We Asked, You Answered: Where is Your Favorite Off-Season Spot?

First up has to be none other than the beach. Though the UV may not be strong enough for tanning in the fall, an empty autumn beach provides something even better. Head to the sand to listen to nothing but the waves rolling in, and you’ll start to feel more relaxed within minutes. There’s a reason why even in the off-season, sitting on the beach is still a go-to activity for those spending time in Ocean City. Look for some sea glass and shells while you're at it!

We can’t deny it—bowling is always a good idea! Alley Oops is a favorite because it combines fun entertainment with great food. Bowling, arcade games, delicious food and drinks… what more could you ask for? They’ve got two locations, 55th Street and 131st Street, meaning it’s close by no matter where you’re staying in town. 

📍 Midtown: 5509 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842
📍 Uptown: 13101 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842

Breweries are the ultimate fall activity. Crisp temperatures and delicious drinks go hand in hand, and the pair go perfectly with the outdoor seating at Sinepuxent. Grab some friends, order a flight, and enjoy the fall weather while listening to live music!

📍 8816 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811

Tucked right at the Inlet, the Life Saving Station Museum is a wonderful learning experience and activity for families. Built in 1891, the building is home to exhibits on shipwrecks, storms, and the brave crews who once patrolled these shores long before modern rescue technology existed. After exploring here, head up to Dorchester Street to experience the Museum of Ocean City that opened in May of 2025. Here, learn even more about what makes our area so special.

📍Life-Saving Station Museum 813 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
📍Museum of Ocean City 217 S Baltimore Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842

No list would be complete without a trip to Assateague. Just down the road from Ocean City, this National Park is a must-visit any time of year. Take a quiet nature walk, watch for birds along the marsh, or simply keep an eye out for the island's famous wild horses roaming free. Just be sure to honor the speed limit, as it's there to keep Assateague's residents (the horses) safe.

Ocean City is lucky to welcome a number of festivals to town in the fall! First up is Oceans Calling, which will run from September 25-27 and welcome artists like Mumford & Sons, Matchbox Twenty, Twenty One Pilots, Gwen Stefani, and Dave Matthews Band. Following that will be Country Calling October 2-3, with acts including Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Rascal Flatts. Both weeks are sure to be a blast, with great music, delicious food options, and tons of fun to be had on the south end of Ocean City’ boardwalk!

Once the music festival fun wraps up, Ocean City brings back its annual Sunfest. This year marks year 51 of the festival, and there’s a reason it’s stuck around for so long! The annual festival combines arts, crafts, live music, delicious food, fall activities, and so much more. Admission is completely FREE, making it one of the most popular annual events in the area! 

Plus, this year, Sunfest brings the addition of Wine on the Beach, as well as three ticketed headliners at the Performing Arts Center. Catch Elton Dan & the Rocket Band on 10/22, Live & Let Die: A Tribute to Paul McCartney on 10/23, and Black Tie Optional: A Tribute to Michael Bublé & Beyond. Learn more and get your tickets at ococean.com/pac!