Dreaming of your next vacation? Look no further. Plan your Ocean City getaway today to get one step closer to beachfront sunsets and sand between your toes. Our seaside resort town is known for its vibrant boardwalk, sandy beaches, and thrilling amusement parks. If you’re planning a 2023 vacation to Ocean City, you’re in for a treat! Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your trip.

Surrey Ridin’ on the Boards

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Family Bike Cart on the Boardwalk

Boardwalk family surrey rides are what Saturday beach mornings are made for. Head down to the Boardwalk and pile up in one of Bike World’s iconic surreys, fitting up to six adults and two small kiddos.

The best part of surrey cruisin’? In the words of a mama of three, “everybody stays together.” With the magic of eight seats and four wheels, the whole family gets to experience the Boardwalk sights -- without the hassle of chasing after the little ones.

Sunrise Kite Flying

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Boardwalk Kite

Set your alarm for an early rise to fly kites on the beach for the sunrise! Not only will the view make for great family pics, but the serenity of the morning beach will leave your crew feeling recharged. Kite Loft has a HUGE selection of kites, aerial toys and windsocks for every level of piloting experience.

Have trouble with an early wake up call? Parent advice: stop by a local café to grab donuts for the little ones and a cup of joe for the big ones.

Kayak the Back Bays

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KayakingCanoeing_3

We’ll let you in on an Ocean City hidden gem: the serene back bays. Explore a different side of the OCMD waters by renting kayaks and gliding through the still, marshy bay.

Check out Odyssea Watersports or Coastal Kayak Eco-Tours! The bays are a great way to complement your other days spent getting vitamin sea on the beach. For a list of kayaking options, check out our Kayaking Page. And don’t forget the sunblock!

The Wide Open Spaces of Northside Park

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Spring time at Northside Park Photo courtesy of Capturing Horizons Photography

Make new memories this summer in the wide open spaces of 58-acre Northside Park, sitting Uptown at 125th Street. With their deluxe playgrounds, fishing lagoon, series of full-size fields, and paved activity trails circling the perimeter of the park -- it’s no wonder that this bayside oasis was the top recommended family spot by our parent followers.

Come for the free summer concerts and firework displays, Sundaes in the Park, or sign the kids up for camp this year! Northside hosts camps for all interests, from lacrosse and fishing to dance and drama. Check out our Summer Camp Page for a full list of camps and enrollment information.

 

Happy Hour...For Everyone

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Fish Tales

Picture this: you’re overlooking the bay and sipping on a freshly-squeezed Orange Crush while your little ones hang from the monkey bars, just steps away. Welcome to Fish Tales Bar & Grill on 22nd Street, bayside.  Fish Tales is the ultimate family dinner spot, complete with Ocean City’s largest enclosed playground area for the kids right in close eyeshot of the full dining and bar area for the grown ups! This is adulting done right.

Check Out the Uptown Beaches

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our beach 3

Let’s face it, there’s no bad beach view in OCMD. However, if you’re looking for a change of speed from the Downtown hustle and bustle, check out some of the Uptown beaches that Ocean City has to offer!

Head up Coastal Highway to explore the Uptown beaches, where your family can spread out and host those annual cornhole matches! Traveling with a furry friend? Check out Stinky Beach in West OC, a local’s favorite pet-friendly beach.

Splish Splash Mountain

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Jolly Roger Amusements

No surprises here. Splash Mountain at Jolly Roger Amusement Park on 29th Street, bayside is the place to be on a hot summer day. Switch up your daily beach routine with a trip to the Mountain, hosting a series of 16 water slides, a kiddie pool, and a lazy river for the crew to wind down after a day of splashing.

Games, Rides & Fries.

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Thrashers Fries

One word came up most frequently when parents gushed about Marty’s Playland and Trimper’s Rides: “Nostalgic.”

Take a trip back to childhood with your own kids at the arcade and amusement park, both sitting by the start of the Boards before Thrasher’s. Go “best out of three” on skeeball and then cap the night on The Big Wheel at Trimper’s to overlook the city lights!

Hit the Gas With a Jet Boat Rental

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Jet Skis Inlet

For the family looking for a little adrenaline rush, experience a different view of the shore with a private jet boat or jet ski rental! Feeling the salty air in your hair will be a thrilling addition to any vacay.

Our followers recommended spots like Bayside Boat Rentals, a family-owned biz since 1999, and Odyssea -- the same spot as your kayak rentals!

Camp with the Wild Ponies

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Camping at Assateague under the stars

Go ask your kids, “Hey, do you want to camp with wild ponies while we’re in OC?” and see what they say. We dare you. Assateague Island, home to more than 300 wild ponies and just a few miles from OCMD, offers the coziest coastal camping experience!

Spend the night making s’mores by the fire, then wake up to hike the trails or check out the Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center to learn a little more about the island’s wildlife.

Snap an Old Time Photo

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Old Time Photos

Because playing dress up is a blast at every age. Take the fam to Flashback Old Time Photo on the Boardwalk, providing a little old-fashioned fun since ‘79. Transport to the Wild West, Victorian England or sail the seas in classic pirate garb!

*Pro parent tip*: Walk the Boards first, then take the kids there as a surprise! There’s no appointment necessary, and the final prints are ready for you to take home in minutes.