Author: Jeff Evans

Top 3 Family-Friendly Hotels in Ocean City, Maryland

Posted on by Jeff

Family Fun in OCMD!

Ocean City, Maryland has long been a favorite destination for family vacations, offering sandy beaches, the iconic Boardwalk, and attractions for all ages. Choosing the right hotel can make all the difference, and these three properties stand out for their family-friendly amenities, prime locations, and consistently positive guest experiences.

1. Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City

The Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City remains one of the most popular choices for families visiting the resort. Located oceanfront and just steps from the Boardwalk, this hotel places guests close to Ocean City’s top attractions, including amusement parks, dining, and shopping.

Spacious suites with separate living areas and kitchenettes provide families with room to relax after a day at the beach. Guests also enjoy direct beach access, indoor and outdoor pools, and convenient on-site dining. Its central location and thoughtful amenities make it an easy choice for families returning year after year. Kids also love all the fun weekly activities held poolside for no additional charge.

The hotel is located oceanfront at 1701 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean City and can be found online at OCsuites.com. We also featured this hotel in 2025 for winning the prestigious Torchbearer Award from IHG, read more about this award by clicking here.

2. Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites

For families looking for a resort-style experience, Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites offers both space and upscale amenities. This all-suite, oceanfront property features full kitchens, private balconies, and generous living areas, deal for extended stays or larger families.

Kids love the indoor and outdoor pools, lazy river, and recreational features, while parents appreciate the beachfront setting and well-appointed accommodations. With direct access to the beach and a wide range of on-site amenities, this hotel delivers a true oceanfront resort experience in Ocean City.

Free kids activities include learning how to juggle, arts & crafts and on a rainy day, indoor movies. Parents also love the poolside live music, that they can enjoy while the kids play in the pool. The Hilton Oceanfront Suites is located oceanfront on 32nd street in Ocean City and can be found online at OceanCityHilton.com.

3. DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront

The DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront is another excellent option for families seeking comfort and convenience. Located along the beach and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and Boardwalk attractions, it offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Families enjoy oceanfront rooms with private balconies, indoor and outdoor pools, and easy beach access. Known for its warm hospitality and comfortable accommodations, the DoubleTree provides a dependable stay that balances location, amenities, and value, perfect for families looking to experience the best of Ocean City.

Look for the mermaids poolside, for a fun free kids activity that is offered all summer long. The hotel also has a full size volleyball court, large firepit and a spacious private beach area where you can lounge in a hammock or play cornhole.

The Doubletree by Hilton is located oceanfront at 33rd street in Ocean City and can be found online DoubletreeOceanCity.com. Don’t forget to get a famous freshly baked cookie at check in, a Doubletree signature experience.

BONUS! Quality Inn Oceanfront

Perfectly situated on a wide, guarded beach on 54th street, kids love to experience a tropical atmosphere retreat at this 5-story atrium, complete with exotic birds and a koi pond. Accommodations include fully-equipped efficiencies with kitchenettes, private patios or balconies, and on-site dining at the Atrium Cafe. This is a must see! Learn more at QualityInnOceanfront.com. 

Find Your Perfect Family Stay

Whether you prefer a central Boardwalk location, resort-style amenities, or a comfortable beachfront retreat, these three hotels offer outstanding options for family vacations in Ocean City, Maryland. Each provides easy access to the beach and attractions that make Ocean City a favorite year after year.

Ocean City Running Festival

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The Ocean City Running Festival returns this Saturday, November 1, 2025, offering runners of all levels the chance to take in breathtaking views while conquering their distance of choice. With four unique race options, there’s truly something for everyone. Marathoners will take on the ultimate challenge, running from Ocean City to Assateague Island and back, with sweeping coastal vistas and the possibility of spotting the island’s famous wild ponies. Half-marathoners will begin their journey on Assateague Island, crossing over the bridge into Ocean City before making their way to the finish line. For those looking for a shorter race day, the 5K and 8K courses showcase the iconic Ocean City Boardwalk, offering a flat, fast route filled with salty ocean air and energetic crowd support.

No matter the distance, all races share one incredible destination: the finish line on the Ocean City boardwalk at the inlet parking lot. That’s where the celebration truly begins. Runners will be greeted by cheering spectators and ushered into Celebration Village, a post-race party complete with live music, vendors, delicious snacks, refreshing adult beverages, and even a costume contest. It’s the perfect place to soak in your accomplishment, reconnect with friends, and make new ones in the running community. 

