OC's Amusement Rides You Must Do at Least Once

The Tidal Wave at Trimper’s

This is the coaster that defines the downtown skyline. As Ocean City’s largest roller coaster, it puts riders through a relentless sequence of six inversions, speeds hitting 47 mph, and intense G-forces that will leave your stomach at the top of the drop. It is a mandatory rite of passage for any coaster enthusiast visiting the boardwalk at Trimper’s Rides.

The Slingshot at Jolly Roger

You will likely hear this ride before you see it. Located right on the boardwalk, this massive attraction launches brave riders hundreds of feet straight up into the air. The anticipation during the countdown is just as intense as the launch itself, making it a spectacular spectator sport for those on the ground—and a wild adrenaline rush for anyone brave enough to strap in.

The Stealth at Splash Mountain

If you want to combine big thrills with a way to cool off, this extreme water slide is a must. Instead of just splashing down, the Stealth uses a massive 45-foot vertical half-pipe to launch your single or double tube backward and forward, giving you a brief, weightless moment of hanging in midair before sliding back down. Located at Jolly Roger Amusement Parks at 30th Street and the Bay.

Speedworld Cyclone Cart Coaster

This massive five-story structure completely changes the go-kart game by blending a traditional track with the wooden framework of a roller coaster. Built from thousands of feet of lumber, it lets you pilot high-horsepower karts up, down, and around dizzying spiral turns. Racing your friends at these heights offers an entirely new perspective on track racing.

Baja Amusements ProTrack

For a pure, classic racing experience, the ProTrack at Baja Amusements offers the fastest go-karts in town. Stripped of gimmicks and focused entirely on speed and handling, these karts hit 30 mph, letting you test your driving skills against the competition on a track built for true maneuvering.

Trimper’s Himalaya

My personal favorite! This ride perfectly captures the classic boardwalk energy. Flying in a fast circle over banked hills while the music cranks and the lights flash is pure fun. The speed and centrifugal force keep you sliding across the seat, making it impossible to ride without a massive smile on your face.

Trimper’s Haunted House

A true crown jewel of amusement park history, this dark ride was built in 1964 by Granville Trimper and designed by the legendary Bill Tracy. It is one of the very few Tracy-designed walkthroughs left anywhere in the world. Expanded to two stories in the late '80s, it manages to maintain its vintage, retro charm while still delivering great, old-school theatrical scares.

Trimper’s Grand Carousel

Stepping onto this carousel is like stepping back in time. As a historic masterpiece, its intricately carved, armored menagerie animals have been spinning on the boardwalk for generations. Whether you are riding a rare wooden animal or just watching the vintage mechanics in motion, it is an essential piece of Ocean City heritage.

Jolly Roger’s Giant Wheel at the Pier

The silhouette of the Giant Wheel over the inlet is the defining image of Ocean City. Rising high above the boardwalk crowds, a rotation on this wheel gives you the best panoramic views of the ocean, the bay, and the beach. It is the perfect, breezy transition from a busy day on the sand to a night out on the boards.

Nick’s Ropes Course

If you want an active challenge that gets the whole family moving, this multi-level aerial adventure at Nick’s Ropes Course is the perfect spot. Suspended safely in harnesses, climbers can navigate their way through various balance obstacles and rope bridges right in the center of town.

Ocean City’s amusement scene is an essential part of the coastal experience. Next time you need a break from the sand and surf, head to the parks and start checking these classics off your list. After all, a trip to OCMD isn't complete until you’ve made a few core memories on the boards!