Spend a Day on the Bay: Why Your Ocean City Vacation Needs a Bay Day

For families, parks are the perfect spot to spread out and relax. You can drop in a line at the 9th Street Fishing Pier or Bayside Park at 3rd St, or head up to Northside Park for a day of fishing and crabbing. If you prefer being on the water rather than just observing it, Northside Park is also a prime location to rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for a peaceful trek along the bay. Beyond the water, there are a variety of great playgrounds scattered throughout town for the kiddos to burn off some energy including the play areas at Bayside Park at 3rd St, Northside Park, Little Salisbury, North Surf, Robin, and Gorman Park.

Check out the Sea Rocket or OC Parasail Inc to see Ocean City from hundreds of feet up in the air parasailing or coast along the shoreline on jet skis with Back Bay Adventures for those with a need for speed. This will give you a brand-new appreciation for just how unique this town really is. 

The OC Bay Hopper has made exploring the waters easier and more entertaining than ever. They offer a rotating schedule of experience rides that feels like a party on the water, ranging from the popular Ice Cream and Pizza cruises to the magical Assateague trips where you might spot some wild ponies. They host themed cruises and happy hour trips, making the journey just as much fun as the destination. Along with these cruises, the OC Bay Hopper has a water taxi to navigate you along the coastline. Instead of fighting traffic on Coastal Highway, you can hop on a boat to reach spots such as Seacrets, Fager’s Island, M.R. Ducks, Liquid Therapy, or The Angler. There is something special about pulling up to a dock and drinking a fresh orange crush as the sun begins to set and the night begins! 

If you are looking to trade the sand for the greens, the bay side is home to some of the most scenic golf in the region. Eagle’s Landing serves as a stunning coastal sanctuary, while the Links at Lighthouse Sound offers an incredible view of the skyline. For an additional experience, the Ocean City Golf Club provides two beautiful courses that take full advantage of the bay breeze.

For a different kind of excitement, head over to 30th street for the classic thrills of Jolly Roger and Splash Mountain. There’s something unmatched about the rush of racing go-karts or catching air on a massive waterslide with the entire bay shimmering in the background. It’s a vivid reminder that the best views in Ocean City aren't always found on a balcony.