And the perks don’t stop there. Every participant will walk away with a collectible finisher medal unlike anything else on the racing circuit. This year’s design is inspired by the Eastern Shore’s coastal charm with an oyster shell that slides open to reveal an iconic Ocean City image inside. Runners will also receive high-quality race gear to remember their accomplishment: a lightweight Under Armour t-shirt for 5K and 8K participants, or a quarter-zip performance hoodie for half and full marathoners. Plus, every finisher (21+) can raise a complimentary post-race beer in celebration of their hard work. Between the stunning courses, memorable swag, and festive atmosphere, the Ocean City Running Festival is more than a race—it’s an experience. The time is now, grab your running buddies, and get ready to run, celebrate, and create lasting memories at the beach this fall!

In town for the run and looking for some tasty eats and refreshing drinks? Check out the Captain’s Table on 15th street inside the Courtyard by Marriott. Load up on carbs on Friday with the following special. House-made fettucine tossed with chicken, sweet Italian sausage and broccoli rabe. Served in a light white wine and roasted garlic sauce, finished with sundried tomatoes, Parmesan and fresh herbs. After the race, bring your finisher medal for a half priced appetizer and $4 beer. Visit their website by clicking here.

If your looking for restaurant closer to the inlet, then you need to check out Harrison’s Harbor Watch, overlooking the water at the inlet. They will also offer a carb load special on Friday with Chicken Florentine. Grilled chicken, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, parmesan cream sauce and penne pasta. After the race, bring your finisher medal for a half priced appetizer and $4 beer. To learn more about Harrison’s Harbor Watch, click here.

Learn more about the Ocean City Running Festival by visiting their website here: https://www.ocmdrunfest.com/

Four Harrison Group Properties Honored with ConventionSouth’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Award

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The Harrison Group Hotels and Restaurants is proud to announce that four of its Ocean City properties have been recognized with the prestigious 2025 Readers’ Choice Award from ConventionSouth, the leading national multimedia resource for event and meeting planning in the South.

The honored properties include:

“ConventionSouth readers and fans have once again voted to decide the best meeting sites in the South, and it’s no surprise that these Harrison Group properties have been selected,” said ConventionSouth Associate Publisher Tiffany Burtnett. “This recognition comes directly from the nation’s top meeting professionals—those who demand the highest levels of service, creativity, and facility quality. These Ocean City hotels clearly exemplify that commitment.”

The ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the most outstanding hotels, venues, and CVBs across the Southern United States. This year, over 7,000 meeting professionals participated in the nomination and voting process—making it one of the most engaging award years in the publication’s 40-year history. The four Harrison Group properties were selected among 502 distinguished hotels, event spaces, and destinations throughout the South.

In addition to highlighting award-winning properties, ConventionSouth’s upcoming Awards Issue will feature its annual “Meeting Professionals to Watch” list, showcasing some of the industry’s most innovative and inspiring planners.

Celebrating more than four decades as a trusted resource for meeting planners, ConventionSouth reaches over 18,000 professionals nationwide who book events across the Southern region.

The Harrison Group Hotels & Restaurants owns and operates 19 hotels and 16 restaurants along the Eastern Seaboard, including several premier properties in Ocean City, Maryland.

For more information, visit www.HarrisonGroupHotels.com.

Oceans Calling Food & Beverage Specials

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We’re so ready for Oceans Calling 2025 in Ocean City, Maryland! Check out these two Ocean City favorites during Oceans Calling! Both the Wedge and Harrison’s Harbor Watch are located within the festival footprint. Enjoy the festival experience, without paying festival prices!

Wedge Bar & Grill, located at the end of the boardwalk, overlooking the Inlet.

Festival season calls for big music, big memories—and an even bigger pour. This year at The Wedge, we’re raising the bar (and the cup!) with the Dewey Beer Souvenir Cup for both Ocean’s Calling and Country Calling festivals. For just $15, you’ll score a keepsake 22oz cup filled with your first pour of Dewey’s award-winning craft beer, and when you’re ready for more, refills are only $10 all festival long. Don’t miss out on the Patron Pop up Party! They will have a special Patron bar along with tons of giveaways! Sip, savor, and take home a piece of the party—your festival drink just got an upgrade. For more on the restaurant, visit their website here.

Harrison’s Harbor Watch – 806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, right next door to the Wedge.

If you’re looking for more than just a quick concert bite, then dine at Harrison’s Harbor Watch in Ocean City, MD is a treat for all the senses. Perched at the south end of the boardwalk with sweeping, panoramic views of the inlet, Assateague Island, and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing evening. The menu leans heavily into local seafood—think fresh-caught rockfish, lump-meat crab cakes with no filler, and a raw bar that’s among the most authentic in town. For more about the restaurant, visit their restaurant website here.

Need more information on the concert?? Click here for all the the Ocean’s Calling 2025 FAQ’s.

The Wedge (left) and Harrison’s Harbor Watch (right) are ready to serve you this festival season!

