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Every August for 18 years, the Art League of Ocean City hosts “Artists Paint OC”. For five days, 50 artists paint famous local scenes at perfect times of the day. Discover your own masterpiece and meet the artist who painted it.

Schedule of Events: August 9-13: 50 artists paint around Ocean City & Assateague Island

Saturday August 12, 5-7pm: Wet Paint Sale & Festival, Ocean City Center for the Arts. Collect just-painted original artwork of iconic local scenes. Free! Live music. Cash bar. Hors d’oeuvres. Meet the artists.
Sunday August 13, 9-11am: Quick Paint on the Boardwalk. Watch the artists paint around S. Division St. quickly for prizes. Sponsored by Ocean City Development Corporation.
Sunday August 13, 1-3pm: Wet Paint Sale & Festival, Ocean City Center for the Arts. Take home an original masterpiece just painted on the famous OC Boardwalk. Meet the artists. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a cash bar. Free!

Please visit and support this great event put on by the Art League. For more information please visit http://www.artleagueofoceancity.org

Recently featured in the Ocean City Today newspaper, we’re proud support the Maryland Coastal Bays Program with new educational signage about horseshoe crabs at the Oceanic Motel. Pictured are members of the Coastal Bays team and Oceanic’s General Manager Nicole Bowen. To read the full article, click here – https://www.oceancitytoday.com/lifestyle/maryland-coastal-bays-horseshoe-crab-survey-done/article_372cc114-219c-11ee-bf15-43e7b7d79ca8.html

Ocean City, Maryland, is more than a picturesque beachfront town boasting mouth watering seafood and breathtaking landscapes. It’s a vibrant community enriched by tradition and a shared love for the sea. Embodied in this community spirit is a long-standing opportunity of adventure for over 35 years, the Sea Rocket! Showcasing how this celebrated attraction seamlessly blends thrilling water activities with Ocean City’s robust community, let’s set sail on an exploratory experience.

The Patriotic Spirit of the Sea Rocket Speedboat

The Sea Rocket, painted in patriotic colors of red, white, and blue, symbolizes the American Dream! This is more than a speedboat; it’s an emblem of national pride that rides the waves of Ocean City. The Sea Rocket experience allows both locals and visitors to engage with the Atlantic Ocean’s mighty splendor while taking in an awe-inspiring perspective of Ocean City’s skyline. As you skim along the coastline, you can spot iconic landmarks, your own hotel such as The Doubletree by Hilton or The Holiday Inn, and even playful bottlenose dolphins, our regular aquatic companions- further enhancing your connection with this vibrant coastal community.

Basking in Nature’s Grandeur: Sea Rocket Sunset Cruises

As your day of adventure comes to an end, we invite you to join us on a more relaxing adventure: the Sea Rocket Sunset Cruise. Watch as the setting sun paints a canvas of golden hues across the sky, bathing the cityscape in a warm, calming light. Every landmark, from the bustling boardwalk to the beautiful beachside hotels, radiates in the sunset’s glow. These shared moments of tranquility, watching nature’s spectacle together, are the very essence of our close-knit community. Harrison’s Harbor Watch, only 5 minutes away, is one site that may grab your attention and be the place for dinner after your cruise comes to an end.

Elevating Adventures with Ocean Parasailing

For thrill-seekers, Sea Rocket’s parasailing ventures offer an exhilarating bird’s-eye view of our beautiful city and the neighboring Assateague Island State Park. As you’re lifted high into the sky, snugly fastened, and securely linked to our trusty boat, you’ll get a whole new perspective on Ocean City! It’s a sight that’ll stick with you as you satisfy your thrill seeking desire. Hey, is that your hotel over there? Seeing it from way up here sure makes you feel like a part of this remarkable city! Who knows, this new view may pique your interest of some new places to visit once you return to land, such as the new Wedge Bar that is located right in the inlet!

Sea Rocket: Activities for All

Our repertoire at Sea Rocket extends to offer various exciting water activities for everyone. Hop onto our Banana Boat for an adrenaline-fueled ride or explore the calm waters with our kayak and Stand Up Paddle Boards [SUP] rentals. We also offer Private Party Cruises, ideal for unforgettable gatherings to share memorable moments against the beautiful backdrop of Ocean City. Angling enthusiasts can dive into a thrilling deep-sea adventure with Chaser Sportfishing, reaffirming Sea Rocket’s commitment to offering a variety of engaging activities that cater to everyone.

