14 Date Night Ideas in Ocean City, Maryland

Looking to spice up your date nights in Ocean City? Whether you’re a local searching for fresh date night ideas or a visitor eager to explore the charm of our coastal town, you’re in for a treat! Ocean City offers a variety of fun experiences perfect for couples seeking romance and adventure. From strolls along the boardwalk and seafood dinners to playing mini golf or enjoying the boardwalk arcades, Ocean City is the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments with your special someone. Join us as we dive into a curated list of date night ideas guaranteed to ignite the spark and create lasting memories in Ocean City.

1. Mini Golf

Ocean City boasts all kinds of outdoor mini golf during the season, but there are two great indoor mini golf courses by Old Pro Golf on 68th and 136th, so no matter the weather you can enjoy some friendly competition with your date.

2. Arcade Fun

Channel your inner child and challenge each other to classic arcade games along the boardwalk. The boardwalk features two extensive arcades – Sportland and Marty’s Playland! Make sure to check their hours because they have different hours depending on the time of year.

3. Ax Throwing

For an adventurous twist, try your hand at ax throwing. It’s a unique and thrilling experience that will surely get your adrenaline pumping and maybe even vent some stress. Ocean City has two great ax throwing places: one in West Ocean City, OC Battle Axe, and the other, OC Axe on 23rd Street in the Embers complex.

4. Bowling

Keep the fun rolling with a night of bowling at Ocean Lanes on 72nd Street. It’s a classic date night activity with a competitive edge.

5. Paint Night

Get creative together at OC Paint Experience. Choose from painting your pet, one of their gallery pieces, or even paint your partner for a memorable and artistic date.

6. Art Classes

Explore your artistic side together at an Art League class. From watercolor and pottery to drawing and jewelry making, there’s something for every couple to enjoy. Check out the selection of classes at artleagueofoceancity.org.

7. Trivia Night

Put your heads together and test your knowledge at a trivia night. Several restaurants and venues in town do off-season trivia nights – Taphouse Tavern, Harpoon Hanna’s, and Ocean Downs, just to name a few.

8. Karaoke

Let loose and serenade each other with your favorite tunes at The Sandbar on 33rd Street. It’s a great way to bond over your favorite music and have a blast together.

9. Escape Room

Put your problem-solving skills to the test with an escape room challenge. Whether you’re in downtown, midtown, or uptown, Captive Ocean City and Escapomania have plenty of great themed options inspired by pirates, witches, and even Dracula, so you’re sure to find something that fits you and your dates’ interests.

10. Ocean Downs Casino

Feeling lucky? Spend a glamorous evening trying your hand at gambling at Ocean Downs Casino off of Route 50. 

11. Catch a Show

The Ocean City Performing Arts Center has a great lineup of upcoming events from theatre productions and musicals to live game shows and stand up comedians and even a symphony orchestra. Catching one of their shows is a fun and unique way to spend an evening.

12. Watch a Movie

Cozy up together and enjoy a movie night at one of Ocean City’s theaters that feature luxurious recliners: Flagship Cinemas in West Ocean City or Fox Gold Coast Theater on 113 Street. It’s a classic date night option that never disappoints.

13. Ice Skating

Embrace the winter season by going ice skating together at the Carousel Hotel. It’s a romantic and playful way to spend time together on the ice.

14. Bonfire on the Beach

End your date night with a romantic bonfire on the beach. Snuggle up together under the stars and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing nearby. Make sure to get a permit before setting up! You can apply at ocbonfires.com.

Bonus Idea 

Balcony Dinner

For the ultimate date night, treat your special someone to a romantic getaway complete with dinner on your private balcony overlooking the ocean. We’ve got plenty of oceanfront accommodations perfect for any budget. But if you want to take it the next level, check out our hotels with in-house restaurants (Hilton, Doubletree, Holiday Inn & Suites, and Courtyard) and get your food delivered right to your room!

