Discover Why OCMD Is a Multi-Award-Winning Vacation Destination

Ocean City Maryland has recently garnered significant recognition, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier vacation spot on the East Coast. Let’s delve into the accolades that this coastal gem has earned and explore why it’s the ultimate destination for your next getaway!

Beach Town on the East Coast

Ocean City Maryland clinched the prestigious title of one of the best beach towns on the East Coast, as recognized by Conde Nast Traveler. This speaks volumes about the charm and allure of Ocean City’s pristine shores and vibrant atmosphere. It highlights Berlin, the nearby small town, that you can go to for less crowds and even enjoy the Sunday farmers market.

A Top U.S Beach Town

Thrillist has also recognized Ocean City’s allure, ranking it as one of the top beach towns in the entire United States. Whether you’re a sun worshipper, a water sports enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Ocean City has something for everyone. Spend the day at the beach and then when it’s time to put away the umbrella, watch the sunset and listen to live music.

25 Best Beaches in the USA

Travel + Leisure’s esteemed list of the 25 best beaches in the USA includes Ocean City, further cementing its status as a must-visit destination for beach lovers. With the Eight miles of beaches and a 3 mile boardwalk, you’ll have a jam packed vacation of fun. From amusement park rides, bike rentals, shops, to saltwater taffy there’s something for everyone. We’re so excited to be included alongside beaches in Hawaii and California!

USA Today 10 Best Summer Travel Destination Nominee

Ocean City has been nominated by USA Today 10 Best for the title of Best Summer Travel Destination, and the voting is currently underway! Cast your vote and help Ocean City secure its well-deserved place as the ultimate summer getaway. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the excitement as the winners are announced on May 22nd!

Anime Ocean City


Check out Anime Ocean City this weekend at the convention center featuring special guests, Catherine Sutherland from Power Rangers, Steve Cardenas, and Erica Schroeder to name a few! Aside from the guests, artists and vendors, you can participate in the cosplay contest taking place on Sunday to win a cash prize and professional photoshoot or register for one of their gaming tournament’s. For the Pokemon enthusiasts, stop by tables 114 and 115 for a chance to win the exclusive Galactica City Gym Badge!

Experience Springfest in OC


Springfest will be celebrating 33 years this May! From 5/2 – 5/5, Ocean City, Maryland comes alive with their beloved tradition combining food, music, arts and entertainment for all ages.

Vibrant Music

One of the highlights of Springfest is undoubtedly the electrifying lineup of live music with their two stages and over 20 groups from around the world. From local talents to renowned artists, the music at Springfest caters to everyone. Whether you’re a fan of rock, country, pop, or jazz, you’ll find something to get your toes tapping. Just picture yourself basking in the spring sun, surrounded by the sounds of live music and crashing waves. Purchase your tickets for the headliners, The Olivia Show – A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John, Lauren Alaina, and Everclear here.

Culinary Delights

No festival is complete without an array of food options, and Springfest does not disappoint. There are some returning vendors but also some newcomers to get excited about. Gosia’s Pierogies returns with their pockets of comfort, Tailbangers brings their gourmet dog treats for all of our furry friends, and Pecan Yummies and the crepe stand serve those who need their sweet treat. Delmarva Boil and Shore Spice & Pickle Co. will be in attendance this year marking the time to try an irresistable seafood boil and zesty pickles!

Arts, Crafts, and More

In addition to its musical and culinary offerings, Springfest also showcases the creative talents of artisans and crafters from across the region. You’ll fine handmade jewelry, unique artwork, intricate woodwork, and other one-of-a-kind creations. This year there are over 200 artisans with 20 of them being new additions! Make sure to check them all out and don’t forget that you’ll have access to all that the Ocean City boardwalk has to offer as well.

OCMD Voted as One of the Best Places to Travel in June 2024

“If the name Ocean City conjures up visions of waves breaking on the shore, a classic wooden boardwalk, restaurants, and summer fun, you have a pretty good idea of what you’ll find on this Maryland barrier island with ten miles of Atlantic coastline. For more than a hundred years, Ocean City has offered visitors sunny beaches, an amusement park, games, arcades, shops, boating, fishing, and water sports. There’s nightlife, a performing arts center with live shows, shopping, and nearby Assateague Island with beaches and wildlife that includes deer and wild horses.”