Welcome to the Sea Rocket Family

Sea Rocket Adventures isn’t merely a host of exciting water activities; it’s an integral part of Ocean City’s unique charm and community spirit. We are proud to partner with other local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, striving together to provide a top-notch experience for everyone. This shared endeavor echoes our commitment to the community and enriches the Ocean City experience for locals and visitors alike.

We warmly invite you to join our Sea Rocket family. Hop aboard, share in our community spirit, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Ocean City. From soaring through the sky to cruising along the beautiful coastline, let the Sea Rocket steer toward an adventure you’ll cherish forever.

Click here to book your adventure today!

Picture this: It’s the first day of your vacation. You are planning to spend the whole day on the beach, catching a tan and cooling off in the ocean. You might people-watch for a while, maybe take a little nap, but there are a lot of hours in the day to fill. What could be a better way to complement your relaxing summer vacation than a captivating beach read?

Whether you are a seasoned reader or a rookie looking to dip your toes into the beach read waters, we’ve got the perfect reading guide for you!

Trending Books

These books have taken the book world by storm this year, racking up thousands of readers and reviews.

Fourth Wing

By Rebecca Yarros

Rated 4.68 Stars on Goodreads

In this fantasy world of dragons, a twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to join the quiet and peaceful Scribe Quadrant, but when her mother, a Riders Quadrant general, forces her to join the deadly Basgaith War College for dragon riders, the odds are against her. She has two choices once she joins the Riders: graduate or die.

Yellowface

By R.F. Kuang

Rated 4.11 Stars on Goodreads

An aspiring author, June Hayward, has always been overshadowed by her successful peer, Athena Liu, but she seizes an opportunity after Athena tragically dies. Impulsively, June steals Athena’s latest manuscript, publishing it under a new identity, and finds the success she’s always dreamed of. But as June, now known as Juniper Song, faces mounting evidence and a brewing scandal, the question arises: what is she willing to do to protect her stolen success?

Love, theoretically

By Ali Hazelwood

Rated 4.26 Stars on Goodreads

Elsie Hannaway, a struggling theoretical physicist, works as a “fake girlfriend” alongside her teaching job to make ends meet. However, when she encounters Jack Smith, the broody and brilliant older brother of her favorite client and a physicist who has caused her mentor’s downfall, her conflicted emotions make her pursuit of her dream job at MIT a bit more challenging than she expected.

Divine Rivals

By Rebecca Ross

Rated 4.38 Stars on Goodreads

In a fantasy twist on You’ve Got Mail, two young rival journalists, both vying for a columnist promotion, begin to exchange anonymous letters, finding a deep and unexpected connection.
But as Iris Winnow strives to keep her family together, her correspondence with her rival Roman Kitt intertwines with their journey to the front lines, shaping the fate of mankind and their own love.

Icebreaker

By Hannah Grace

Rated 4.06 Stars on Goodreads

A dedicated figure skater aiming for Team USA, is determined to win after years of hard work and sacrifices. However, when a misunderstanding forces her to share a rink with the hockey captain, their worlds collide, but she doesn’t even like hockey players…right?

Hello Beautiful

By Ann Napolitano

Rated 4.25 Stars on Goodreads

This emotional book asks the question: Can love make a broken person whole? William Waters escapes his troubled past through basketball and finds solace in Julia Padavano and her close-knit family. However, when the darkness of William’s history resurfaces, their carefully planned future and the unwavering loyalty between Julia and her sisters are put to the test, leading to a family rift that may determine their ability to reunite when it truly counts.

Non-Fiction

Take a look behind the curtain of public figures’ lives. These memoirs offer a glimpse into the world of a former child star, a writer, a musician, a former cult member and even a prince, but they also offer valuable life lessons, reflections and insights that are universal to any reader.

I’m Glad My Mom Died

By Jennette McCurdy

Rated 4.5 Stars on Goodreads

In her memoir, former child actor and iCarly star, Jennette McCurdy shares the heartbreaking and hilarious account of her struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother. Through unflinching detail, she reveals the toll of fame and the aftermath of her mother’s death, leading her on a journey of recovery, self-discovery, and finding joy in the simplest acts of independence.

Spare

By Prince Harry

Rated 3.92 Stars on Goodreads

In this compelling and emotional memoir, Prince Harry reflects on the profound impact of his mother’s death and how it shaped his life. From struggling with grief and anger to finding purpose in the military and ultimately navigating the challenges of royal life, Harry’s journey is a testament to the enduring strength of love and the pursuit of personal growth.