No matter which activity you choose, these date night ideas are guaranteed to make your time in Ocean City unforgettable. So grab your special someone and get ready for a night of romance and adventure in our charming coastal town.

Vote Now for Nikki Godman: Our Harbor Watch Hero

Please Read and Vote!

Our very own Nikki Godman from Harrison’s Harbor Watch has been nominated for Manager of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland, and she is the only finalist from the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Nikki started her OCMD Restaurants career in 2007 at Harrison’s Harbor Watch. During her time at Harbor Watch, she has worked as a busser, server, line cook, Kitchen Manager and now, Assistant Restaurant Manager. She has worked at other OCMD Restaurants properties including 32 Palm, Coral Reef, The Wedge Bar, and is currently assisting at the Captain’s Table, while Harbor Watch is closed for the season.

Nikki’s ‘take-charge’ attitude and attention to detail has made her an anchor during countless busy summer days at Harbor Watch. Her ability to work as part of a team enables her to find success in our front-of-house team with the guests. Nikki’s fearless ability to meet every challenge head on has been the secret ingredient to her personal growth in our company, and she put these skills into action when she performed CPR on a guest, saving his life this past summer (article above).

We are so very proud to have Nikki as part of our team and excited for others to see and recognize what so many customers and her colleagues already know. Please share this blog post. Let’s help Nikki win this well-deserved recognition!

To vote click here and scroll down to cast your official vote!

Opening Dates for Our Seasonal Hotels

Wondering when our seasonal hotels are reopening? Look no further, here’s the official dates!

Quality Inn Oceanfront 54th Street – Open weekends starting February 16th with full reopening on March 14th
Quality Inn Boardwalk 17th Street – Open for the season March 14th
Dunes Suites & Dunes Court – Open weekends starting March 14th with a full reopening for the season on March 21st
Flagship Oceanfront – Open weekends starting April 12th and fully reopening for the season on April 26th
Harrison Hall – Open weekends starting April 19th, and full reopening on April 26th
Plim Plaza – Opening for the season on April 26th
Oceanic Motel – Opening for season on May 1st
Seabonay Motel – Opening for season on May 16th

We can’t wait to see all our amazing guests this 2024 season!

9 Must-See Events at Ocean City’s Performing Arts Center

The Ocean City Performing Arts Center is gearing up for a exciting season with a diverse lineup of events that promise to captivate audiences of all ages. From Broadway sensations to interactive game shows, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant venue. Let’s take a closer look at some of the upcoming performances that are set to grace the stage.



1. The Four Phantoms in Concert – February 4
Prepare for an extravagant celebration of Broadway’s most iconic music as The Four Phantoms take center stage on February 4. Featuring the extraordinary quartet of Brent Barrett, John Cudia, Franc D’Ambrosio, and Ciarán Sheehan, this concert promises an unforgettable night of entertainment. Under the musical supervision of two-time Grammy Award-winner David Caddick and the direction of Ryan Shirar, The Four Phantoms Live is an event you won’t want to miss.

Get your tickets here!

2. Wheel of Fortune Live – February 29
Get ready for the excitement of America’s Game as Wheel of Fortune LIVE! comes to Ocean City on February 29. Audience members have the chance to be selected to join the host on stage, spin the iconic Wheel, solve puzzles, and win incredible prizes. With interactive games and puzzles for the audience too, this experience promises a night of fun and surprises.

Get your tickets here!

3. The Simon and Garfunkel Story – March 18
Relive the incredible journey of the folk-rock duo in The Simon & Garfunkel Story on March 18. Using photos and original film footage, this immersive concert-style theater show features a full live band performing all the hits, including ‘Mrs. Robinson’, ‘Cecilia’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, and more. From their humble beginnings to their dramatic split and iconic reunion, this show captures the essence of Simon & Garfunkel’s musical legacy.

Get your tickets here!

