The Fourth of July is fast approaching! If you’re heading to Ocean City for the holiday weekend, we know that it can be hard to decide what to do during your stay. After all, there are just so many options! We’ve put together a weekend-long family-friendly itinerary to help you make the most of three July days in town.

(And if it's your first time visiting, we have an itinerary for that too!)

Friday

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Check In For Your Stay

Start your trip by getting settled in. One of the best parts about staying in Ocean City is that great restaurants, attractions, and the beach are never far away—no matter where you book. Need help picking the right fit? Our list of recommendations is easy to browse by location, amenities, and more so you can find the perfect place.

Hotel Monte Carlo

Afternoon

Kick off your holiday weekend in town by getting on the water! There are a bunch of great ways to do this. Go for a cruise with the OC Bay Hopper, experience the wind in your hair with jet skis from Odyssea Watersports, or take to the skies with OC Parasail! If you’re less about the adventure and prefer to simply relax on the bay, kayak rentals from Coastal Kayak could be perfect for you.

Parasail 1

Evening

After an afternoon spent in the sunshine, it’s the perfect time to grab dinner.

For a nice bayside meal with great views of the sunset, head to Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill! Their menu includes everything from Cream of Crab Soup and Buffalo Shrimp to Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and Smoked Salmon BLT Wraps. 

Craving Mexican food? Mother’s Cantina is the perfect choice! Mother’s is a favorite among locals thanks to menu items like the Maryland Crab Quesadilla, Surf & Turf Fajitas, and giant burritos. Enjoy happy hour daily from 4-6pm!

Rounding out the dinner recommendations is Nick’s House of Ribs. This spot has been an OC staple since the 80s and is known for—you guessed it—ribs! You can order 4-24 ribs, prepared deliciously in the Nick’s Signature or Old Faithful sauces. And if ribs aren’t your thing, their menu is loaded with tons of other great options!

Salmon Brussels Sprouts Fries

Nighttime

After dinner, it’s time to kick the 4th of July celebrations into high gear! Ocean City will be celebrating 249 years of independence with two large-scale fireworks shows throughout town. The first will take place down on the beach at N. Division Street, and the second will be uptown at Northside Park!

Both locations will feature music beforehand, go grab your beach chairs or towels, get to one of the locations early, and enjoy the fun! 

Fireworks

Saturday

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Morning

Rise and shine, because it’s time for day two in Ocean City! This morning, fuel up for the day ahead with some yummy breakfast.

Our first recommendation is The Angler. Located downtown just south of the Rt. 50 bridge, this spot sits on the bay and is a gorgeous location for a morning meal in the sunshine! Their breakfast kicks off daily at 8am. 

Next up for breakfast is Barn 34. This popular morning spot has breakfast and brunch and features dishes like Crab Cake Benedict, Chicken & Waffles, classic eggs and pancakes, and so much more.

If you’re more in the mood for a quick grab-and-go bite, check out Jay’s Cafe! This coffee shop has delicious lattes and fruit smoothies as well as easy morning eats like muffins, scones, and pastries. 

Barn 34

Midday

It's time to hit the beach! You can find a perfect spot anywhere throughout town, whether you’re sticking Downtown near the Boardwalk or venturing more Uptown! Here’s your guide to the different OC districts!

Beach

Afternoon

When the afternoon rolls around, cool off from the July heat with a trip to Jolly Roger Splash Mountain Water Park! Located at 29th Street, Splash Mountain Water Park was named “Best Small Waterpark” by Funworld Magazine. See what all of the hype is about as you zoom down the slides and splash around in the variety of pools at the park. 

Jolly Roger Splash Mountain Water Park

Evening

Next up, it’s time for dinner! We have a few ideas for you.

First up is Ocean 13, a great spot that joined the OC food scene in 2023. With savory appetizers like Fried Calamari, Crab Guacamole, and Short Rib Bruschetta, and entrees like Pecan Salmon and Tomahawk Steaks, this spot has something for everyone. Their menu also includes burgers, salads, and flatbreads, and the deck is pet friendly!

Want to enjoy views that will have you overlooking OC? Head to Skye Bar! At 66th Street, Skye Bar is a great spot for awesome food and views. The open air restaurant has a full menu with highlights that include the Skye Lobster Mac and Cheese, Tequila Lime Shrimp, Crabby Chicken Sandwich, and Crab Stuffed Jumbo Shrimp!

Want to load up on a meal that includes a little bit of everything? Head to the Bonfire Restaurant! This restaurant features a 150 ft buffet filled with everything you can think of: prime rib, fish, soups, fruit, desserts, and more. It’s a great spot for families, because everyone is guaranteed to find something that they love! 

Ocean 13

Nighttime

Finish off the day with some post-dinner arcade fun. There are a bunch of places to get into the zone around town. Alley Oops is a great place to challenge the family to some games! Their Midtown and Uptown locations include arcade games, bowling, and more. If you’re looking for some classic games like skee ball, head to Sportland or Fun City on the Boardwalk! 

Arcade

Sunday

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Morning

Kick off your last morning in town with a quick breakfast from Playa Bowls. Their restaurant has the brightest and most exciting atmosphere, with a menu to match! Enjoy a bowl with an acai, mango, pitaya, oatmeal, banana, green, or coconut base, and top it with fruit, granola, and more! 

For more of a savory breakfast, head to Sea Bay Cafe. Enjoy delicious breakfast sandwiches like a classic bacon, egg, and cheese, as well as omelets, wraps, avocado toast, and more!

Playa Bowls

Midmorning

After breakfast, enjoy some boardwalk rides and classic games at Trimpers and Jolly Roger at the Pier! Both locations offer thrilling rides for the adventure seekers, as well as classics like the carousel. If rides aren’t your thing, enjoy a variety of carnival games!

 

Trimper Rides

Midday

Before you head out of town, grab one last bite to eat in OC!

Check out Annabelle's BBQ & Creamery for some delicious barbecue. Located Midtown on 64th Street, their Double Cheddar Mac & Cheese, Smoked Brisket Cheesesteak, and Pork BBQ are all must-tries! How about sushi?

Blue Fish is another go-to spot for locals thanks to their incredible spicy tuna rolls, delicious lo mein, and unforgettable chicken and broccoli. Their menu features plenty of vegetarian options too!

Last but not least, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Fat Daddy’s. This hidden gem is situated on Baltimore Ave & Dorchester Street and is the spot for savory sandwiches, loaded subs, and pizza!

Annabelle's

Full Itinerary

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Enjoy the full itinerary list below:

Friday

 

Saturday

 

Sunday

 

This itinerary may feel jam-packed, but there is so much to see and do in Ocean City! Continue exploring all of the options and remember to download the app to begin planning your trip. No matter how you spend your visit, you’re sure to have a fun and memorable time in town. We’ll see you soon!