The Many Lives of Mama Love

By Lara Love Hardin

Rated 4.5 Stars on Goodreads

From soccer mom to opioid addict to a jailhouse shot-caller, Lara Love Hardin shares the harrowing details of her descent from the average suburban mom to a jail inmate and then her unlikely resurgence as a successful ghostwriter in a gripping memoir. From navigating the power dynamics of jailhouse politics to reinventing herself after release, Lara’s journey is a testament to the power of forgiveness and redemption, even in a system that makes it difficult to move beyond past mistakes.

Losing Music

By John Cotter

Rated 4.11 Stars on Goodreads

In this honest and enlightening memoir, John Cotter recounts his journey with Ménière’s Disease, a debilitating condition that leads to hearing loss, dizziness, and profound life changes. As he navigates the limitations of the American healthcare system and grapples with the narrowing possibilities in his life, Cotter reflects on the deeper questions of fate, meaning, and the taboos surrounding disability, offering readers a poignant and transformative perspective on their own lives.

When the World Didn’t End

By Guinevere Turner

Rated 3.8 Stars on Goodreads

In this captivating memoir, Guinevere Turner shares her experience growing up in the infamous Lyman Family cult and the complexities of leaving the only home she had ever known. From waiting for salvation on the supposed doomsday to the dark secrets and challenges she faced within the cult, Turner’s heartfelt narrative delves into the pain of her upbringing and the gradual realization of the harm inflicted by her childhood environment.

Beach Reads

Get into vacation mode with these beach and vacation based books. From romance to mystery, these books are the perfect read to pair with your beach time.

Happy Place

By Emily Henry

Rated 4.18 Stars on Goodreads

Harriet and Wyn broke up 6 months ago. But they still haven’t told their friends. When their annual weeklong vacation with friends comes around they pretend to still be together, because how hard could it be to pretend after years of being in love. Between lying to their friends about their relationship status and pretending to not notice how much they still want each other, what could possibly go wrong?

Same Time Next Summer

By Annabel Monaghan

Rated 3.95 Stars on Goodreads
An engaged woman is forced to confront her first love after fourteen years, but as they are reunited at her family’s beach house, memories and unresolved feelings resurface, forcing her to question her current relationship and make a life-altering choice.

Every Summer After

By Carley Fortune
Rated 4.26 Stars on Goodreads

Persephone Fraser is drawn back to her lakeside hometown after a decade, where she reunites with Sam Florek, a long-lost love. As they navigate the pain of past mistakes and the undeniable connection they still share, they must confront their choices and decide if their love can transcend the weight of their past.

Five Star Weekend

By Elin Hilderbrand

Rated 4.28 Stars on Goodreads

After tragically losing her husband, Hollis Shaw hears about Five-Star Weekends where one woman organizes a trip for friends from all stages of her life: her teenage years, twenties, thirties, and midlife. Hollis throws her own together in Nantucket, but as old feelings resurface, secrets unravel, and unexpected challenges arise, things get complicated. This captivating story explores friendship, love, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a memorable weekend.

Summer of Broken Rules

By K.L. Walther

Rated 4 Stars on Goodreads

Meredith Fox returns to Martha’s Vineyard for a family wedding after the death of her sister. As she participates in her family’s annual game of Assassin, she forms a connection with a charming groomsman, but the budding romance jeopardizes her chances of winning the game and potentially her own heart.

It Happened One Summer

By Tessa Bailey

Rated 4.01 Stars on Goodreads

When fashionable wild child Piper Bellinger is sent to run her late father’s dive bar in a small town, she meets Brendan, a gruff sea captain who doubts her ability to adapt. As they clash and unexpectedly connect, Piper must decide between her glamorous past in LA and the newfound sense of home and love she discovers in Westport.

People We Meet on Vacation

By Emily Henry

Rated 3.91 Stars on Goodreads

“Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love.”
Poppy and Alex have been best friends for years after meeting in a rideshare in college. Every summer for a decade they’ve taken a weeklong vacation, but two years ago, something happened, and they haven’t spoken since. But Poppy misses Alex. After convincing him to go on one last trip together, she has one last chance to right the wrongs of two years ago.

The Celebrants

By Steven Rowley

Rated 3.8 Stars on Goodreads

As five college friends face the challenges of adulthood, they gather for their traditional “funerals” in Big Sur to celebrate life and support each other. However, this reunion takes an unexpected turn as Jordan holds a secret that could shake their long standing pact.