Travel + Leisure


Travel + Leisure has just unveiled their top 15 destinations to visit in June 2024, and we’re thrilled to announce that Ocean City, MD has secured it’s spot alongside renowned places like Santa Barbara, California, Greece, Australia and Fiji! It’s truly surreal to see our coastal gem mentioned among such esteemed company. We invite you to experience the irresistible allure of OCMD firsthand. With our stunning beaches drawing so much attention, why not indulge in an oceanfront accommodation? Explore our page to discover a range of options for oceanfront rooms, where each morning welcomes you with the gentle rhythm of waves and every evening treats you to breathtaking sunsets, crafting an unforgettable backdrop for your summer getaway! 🌊🌅

2024 Ocean City Restaurant Week

Calling all foodies! Ocean City’s restaurant week is coming up and you’re not going to want to miss out. Twenty of Ocean City’s best will be participating including our very own 32 Palm and Coral Reef restaurants! Indulge in specially curated fixed-price menus or uncover unbeatable deals that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re eager to savor unfamiliar flavors, discover a hidden gem, or revisit your favorite spot, Ocean City Restaurant Week promises an unforgettable dining experience and a chance to support your local restaurants! Check out their website at https://oceancityrestaurantweek.com/ for a full list of participants.

 

Coffee and Flowers with Starbucks


This Mother’s Day Starbucks on 17th street is giving you the opportunity to do something fun and unique. May 12th, 2024 there will be a pop-up flower shop event with Seraphic Blooming Co. Stop by and “Say it with Coffee and Flowers”. Bring your mother or any maternal figure in your life and enjoy some tasty brews while soaking in the smell of fresh blooms and the beach. Afterwards you can head to one of our OCMD restaurant locations for a special meal!

OC Art League April 2024 Exhibits


It’s a new month and you know what that means, new exhibits at the Ocean City Art league! You won’t want to miss out on these pieces.

To celebrate Earth Month, there are three new exhibits. The Thaler Gallery is currently showcasing “Earth Studies,” featuring the works of Maggie Delaney Grabow, Marley Massey, and Nancy Richards West. Maggie’s art celebrates the intricacies of nature through embroidery, pyrography, and painting, focusing on native insects and their environments. Marley explores elemental activities and human-earth relationships through papermaking and natural pigments, while Nancy’s oil paintings capture the power and beauty of the ocean, emphasizing its vital role in sustaining life on Earth. Together, these artists share the importance of protecting our planet, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty and fragility of nature during Earth Month!

Meanwhile, the Sisson Galleria presents a Juried Corporate Partner Show, honoring the Art League’s corporate supporters with a diverse array of 2D and 3D artwork by local artists. In Studio E, Carol Gentes and Angela Pierce exhibit “Nature as We See It,” featuring landscapes, birds, and animals. Carol’s detailed paintings reflect her background in biology, while Angela’s work, inspired by local landscapes, demonstrates a blend of traditional and contemporary techniques. The Spotlight Gallery showcases Collin Byrd, Elvin Hernandez, and Brad Hudson’s artwork in conjunction with the annual Manga & Anime Youth Art Show, while the Staircase Gallery features Itzel V. Aguilar’s emotionally charged paintings, reflecting her personal journey of healing and self-discovery through vibrant colors and symbolic imagery.

Visit the art league this Friday, April 5th from 5-7 PM for their free opening reception. See you guys next month!

Country Calling Line Up Announced!

Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready to rock out at the Country Calling Music Festival this October 4th-5th! Check out the awesome line-up!

Ticket presale begins Friday 3/22 at 10 am with general sale starting at 11am if tickets remain –  sign up for presale here! Start planning your Country Calling trip today, and book your hotel. We have 12 hotels within walking or biking distance of the festival – some as close as a block away from the grounds. 

Our nearby hotels:

15 Things To Do with Kids in Ocean City, MD

Planning your family vacation and want to make sure there’s fun for the whole family – especially your kids? Look no further than Ocean City! Our beach town was named one of the top 10 best beaches in the US, and a huge reason is how family-friendly the town is! Join us as we take a look at all the things your kids can get up to while staying in OCMD.

1. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum

Enjoy rare and unusual artifacts and oddities like shrunken heads, car part sculptures and more, and also interact with fun exhibits like the Vortex Tunnel.

