Best things to do in Ocean City

Ocean City Boardwalk is a promenade between the beach and the town in Ocean City. Hotels that boast ocean views and beach access line the boardwalk. The ground floors of many of these buildings are filled to bursting with boutiques, souvenir shops, and bars. For fresh seafood, consider Harrison's Harbor Watch Restaurant overlooking the inlet. In addition to beach and water activities, you can visit Ripley's Believe or Not Museum and Ocean City Pier Games, an arcade and game stop.

Ocean City Beach combines 16 km (10 mi) of beaches with a golf course and resorts. The beach sometimes hosts concerts and sporting events, and its clean and inviting sand and water clean make the beach area popular with families. A boardwalk promenade skirts almost 5 km (3 mi) of beach and is lined with restaurants and shops.

Ocean City's largest park, Northside Park hosts numerous events and activities and offers an array of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. Spread across 23 ha (58 acres), the park features three baseball/softball fields and a soccer field. It is also home to multipurpose areas, exercise spaces, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. Take advantage of the walking and jogging paths, sit on one of the piers and put your feet in the water, and fill up at the concession stands. The sports center includes a 1,320 sq m (14,200 sq ft) gymnasium. The public is also allowed to use a convenient indoor kitchen with a sitting area.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly 5,670 hectares (14,000 acres) of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest. Before setting off a hike or bike ride, you can visit the educational and administrative center to pick up maps, study exhibits, and talk to staff. As you explore, keep your eyes open for the refuge's famous Chincoteague ponies. Fishing, clamming, and crabbing are all popular activities here; look for specially marked areas. Be sure to bring your bathing suit if you'd like to go swimming at the beach or Tom Cove. You can end your visit with a cozy campfire on the beach; pick up a free fire permit from the Tom Cove visitor center beforehand. If the weather is warm, remember to bring bug repellent.

Noted for its family-friendly activities, Frontier Town blends elements of a theme park and camping resort with easy access to Ocean City's famed beaches, shops, and restaurants. It sits on 80 hectares (200 acres) along the Sinepuxent Bay. Staying at this sprawling campground owith 600 camping sites lets you take advantage of the on-site swimming pool, nature trails, fishing pier, playgrounds, arcades, and pet-friendly areas. Become a registered camper to enter the water park area free of charge, plus you’ll receive significant discounts on tickets for the popular high ropes course. The site offers a well-stocked camp store to help you pick up any last-minute camping supplies or equipment.

Enjoy the fresh sea air, take a leisurely stroll, or go for a bike ride along Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. Like the entire town, the wooden boardwalk is known for its easy-going atmosphere. You'll find several places to grab a quick snack, as well as restaurants where you can sit down for a meal. Ice cream is the local specialty. The boardwalk is lined with shops selling everything from jewelry to beach gear. During high season, the boardwalk can get crowded, and it might be tricky to find a parking spot nearby.

Relax on the sand at Rehoboth Beach Public Beach, a spot with beautiful surroundings and clear, calm waters. Explore the quaint and eclectic boutiques on the busy boardwalk and enjoy the wide selection of independent restaurants. The waves are great for body surfing or boogie boarding, and there are lots of activities for kids in this family-orientated beach community.

With a 24-hour fishing pier and nearby campgrounds, Cape Henlopen State Park attracts seaside nature enthusiasts. The rest of the park has set hours, morning to sunset, for activities like playing disc golf, horseback riding, kayaking, and swimming. Head to the northern beach, which features a modern bathhouse with showers, changing rooms, and a snack bar. You can also explore the park on one of the many bicycle and walking paths. If you'd like to get up close to local fish and learn more about the park's habitats, stop by the Seaside Nature Center. Entrance to the park is free in the off-season, and a fee is charged per vehicle during the peak summer months.