Bad Summer People

By Emma Rosenblum

Rated 3.55 Stars on GoodReads

In a summer haven on Fire Island, where infidelity and manipulation run rampant, a tight-knit group of friends finds themselves entangled in a web of deceit and murder. As secrets unravel and a body is discovered, the dark underbelly of their seemingly perfect lives is exposed.


From thrilling fantasies and heartwarming romances to thought-provoking non-fiction and suspenseful mysteries, these books offer a diverse range of stories to suit every reader’s taste. So, as you relax on the beach or unwind in your vacation spot, immerse yourself in the pages of these captivating reads, and let your imagination soar. Embrace the joy of summer reading and let these books transport you to new worlds, challenge your perspectives, and provide moments of escape and reflection. Happy reading!

And if you need to pick up your read on the way to the beach, check out our local book store, The Buzzed Word on 120th Street or the Worcester County Library’s Ocean City Branch on 100th Street.

Summer is here, and so is Ocean City’s Free Movies on the Beach event! Get ready for fun-filled evenings under the stars and in the sand, as you get the perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. Mark your calendars because every Monday until August 7th, the town will be hosting a free movie night on 27th Street. It’s a great event to add a little variety to your vacation plans and perfect way to spend a night with your family.

Prepare for a great movie lineup featuring favorites from Disney, Pixar, and more.
Here is the lineup for this summer’s Movies on the Beach:

July 3 – Minions: The Rise of Gru
July 10 – Hotel Transylvania: Transformania
July 17 – Encanto
July 24 – Vivo
July 31 – Rock Dog 3: Battle of the Beat
August 7 – Strange World

​​*All titles subject to change without notice
*All movies are Weather Permitting

Grab your beach essentials, invite your friends and family, and get ready for a magical movie experience on the beach.

Ocean City is gearing up for an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration this year. With two locations—downtown at N. Division St. Beach and uptown at Northside Park, 125th St.—the town promises a night filled with DJ music, performances from US Army Band, and a breathtaking fireworks display. Mark your calendars, grab your beach chairs or blankets, and get in the patriotic spirit.

Downtown Festivities:
The heart of the Fourth of July celebration in Ocean City will be at N. Division St. Beach. The evening kicks off at 6:30 PM with music and announcements by KuttProductions. At 7:00 PM, the U.S. Army Band Downrange takes the stage at Caroline Street.

As the night continues, DJ Kutt will take over the stage, delivering fun dance music and patriotic tunes to keep the energy high. Finally, at 9:30 PM, the sky will be filled with a mesmerizing fireworks display. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and witness this breathtaking spectacle.

Uptown Extravaganza:
If you prefer to celebrate a little further uptown, Northside Park on 125th St. also offers an exciting lineup of events. The evening starts with free music, setting the stage for a great night. As the sun sets, around 9:30 pm, there will be a spectacular fireworks display, and just like the downtown location, bring your beach chair or blanket and arrive early to ensure the best viewing spot for the fireworks display.

Ocean City’s Fourth of July celebration is one of the highlights of the summer season, offering everyone an opportunity to come together and commemorate our nation’s independence. With two great locations, downtown at N. Division St. Beach and uptown at Northside Park, Ocean City is pulling out all the stops to make this year’s celebration one to remember. So, gather your friends and family, pack your beach chairs or blankets, and head to Ocean City for an unforgettable Fourth of July experience.

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Event Schedules

DOWNTOWN: N. Division St. Beach
6:30PM:  Background Music & KuttProductions Announcements
7:00PM:  The U.S. Army Band Downrange performance at Caroline Street Stage and the beach
8:15PM:  DJ Kutt Dance Music and Patriotic Music
9:30PM:  Fireworks Display with Audioby Kutt Productions

UPTOWN: Northside Park, 125th St.
Free music celebration starts off the evening. Then, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display. Bring a beach chair or blanket & arrive early.
8-9:30pm:  DJ Knappy and Gizmo

While so many come to Ocean City for fun in the sun, there are many men and women who spend most of their time in Ocean City dedicated to protecting the community and making it a safe and enjoyable place to visit. Much of their work is behind the scenes; however, this weekend, the Ocean City Fire Department is hosting a public safety expo highlighting the tireless work of Ocean City’s public safety forces.