4. Price is Right Live – April 1
On April 1, The Price Is Right Live brings the excitement of television’s longest-running game show to the stage. Attendees have the chance to “come on down,” play classic games like Plinko and The Big Wheel and most importantly win prizes, including appliances, vacations, and even a new car!

Get your tickets here!

5. Come From Away – April 8
Experience the heartwarming and breathtaking musical, Come From Away, on April 8. This award winning show portrays the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. This Tony-nominated production is a must-see.

Get your tickets here!

6. Dinosaur World Live – April 15
Embark on a roarsome adventure with Dinosaur World Live on April 15. This family-friendly show takes you across uncharted territories to discover a prehistoric world filled with astonishing and remarkably life-like dinosaurs. With large-scale dinosaur puppets and captivating storytelling, this performance is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Get your tickets here!

7. Mid Atlantic Symphony Orchestra – May 4
On May 4, enjoy an enchanting performance of pieces written by American composers that tell the unique and diverse stories of our country. These songs include: Chokfi’ by Jerod Tate, Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copeland, and Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue by Peter Boyer.
You don’t want to miss it!

Get your tickets here!

8. Jay Leno – May 16
Cruisin’ OC weekend gets a dose of comedy as car enthusiast and world-class comedian, Jay Leno takes the stage at the Performing Arts Center on May 16. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the legendary comedian in action.

Get your tickets here!

9. Menopause The Musical: Cruising Through ‘The Change’ – May 22
Wrap up the season with laughter as Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’ takes the stage on May 22. Join the four beloved ladies on a hilarious and heartfelt journey through the ups and downs of menopause and friendship, accompanied by toe-tapping parodies of hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Get your tickets here!

Don’t miss the chance to be part of these unforgettable experiences at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center. Get your tickets now and immerse yourself in the magic of theatre and live entertainment!

Event Planning 2024: Exciting Trends for Unforgettable Experiences

As we put a bow on 2023 let’s take a look back on the trends and surprises in the planning industry – AI and mobile technologies are two that stand out the most. Who would have thought AI would be such a buzz word for the planning industry, but it really did revolutionize personalization and take a strong hold on marketing concepts. Mobile technology has brought attendees together and created platforms of communication that connected people during, pre and post events. Let’s not fail to mention the convenience of agendas, maps and off site options right at your fingertips. If you were at a conference or convention in 2023 you now know there is an app for that! From where I stand there are no brakes on those two technologies, and we will be seeing how they evolve for us this year.

Reviewing those moments begs the question; what else is in store? As we enter 2024 and all the wonderful functions we are planning, it is exciting to know what attendees are valuing and how they want to spend their time away from home. Here is our planning watch list:

Drive To Destinations

They are easy on the budget and the traveler. Somewhere that is only a few hours away ensures attendees’ logistics are simple, it removes the drama of air travel and takes a lot of stress out of the trip. Our favorite part, they are better for expense reports. Less out of your travel budget means more opportunity to enrich your program with food and beverage experiences, add on events like team bonding, or off-site adventures.

Health Conscious

More often we hear people want healthy food options and wellness movement additions like yoga or kayaking in their meeting programs. Building in a lifestyle aspect of great food and some fun mocktails embraces the person your attendee is outside of work and gives them the ability to be comfortable in the event and travel environment.  This also bodes well for the caliber of your company as you have included their wellbeing in the footprint. Health is dominating conversations and decision making in our culture right now, plus it’s a fun way to take your event to the next level.

Local Experiences

Travel is about connection and experiencing an authentic area for what it is. Finding unique options celebrates the local community, while also immersing your team in the full experience of a destination. This can be as simple as a menu of regional food and beverages, or activities that celebrate the locals’ pastimes – for example, in Ocean City this would be boating, fishing, hiking, and just in general taking in the natural beauty that surrounds the area. Hidden gems are what gives communities personality and keeps your attendees captivated.

