, Dumsers Dairyland has flourished, evolving from a single boardwalk establishment to a network of seven conveniently located venues throughout Ocean City. The unwavering commitment to excellence and the meticulous attention dedicated to each batch of ice cream have perpetually remained the restaurant’s topmost priority.

Other Great Spots Within a Mile of Princess Bayside Beach Hotel

Discover the hidden gems just a stone’s throw away from Princess Bayside Beach Hotel. Read on as we unveil a collection of remarkable spots within a mile, waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

Fish Tales

If you’re on the hunt for an exceptional post-beach bar experience in the vibrant town of Ocean City, look no further than Fish Tales. Nestled within this coastal paradise, Fish Tales stands out as a charming, laid-back bar and restaurant that effortlessly combines a relaxed ambiance with an unwavering commitment to serving top-notch cuisine and refreshing beverages.

Fager’s Island

Immerse yourself in the award-winning live music scene at Fager’s Island Restaurant and Bar. With its outdoor decks, vibrant entertainment, extensive menu, and an impressive selection of 32 wines by the glass, it’s a destination that caters to all your senses.

Alley Oops

Experience the one-of-a-kind allure of Alley Oops, Ocean City’s premier entertainment destination. This extraordinary restaurant combines the thrill of bowling and arcade games with captivating attractions like a mesmerizing giant shark tank. Join in the excitement of regular trivia nights for an unforgettable night out.

Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill

Indulge in the iconic experience of Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill, a renowned Ocean City establishment that seamlessly transitions into a vibrant nightlife destination after sundown. Get ready for pulsating beats from talented DJs, thrilling theme parties, live music performances, and an impressive array of libations to elevate your evening.

Book Your Ocean City Adventure Today!

Ocean City is a food lover’s paradise with a variety of outstanding restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Mediterranean, classic American fare, or creative breakfast dishes, there’s something for everyone in this coastal town. If you’re planning a trip to Ocean City, add these restaurants to your itinerary and savor the city’s flavors. For convenient accommodation, book a stay at the Princess Bayside Beach Hotel. We are only a block away from the beautiful ocean. Our facilities include an indoor heated pool for year-round swimming and a bar with amazing bay views. Contact us today to book your stay at Princess Bayside and experience luxury like no other.  

Image Credits: Monkey Business Images/shutterstock

     

Image Source: ARENA Creative/Shutterstock

Ocean City Maryland Bars

People drive for hundreds of miles to get to the world-famous beaches of Ocean City, Maryland. The Boardwalk is one of the best in the country, nationally recognized in several notable newspapers and magazines, and the ocean, bay and proximity to the Assateague Island National Seashore gives beachgoers plenty of options for things to do. The fun, however, doesn’t end when the goes down. Ocean City is also home to dozens of incredible bars and nightclubs, from the sprawling, legendary oasis of Seacrets, to smaller and more intimate local gems like the Cork Bar. Live music is a staple at the majority of the bars throughout the busy summer season, and the craft beer movement has reached the town, meaning IPAs are now just as present as orange crushes and margaritas. Whatever you’re looking for in nightlife, you’ll find it here at the beach.

Make A Reservation

 

Here are our top 10 favorite bars in Ocean City.

Seacrets

 – 117 49th Street – 410-524-4900 – Seacrets About the size of a small town, Seacrets is essentially several bars and nightclubs all under one roof, including several stages and even an outdoor area where you can float on the bay in an inner tube while sipping a signature rumrunner. The main indoor stage draws top-flight regional and national entertainment throughout the summer, and the new onsite distillery (which also offers tours) produces an original line of gin, two kinds of vodka, and three kinds of rum. There’s nothing else in the resort quite like it, and maybe only a handful of nightclubs in the world that can boast so many and such diverse amenities. Regardless of what kind of ambiance you’re looking for, there’s likely something here that will live up to it.

Fager’s Island –

201 60th Street – 410-524-5500 – Fager’s Island Second only in scope to Seacrets, Fager’s Island is an incredibly versatile bar and restaurant that toes the line between fine dining, dance club, and — several times per season — the host of large, local festivals. Fager’s has long been a champion of craft brewers in the area and regularly features local standouts like Burley Oak from Berlin, Evolution from Salisbury, and Dogfish Head from Milton, Delaware. The dinner menu is a perennial award winner, and more than 30 wines are available by the glass. Outdoor deck seating is available, and the view and entertainment at sunset are unequaled in the resort.