The event will include demonstrations from many emergency services departments, including the Ocean City Police Department, Maryland State Police, the OC Beach Patrol, and more.

One of the featured groups is OCPD’s mounted horse patrol, i.e., the Mounted Unit. The mounted patrol is often used at large events in OC for crowd control because of a horse’s height advantage, which places the mounted officer at a more accessible vantage point to spot disturbances or break up crowds. They are an integral part of maintaining safety at our most prominent events.

An exciting demonstration planned for the expo is by the K-9 unit. They are showcasing the K-9 unit’s extraordinary abilities, which include drug detection, suspect apprehension, and search and rescue operations. The intelligence, agility, and unwavering loyalty of these four-legged officers is nothing short of amazing!

The featured event of the expo is the landing and take-off of Maryland State Police’s Trooper 4 Helicopter. The skilled pilots of Trooper 4 will demonstrate the aerial capabilities of the MSP aviation unit. These helicopters are an incredibly vital resource for the state offering critical support in search and rescue operations, suspect tracking, and assisting with medical emergencies.

Another exciting demonstration planned is the water rescues. In our coastal town, water safety is a huge part of protecting the public. We have the dedicated OC Beach Patrol that keeps swimmers safe while enjoying our beautiful beach, but in the event of more severe water emergencies, aviation and boats are used to locate and rescue. These highly trained water rescue teams provide an invaluable resource that is an integral part of maintaining the safety of everyone at the beach.

Also, the 911 Mobile Command will be at the expo. These vehicles are the headquarters when major emergency events occur. The mobile command manages the response and provides onsite communications between response teams and commanders. It is a critical part of maintaining order in the chaos during the emergency response to a major incident.

Several other units are attending, with more demonstrations planned along with activities for families to participate in. The expo is being held at Northside Park on Friday from 1-4pm. Check out our event page for more details.

There are so many places to go and things to do while in Ocean City. This Father’s Day weekend, here are ten things packed into one day that we think a Dad would enjoy.

1. Watching the sunrise over the ocean and enjoying a freshly brewed cup of Starbucks coffee. What an incredible way to start a day by watching the beautiful sunrise while sipping an iced coffee from the 17th Street Starbucks.
2. Next up, breakfast at 32 Palm. You haven’t lived until you’ve had a “Benedict on the beach.” It’s 32 Palm’s take on eggs benedict with lump crab and Old Bay. So good!
3. Now it’s time to get some cardio in and take a stroll on the legendary Ocean City, Maryland boardwalk. Named one of the top 10 boardwalks by National Geographic, walking the two-and-a-quarter-mile boardwalk is the best way to take in the sights and sounds of Ocean City while getting in some steps.
4. After all that walking, it’s time to relax and enjoy the brand-new pool at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront on 67th Street. This spectacular new pool and bar will be a must-visit destination for Ocean City visitors for years to come. It’s so new we don’t even have pictures for it yet! 
5. Take a break from the sun and explore the Quality Inn Oceanfront’s five-story atrium! Make sure to say hi to Kiwi, Fenwick & Barry! They’re birds, but they’ll say hi back!
6. Lunch is next, and it’s time to try the hottest new restaurant in town, The Wedge! Enjoy the relaxed, open-air setting with incredible views of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Indulge in their tasty menu and refreshing drinks.
7. Dad can relive his younger days and get back on a skateboard at the Ocean Bowl skate park. This skatepark has it all for skateboarders of all skill levels. But, if Dad doesn’t feel like getting back on a board, it’s still fun to watch!
8. Maybe a little more up to Dad’s speed may be trying out one of the mini-golf courses in Ocean City! Old Pro Golf is celebrating 60 years in Ocean City, and they offer six fantastic courses, including two indoor ones for those rainy days!
9. As the day winds down, no Father’s Day is complete without an incredible specialty cocktail. Marlin Moon offers an array of specialty cocktails just for the holiday, including the “Big Daddy.”
10. We can’t end Father’s Day without a dinner to remember! Harrison’s Harbor Watch has been a dining destination in Ocean City for nearly 40 years. Enjoy the world-renowned oyster stew followed by the freshest seafood with unlimited sides and their award-winning raw bar!
11. Bonus – time to sleep! Listen to the sound of the crashing waves from the comfort of one of the amazing oceanfront rooms found at OCMDhotels.com. Sleep even better because you found the best rate on your room right on our specials page. 

Whatever you decide to do on Father’s Day, hope you and your loved ones enjoy it!