Human Connection

Covid was terrible because we missed each other! Bringing the gang back together and hosting off-site events is one of the many pleasures we didn’t know we were taking for granted before the pandemic. And it’s pretty obvious to us that people are thrilled to be back at it again. We say fully embrace it, ditch the virtual as much as you can and get people connecting face to face at your events. Receptions, ice breakers, activities that make you move around and have a physical component brings so many elements together. This provides ample time to learn from one another, which is of course, why you have an in person event to begin with. If you could gain understanding and empathy for your team members through an email, you wouldn’t be hosting the event.

So, will technology continue to elevate us and rein supreme in the world of trends? Absolutely, but so will slowing it down, really honing in company culture, leaning into wellbeing initiatives, and embracing work life balance for team members.

We are looking forward to seeing all the wonderful progress we make in hospitality and events in 2024!

Plan A Romantic Getaway This February

Make this Valentine’s Day special with a romantic stay in Ocean City! Our hotels Hilton Suites and Holiday Inn & Suites on 17th Street are offering Valentine’s deals you don’t want to miss!

Holiday Inn & Suites 17th Street

Treat your sweetheart to the Holiday Inn “Suiteheart” package! This deal is available weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) from February 4th-15th and includes a stay in one of their luxurious one bedroom jacuzzi suites and a $100 dining credit to Coral Reef.

Rates are:

  • 2 Queens – $149 + tax
  • 1 King – $189 + tax

Book through our specials page or call the hotel at 410-289-7263 to make sure you get this great deal!

Hilton Suites 32nd Street

Get in the romantic spirit with Hilton Suites’s “Spring into Love” package! Get an oceanfront suite, $100 dining credit to 32 Palm, and a bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries delivered to your room when you book this package. This special is available from now until February 29th.

To book this amazing package, check out our specials page or call 410-289-6444.


Check out our other blog post about where to dine this Valentine’s to see what Coral Reef and 32 Palm are serving up for their Valentine’s dinners!

Celebrate Love: Valentine’s Day Dinner Specials

With Valentine’s Day just a month away, now’s the time to make your dinner plans before the time gets away from you and suddenly it’s February and you’ve got no reservations made.

If you are looking for restaurants to celebrate with your sweetheart that have seafood, steak and unique twists on classics and as well as your favorites, look no further than our restaurants!

Marlin Moon

Celebrate your love at Marlin Moon this Valentine’s Day with a special menu crafted specific for this romantic holiday. For a starter, check out the tasty “Blue Moon Bumble Bake” which features baked berries, creamy chèvre, honey, almonds, and mint on toasted moon bread, dive into “Uptown Girl Baked Oysters”, or indulge in the rich “Bacon Wrapped Scallops”.

For your entrees, you can indulge in their decadent “Filet Mignon”, a 8 oz center cut topped with butter and alaskan snow crab and a side of mash potatoes and a winter tarragon béarnaise, or keep it a little lighter and treat yourself to their seafood options: Yellow-Fin Tuna Steak and Halibut Fillet.

And then end the night with their delicious “To Our Moon’’ shareable dessert which features a strawberry stack, crème brûlée, strawberries in chocolate.

Check out the menu here. It’ll be available February 9th-18th. Call 410-289-1201 or visit marlinmoonocmd.com to make your dinner reservations.
marlinmoonocmd.com to make your dinner reservations.

Captain’s Table

This Valentine’s Day, Captain’s Table has a special menu full of delicious treats perfect for a romantic dinner. Start your meal with their Roasted Beet Salad featuring a mix of grilled romaine hearts, golden beets, and goat cheese with a raspberry champagne vinaigrette. Or warm up with the Lobster Bisque topped with chive crème fraiche and fried shallots.

For your main course, try the unique “Duck Two Ways,” which include duck leg confit with a root vegetable hash and seared duck breast with rosemary cracked fingerling potatoes. Another tasty option for the pasta lover, is the Lobster Tortellini made with lobster ricotta filling, spinach and lemon parmesan cream.