2. Boardwalk Arcades

Step off the boardwalk and into a world of excitement at Ocean City’s boardwalk arcades, Sportland and Marty’s Playland. From classic games to modern thrills, your kids will love the endless fun and the chance to win awesome prizes.

3. The Kite Loft

Browse a variety of kites, toys, decor and more as well as enjoy events like a Giant Kite Show and lessons.

4. Flashback Old Time Photos

Go back in time with this fun photo opportunity. Dress up as cowboys, pirates, flappers, hillbillies and more – it’s a great keepsake to remember your vacation by. Check them out here!

5. Trimper Rides

Trimper Rides at the end of the boardwalk is a beacon of classic and nostalgic family fun. Little ones can enjoy gentle thrills like train rides, water boats, fire engines and of course, the historic carousel. Or if you and your kids are adrenaline lovers, you can check out their variety of rides and roller coasters. Trimper is a must visit when on the boardwalk in OC.

6. Fishing Charters

Enjoy the fishing experience of a lifetime. Ocean City Fishing Center has a variety of boats that’ll fit whatever your needs are, and all you have to bring is the food and drinks – they’ve got everything else.

7. Jet Skis

Experience the thrill of jet skiing with your kids! Rent a jet ski for a day of excitement and unforgettable memories. We recommend Oceanside Watersports at the Oceanic Fishing Pier.  

8. Sea Rocket Adventures

Make all kinds of memories on the water. From parasailing to dolphin and sunset cruises, there’s fun for everyone when you book with Sea Rocket Adventures

9. Go-Karts

Rev up the excitement with thrilling go-kart races. Perfect for families seeking a little adrenaline on vacation. We recommend Jolly Roger’s Speedworld

10. Mini Golf

Tee up some family fun with mini-golf. There are countless mini-golf courses all over Ocean City. Whether you want to tee up with dinosaurs, vikings or pirates, or if you need an indoor course, there’s something for everyone – just pick a theme and there’s probably a course in OC to fit.

11. Bowling

Bowl a strike and make lasting memories at Ocean Lanes on 72nd Street. It’s the perfect activity for a rainy day! 

12. Jolly Roger Amusements

Enjoy a day of fun like no other. Jolly Roger has everything you can imagine from one of the best water parks in the country, to one of the largest go-kart facility on the East Coast, and even mini golf, roller coasters, rides and two ferris wheels across their two locations – one on 30th Street and the other at the Ocean City Pier.

13. Frontier Town Adventure Park

Located just outside of Ocean City, splash and slide at Frontier Town‘s water park or giddy on up to their Western Experience and enjoy a show of trick riders, gunfights, and more. It’s a one of a kind experience you don’t want to miss.

14. Our Hotels: Hilton and Holiday Inn & Suites

Unwind at our family-friendly oceanfront hotels where your kids can splash in the Kids Activity Pool featuring waterslides and more. Our hotels also feature kids activities during the summer like story time and swimming with mermaids, juggling shows and lessons by Cascading Carlos, and more. And of course, your family can always hang out on the beach playing in the sand and the surf, all without leaving the hotel.

15. Summer Events

Experience the magic of Ocean City’s free summer events! Enjoy Sundaes in the Park at Northside Park on Sundays at 7pm from June 9th to September 2nd with ice cream, kids’ activities, live music (link to live music lineup), and fireworks. 

Dance the night away at the OC Beach Dance Party with local DJs playing your favorite jams at the Caroline Street Stage on Mondays in July and August at 7:30pm. 

Or grab a blanket and chairs and kick back for movie nights on the beach on 117th Street every Wednesday at 8:30pm from June 5th to August 14th. The movie schedule will be posted here.

Enjoy free concerts featuring local bands at Sunset Park on Thursdays at 7pm between July 11th and August 29th – you can check out the line up here

Ocean City isn’t just a resort destination – it’s a paradise for families. From thrilling adventures to nostalgic experiences, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring Ripley’s oddities or racing go-karts at Jolly Roger, watching gunslingers at Frontier Town, a great vacation full of fun and smiles is guaranteed. And, when it’s time to unwind and relax, our hotels, Hilton and Holiday Inn & Suites offer endless fun for your kids and relaxation for you without leaving the hotel.