All You Need to Know for Country Calling 2025

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Country Calling is back for year two and its looking and better than ever! The Country Calling Festival is set to return to Ocean City, Maryland, from October 3 to 5, 2025. This event has moved to a three-day event over two days last year and will feature over 25 country artists. These artists will performing across three stages: two on the beach and one along the boardwalk. Who can forget last year’s amazing weather as country’s top artist graced the stage.

This year’s lineup includes renowned artists such as Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Gabby Barrett, and closing out the show on Sunday is Luke Combs. ​For more details on ticket options, visit the official festival website.​

In addition to the musical performances, attendees can enjoy offerings from boardwalk businesses within the festival area, including restaurants, bars, and variety shops. The festival grounds also encompass Jolly Roger at the Pier, featuring amusement park rides and games.

There’s also great dining opportunities during the festival. Inside the event venue, check out local favorites, Harrison’s Harbor Watch and The Wedge Bar. Grab a seat and check out their amazing water views overlooking the inlet.

Still need a place to stay, there’s several great opportunities available close to the venue. Just steps from the entrance gates, check out the Oceanic Motel at the Inlet and the Plim Plaza Hotel on Second Street. Further down along the boardwalk, check out the Harrison Hall hotel and Courtyard by Marriott hotel on 15th street. Keep walking down the boardwalk and you’ll find the Quality Inn Boardwalk on 16th street and the Holiday Inn & Suites on 17th street. Before leaving the boardwalk, you will find the Flagship Hotel on 26th street, Dune Suites, Dunes Court and the Seabonay on 27th street. All are perfect locations for concert attendees in Ocean City, Maryland! 

Additional important FAQ’s:

Re-Entry Policy? Yes, you can leave and re-enter on the same day up until 7pm

Map & Stages: The 2025 festival map is official live, click here to see it.

Lockers: Lockers are available for rent.

Merchandise & Boardwalk Businesses: Yes, there will be official merchandise vendors, and local boardwalk/restaurant businesses inside the festival footprint will also be open.

Accessibility: The festival has ADA accessibility accommodations, accessible entrances, etc.

For the latest updates and additional information, refer to the official website, CountryCallingFestival.com Please see the daily schedules below.

Saturday October 4th

Sunday October 5th

Holiday Inn & Suites on 17th Street in Ocean City, Maryland Wins Prestigious Torchbearer Award from IHG® Hotels & Resorts

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Ocean City, MD – The Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City, located on 17th Street and the Boardwalk, is proud to announce it has received the 2024 IHG® Torchbearer Award, the highest honors granted by IHG Hotels & Resorts. This elite recognition is awarded to hotels that have achieved the highest levels of excellence in quality, service, and overall guest satisfaction.

The Torchbearer Award places the Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City among the top-performing properties within the IHG global portfolio, which includes more than 6,000 hotels in over 100 countries. This distinction is a testament to the hotel’s unwavering commitment to hospitality, operational excellence, and creating memorable guest experiences.

Owned and operated by the Harrison Group, one of the most established hospitality companies in mid-Atlantic region, the Holiday Inn & Suites has long been a flagship destination for visitors seeking upscale accommodation with stunning oceanfront views, resort-style amenities, and the warmth of family-owned service.

“We are deeply honored to receive the IHG Torchbearer Award,” said Natalie Vallieres, General Manager of the hotel. “This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our incredible team, who strive every day to deliver a world-class experience to our guests. It also reaffirms our long-standing commitment to excellence and to Ocean City as a premier destination.”

The hotel features spacious suites with private balconies, an on-site fine dining restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, and a prime location just steps from the beach and on Ocean City Boardwalk. The Torchbearer Award solidifies its position as not just a local favorite, but a national standard-bearer for hospitality.

For more information about the Holiday Inn & Suites Ocean City or to book your stay, please visit www.ocsuites.com or click here to learn more about them on this website. Make sure to follow the hotel on social media at the handle of ocsuites on Facebook and Instagram. The Harrison Group corporate office is located in Ocean City, Maryland and can be found online at www.harrisongrouphotels.com.

General Manager Natalie Vallerieres pictured with the award and members of her manangement team.

Juneteenth Spotlight: Germantown School

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Berlin’s Germantown School Community Heritage Center stands as a powerful testament to African American resilience, collective action, and hope—a perfect anchor for a Juneteenth reflection. Located outside of Ocean City, a short drive from the beach brings you to this important piece of local history in Berlin, Maryland.