But for the truly one-of-a-kind experience, share the “Ultimate Surf and Turf” with your love. This dish features a 48 oz tomahawk steak and a colossal cold water lobster.

Finally, end your diner on a sweet note with a dessert to share. Their Chocolate Mousse cake is plenty for two and features a rich mocha cake layered with house made raspberry preserves and chocolate mousse, drizzled with dark chocolate ganache and topped with chocolate dipped strawberries.

Check out the menu here. It’ll be available February 9th-18th. Call 410-289-7192 or visit captainstableoc.com/ to make your dinner reservations.

32 Palm

Experience the charm of Valentine’s Day at 32 Palm with a menu featuring favorites as well as French-inspired dishes. Start your meal with the delicious Baked Potato Leek Soup topped with a special crème frîache, chive oil, and American Caviar, or enjoy the unique “Korean BBQ Sunchokes” featuring roasted pineapple, pork belly, stir fry scallions, and tasty Korean BBQ sauce. For a fun twist on a classic, try the Pistachio Dusted Jumbo Shrimp with treviso, honey crisp, fresée, preserved lemon purée, and curried apple remoulade.

For the entrees, try the Mediterranean inspired dish Lobster en Phyllo featuring grilled cold water lobster, citric endive, winter root vegetable ragoût, crisp phyllo, and champagne sauce or indulge in the Filet Au Poivre which features grilled eggplant pine nut caponata, fontina aligot potato, arugula, and pilsner peppercorn sauce. Or just keep it simpler with the tasty Steak Frites.

And then wrap up your meal with sweet delights like Chocolate Pot de Créme, Crimson and Clover red velvet cake, or their twist on the classic New York Style Cheesecake.

Check out the menu here. It’ll be available February 12th-15th. Call 410-289-2525 or visit 32palm.com to make your dinner reservations.

Coral Reef

Last but certainly not least, Coral Reef is offering a special dinner menu filled with delicious options perfect for sharing with your loved one. Begin with a refreshing shareable like Caprese Salad or start off on a tangy note with their BBQ Shrimp. If you’re looking for something a little more savory, their Chicken Satay which features chicken skewers seasoned, marinated in red wine and herbs, and grilled and served with peanut thai chili sauce.

For the main course, try their Lemon Tarragon Chicken with creamy lemon sauce or you could dive into the Coral Reef Rockfish topped with mango salsa and their famous sweet tangy sauce. There’s also the pasta and steak lovers, the Blackened Steak Florentine Pasta with delicious flank steak and creamy pappardelle pasta and ciabatta or the classic New York Strip topped with garlic compound butter.

Finish your romantic night with decadent and tempting desserts like Strawberry Smith Island Cake, Turtle Cheesecake and Tiramisu.

Check out the menu here. It’ll be available February 9th-18th. Call 410-289-2612 or visit coralreefrestaurant.com to make your dinner reservations.

Don’t miss out on these delicious dinners. Make sure to plan ahead for your romantic dinner for two!

Shore Craft BeerFest’s Love on Tap Returns

Are you a craft beer enthusiast searching for the perfect weekend getaway? Look no further! Love on Tap by Shore Craft Beer Festival, is making a return to Seacrets on February 24th. Presented by Shore Craft BeerFest and Ocean City Development Corporation, this event promises an unforgettable experience for beer lovers and a fantastic time for all attendees.

Event Details:

Date and Time:

VIP Hour: 1-2pm
General Admission (GA): 2-5pm
Date: February 24, 2024

Location:
Seacrets on 49th Street

What to Expect:

Love on Tap at Seacrets is not just another beer festival – it’s a celebration of local craft beer culture. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:

Live Music Extravaganza:
Enjoy the rhythm and beats with live performances by Big House Band and Mike Donato. Let the music complement the vibrant atmosphere and elevate your beer-tasting experience.

Unlimited Beer Tastings:
Immerse yourself in a world of flavor with unlimited beer tastings. Over 30 different local craft beers from esteemed local and regional brewers will be at your fingertips.