So, join us and see what Ocean City has to offer!

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in Ocean City

It’s almost St. Paddy’s Day Weekend! This weekend marks the unofficial start of the season with lots of restaurants and hotels reopening for the big weekend. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to get your green on and throw back a pint, then look no further than Ocean City! From parades to live music, the town has everything you need to have an amazing weekend.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 16th 12pm

The big event of the weekend, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a beloved tradition in Ocean City that’s been around for nearly 45 years. The parade route starts on 57th Street and ends at the judging table on 45th Street. This parade is a highlight of the weekend featuring colorful and fun floats from countless local businesses and organizations, marching bands, and of course, lots and lots of green!

But the fun doesn’t stop with the parade. At the end of the parade on 45th Street is the Irish Festival, complete with live music from the Pat O’Brennan Trio, performances by Irish dancers, and plenty of green parade souvenirs, and of course, we can’t forget a variety of beers.

With free admission, it’s the perfect way to kick off your St. Paddy’s festivities.

Seacret’s Irie-ish Music Festival

March 16th 12pm

For music lovers, Seacret’s Irie-ish Music Fest promises a day and night filled with amazing live entertainment. Starting at 12pm and featuring seven bands and four DJs, including a special appearance by the Ocean City Pipes & Drums, this festival is a celebration of local talent as well as Irish culture. With so many acts, there’s something for everyone. 

Check out their page to see the festival line-up!

St. Patrick’s Day 5K

March 16th 9am

Lace up your running shoes and join the St. Patrick’s Day 5K. This race runs along the scenic Ocean City Boardwalk. Starting behind Shenanigan’s Irish Pub on 4th Street, participants will run south toward the Inlet before heading north to 16th street and finally ending at 4th Street again. 

If you want to get active before your night of partying, then sign up for the run here.

Of course, these events aren’t the only thing going on around town. Plenty of businesses will have live music and special menus to celebrate Irish culture.

Live Music Around Town

No St. Patrick’s Day weekend would be complete without plenty of live music, and Ocean City delivers that and more! Here’s a few of the many restaurants and bars with special live music and performances throughout the weekend:

Bourbon Street on the Beach

Friday 15th

  • Dave Sherman – 4pm
  • Lennon & Leftovers – 7pm

Saturday 16th

  • Chris Button – 3pm
  • Jimmy Charles Band – 8pm

Sunday 17th

  • Chris Button – 4pm

Coin’s Pub

Friday 15th

  • No More Whiskey – 8pm

Saturday 16th

  • First Class Trio – 2pm

Crawl Street Tavern

Friday 15th

  • Bill Dickson & MTT – 8pm

Saturday 16th

  • Black Dog Alley – 8pm

Sunday 17th

  • Schizophrenic Boogiemen – 3pm

Fager’s Island

Friday 15th

  • 19th Street Band – 5:30pm
  • Tranzfusion – 9:30pm

Saturday 16th

  • Band With Names – 3pm
  • Radio Hero – 9:30pm

Harpoon Hanna’s

Friday 15th

  • Dave Hawkin -s 5pm
  • Dust N’ Bones – 8pm

Saturday 16th

  • On the Edge – 1pm
  • Dave Sherman – 5pm

Sunday 17th

  • On the Edge – 1pm
  • Shortcut Sunny – 5pm

Papi’s Tacos

Friday 15th

  • Rogue Citizens Duo – 7pm

Saturday 16th

  • On the Edge – 7pm

Sunday 17th

  • One Night Stand – 4pm

Purple Moose

Friday 15th

  • Sugar Jack – 10pm

Saturday 16th

  • Sugar Jack – 10pm

Sunday 17th

  • Rogue Citizens – 2pm

Shenanigan’s

Friday 15th

  • Off the Boat – 5:30pm

Saturday 16th – starting at 11am

  • Tig Tigner & Off the Boat
  • Bagpipe Appearances

Sunday 17th

  • Tig Tigner & Off the Boat
  • Bagpipe Appearances

With this weekend being centered around bar crawls and drinking, please drink responsibly. We recommend making plans to stay in Ocean City, so you are close to all the action and can enjoy the weekend to its fullest without having to drive.

Check out our hotels that are currently open and book your St. Paddy’s Weekend stay today!

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