45th Street Taphouse 

4507 Coastal Highway – 443-664-2201 – 45th Street Taphouse The Taphouse, one of the newest venues in Ocean City, is a veritable paradise for craft-beer lovers. The bayfront dining bar boasts three dozen different craft beers on draft, with beer-inspired pub cuisines such as homemade pretzels served with Guinness mustard and Natty Boh cheese. Assaowoman Bay Brewing Co., which brews on the premises, is also featured on draft alongside dozens of other local and regional favorites.

Coconut’s Beach Bar & Grill

3701 Atlantic Avenue – 410-289-6846 – Coconut’s Although there are several pool bars in the resort, Coconuts is one of the largest and most popular, serving up drinks and offering live music on the patio daily. Signature frozen drinks and a “crush” bar provide additional refreshing ways to cool off during the dog days of summer, and the pool is a refreshing change of pace once the beaches get too crowded or you’re looking to vary up your relaxation.

Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon 

2707 Philadelphia Avenue – 410-289-0973 – Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon Billed as a “home away from home” for Pittsburgh fans, the Salty Dog is a blue-collar paradise for Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins fans. The restaurant features plenty of beers, as well as Pennsylvania food favorites like pierogis and, of course, several takes on the “Pitts” Burgher.

M.R. Ducks

311 Talbot Street 410-289-9125 M.R. Ducks Just off the beach, downtown on the bayside, M.R. Ducks is a hideaway built right on the docks overlooking the bay. During the peak season, live music is a staple and the atmosphere can quickly become electric. The bar menu includes appetizers, steamers, bar favorites, and famous wings, and the signature drink, the Chug-a-Duck, is served in a plastic duck decoy.

Cork Bar 

3 Wicomico Street 410-289-6921 Facebook Established in 1964, the enduring Cork Bar promises “the coldest beer in town.” Standard pub fare is cooked up on the grill, and pool tables, shuffleboard and electronic darts provide plenty of entertainment. (And don’t forget to check out the jukebox, packed with enough variety to move even the most discriminating listeners to dancing.)

Shenanigan’s Bar & Grille

309 North Atlantic Avenue 410-289-7181 Shenanigan’s Bar & Grille Your Irish eyes will smile once you’re inside Shenanigan’s, a virtual slice of the emerald isle itself. Boxty, cockles, bangers and mash and fish and chips lend authenticity to the menu, and there’s always plenty of Guinness on tap. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day any day — or night — of the year.

Purple Moose Saloon

108 South Boardwalk 410-289-6953 Purple Moose Saloon Hard-driving, classic rock & roll is the name of the game inside the Purple Moose Saloon, with live entertainment rocking the main stage every night of the week. It’s a great spot during the annual Bike Week, or any time you feel like letting your hair down and turning up to “11.”

Original Greene Turtle

11601 Coastal Highway 410-723-2120 Original Greene Turtle Opened in 1976, the original Green Turtle here spawned franchises across Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and New York. The celebrated menu includes Angus beef hamburgers, crab cakes and crabby melts, steaks, soups and salads. A separate bar menu is offered with even more house favorites, and drink specials run from 3-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Come see how a local favorite turned into a successful regional chain, with locations across the Mid-Atlantic and a friendly, inviting atmosphere that welcomes both residents and vacationers.

Nightlife in OC

 

Check Out OC Nightlife!

Whatever your nightlife destination, the Princess Bayside Beach Hotel offers convenient accommodations. Located in midtown on 48th Street, it offers guest access to a private beach, with kayaks and other water sports equipment rentable from a nearby center. A game room and attached restaurant, Finnigan’s Irish Pub & Eatery, offers seasonal entertainment, and a heated indoor pool and rooftop pool bar round out the ample amenities. Coupons and specials are available on the website, including discounted packages for three-, four- and five-night stays, 15-25% off stays of three nights or more, and deals on dining at Finnigan’s. Don’t forget to take advantage of Princess Bayside’s advanced booking options for the most choices, and for a full listing of happenings in the area, visit our events page. Contact Us today to learn more, or to book your stay with the Princess Bayside Beachfront Hotel.

Contact Us