Meet the Brewers:
Have you ever wanted to chat with the masterminds behind your favorite brews? Love on Tap gives you the chance to interact with local brewers, learn about their brewing processes, and gain insights into the art of crafting exceptional beers.

Commemorative Cup:
Take home a piece of the festival with a commemorative cup, a tangible reminder of the fantastic time you had at Love on Tap.

Special Ticket Options:
Choose from a variety of ticket options, including General Admission, VIP, and Designated Driver tickets. Make sure to secure your spot at this exclusive event. Get your tickets here!

Scenic Setting:
Located at Seacrets this festival offers more than just great beer. Revel in the fabulous setting, regardless of the weather. Bring your loved ones or friends and make it a weekend to remember.

Plan Your Weekend:

Whether you’re a local or planning a getaway, make the most of the Love on Tap weekend by staying in town and taking advantage of hotel packages! DoubleTree Ocean City on 33rd Street is doing a special deal with festival attendees. Book here to save on your Love on Tap weekend stay. Love on Tap festival tickets are sold separately.

Participating Breweries:

The event boasts an impressive lineup of participating breweries, showcasing the Eastern Shore’s diverse and thriving craft beer scene. Featured breweries include:

  • Big Oyster Brewery
  • Dogfish Head
  • The Other One Brewing Co.
  • The Fin City Brewing Co.
  • The Buzz Meadery
  • Evolution Craft Brewing Co.
  • Hoop Tea
  • Sinepuxent Brewing Co.
  • Heavy Seas Beer
  • Misspillion River Brewing
  • Berlin Beer Co.
  • Flying Dog Brewery

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor unique craft beers, engage with passionate brewers, and create lasting memories at Love on Tap Craft Beer Festival. Mark your calendars for February 24, 2024, and get ready for a weekend filled with great beer, live music, and community spirit of Ocean City!

Holiday Inn & Suites Wins Decorating Contest

Congratulations to the Holiday Inn & Suites team for winning first place in the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday lights competition. The staff at the hotel go all out for the Holidays and transform the hotel into a winter wonderland. The decorations can be seen following Thanksgiving until early January. Make sure to view these decorations in the future!

Discover Dreamfest: A Weekend of Music and History in Ocean City, Maryland

Get ready for an incredible three-day celebration happening in Ocean City, Maryland, from January 12th to 14th, 2024. This event is all about music, history, and honoring the inspiring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The event begins with the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on January 12th at 8:00am. This breakfast is about encouraging everyone to follow their dreams and make them a reality. You’ll hear from Colonel Gregory D. Gadsona, a veteran who served our country for over 26 years, enjoy music from the Morgan State University Choir, and listen to Mayor Meehan and other community figures talk about turning dreams into actions.

Later that evening, there’s a fantastic tribute to Michael Jackson called “Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience.” It’s a show that brings alive the music and magic of Michael Jackson, and it’s something you won’t want to miss!

The show begins at 7:00pm on January 12th. Get your tickets here. Doors open at 6:30pm, and the show starts at 7:00pm!

And to wrap it all up on January 14th, there’s a special concert by the Grammy award-winning, Take 6, a group known for their incredible acapella tunes. Their harmonies and music styles blend together to create something truly special.

Get your tickets here! Show starts at 7:00pm.

Apart from the music, there are also other things to enjoy during Dreamfest. There will be art events showcasing talented young artists, performances by Jay Konzciouz, and even film showcases at the Ocean City Art League. Plus, there are discussions and tours focusing on local Black history in nearby Berlin and Pocomoke City, allowing everyone to learn and appreciate the past.

Dreamfest is about celebrating unity, creativity, and honoring important history. It’s a time to enjoy great music, learn new things, and come together as a community. Join us as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.‘s vision and create a brighter future together, so treat yourself to a weekend away with us. Check out our hotels and book your stay today!

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