A Rosenwald Legacy of Learning

  • Built in 1922 under the pioneering Rosenwald Rural School program—co-created by Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald—the Germantown School is one of just 5,000 Rosenwald schools constructed across the South
  • Designed in the Tuskegee two-room style, it served grades 1–7 until closing in the 1950s
  • After decades of use as a county garage, the local community reclaimed and restored the building in 2000–2013 through public/private partnerships and volunteer effort—reflecting the same unity that created it

Reawakening a Community Hub

Today, the restored school is a vibrant heritage center. What began with reclaimed desks, books, and even a school stove has grown into:

  • A museum chronicling early 20th‑century African American education within the Rosenwald movement
  • Ongoing exhibits that change monthly—from highlighting local women activists to preserving Negro League legacies
  • A restored orchard and pollinator gardens—echoes of student‑led canning, healing herb use, and a once-bustling schoolyard alive with butterflies
  • Hands-on events: summer fun festivals with train rides, petting zoos, museum tours, lectures on veterans and entrepreneurship, and summer concerts. Don’t miss this Saturday’s Summer Fun Kickoff held June 21st from 11am to 3pm.

Juneteenth: Freedom Rooted in the Community

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas (June 19, 1865), symbolizing delayed but resolute freedom. It celebrates education, cultural expression, and community empowerment.

At Germantown School, Juneteenth resonates deeply because:

  1. It celebrates educational liberation. The very concept of Rosenwald schools was rooted in breaking the constraints of oppressive Jim Crow-era educational inequality.
  2. It honors shared effort. Just as freed people built new lives on cooperation and hope, Berlin’s community resurrected its school through shared vision and work.
  3. It nurtures cultural identity. Center programs recalling traditional herbal wisdom, gospel roots, and oral histories reconnect present-day families to their heritage.
  4. It sustains forward momentum. Each Juneteenth added to the school can be a moment to recommit—to celebrate surviving, thriving, and lifting future generations.

Why It Matters

Connecting Juneteenth to the Germantown School isn’t just symbolic—it’s a living continuity of African American resilience. Every conversation, herb planted, story told, or song sung reconnects us to a legacy of resistance and progress at the very site that embodies it. This summer, enjoy the beaches but also learn more about the are

Berlin’s little two-room school is more than a museum—it’s a living classroom. On Juneteenth, it becomes an even more profound space: where memory meets promise, where education becomes emancipation, and where a community’s past fuels its future. Growing from hard-won freedom, Germantown School reminds us that lasting liberty starts with learning—and thrives through community.

To learn more about the school or to visit, check out their website at https://thegermantownschool.org/.

The school is located 10223 Trappe Road, Berlin MD and 501(c)(3).

Check out last here’s blog post about Juneteenth on Delmarva here.

Updated Boardwalk Rock Lineup

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Concert week is finally here! If you’re looking for the perfect mix of sun, sand, and rock, the Boardwalk Rock Festival in Ocean City, Maryland delivers all that and more. Held right on the sand along the iconic Ocean City Boardwalk, this inaugural event is celebration of live music, local flavor, and East Coast beach culture. Checkout the updated Boardwalk Rock lineup below.

Whether you’re a die-hard rock fan or just visiting for the weekend, here’s why this festival is one of the best reasons to get to Ocean City this weekend.

The Lineup & Stages

Big names rock the stages! The Boardwalk Rock lineup boasts on Saturday its Rob Zombie, Bush, Flyleaf, Halestorm and closing the night is Def Leppard. On Sunday, rock legend Alice Cooper takes the stage along with Shinedown, Bret Michaels, Three Days Grace and Nickleback.

More Than Just Music

Beyond the incredible performances, the Boardwalk Rock Festival offers an array of activities for attendees. Visitors can explore:

  • Merchandise Booths – Snag exclusive festival gear and band memorabilia.
  • Beach & Boardwalk Fun – Take a break from the music and enjoy Ocean City’s famous beaches, arcades, and amusement rides.
  • Check out Dining Options – Ocean City favorites like Harrison’s Harbor Watch and The Wedge Bar are located inside the festival footprint. Enjoy great food and drink during the festival there!

The Vibe: Pure Ocean City Fun

This isn’t your average music festival. Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the Boardwalk Rock Festival blends beachside relaxation with high-energy entertainment. Between sets, stroll the boardwalk to grab an orange crush for the Wedge bar or sit down for a Maryland crabcake at Harrison’s Harbor Watch.

Families, couples, and groups of friends all come together in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that’s fun for all ages, with plenty of photo ops, local vendors, and activities for kids and adults alike.

Tips for Festival-Goers

  • Arrive early for the best seating and parking options.
  • Bring sunscreen, a beach towel, and a light jacket—it cools off at night!
  • Stay overnight! Last minute hotel rooms are available, click here to find one!
  • Check the official festival schedule below and ahead of time to catch your favorite bands.
  • See the map below for the bus routes and entrances.

Don’t Miss Out on the Fun!

Whether you’re visiting from out of town or a longtime fan of Ocean City, the Boardwalk Rock Festival is an unbeatable way to experience the beach, the boardwalk, and a full day (or weekend) of unforgettable music. With a friendly crowd, nonstop energy, and a picture-perfect setting, it’s the kind of event that makes Ocean City memories last a lifetime.

Country Calling Lineup is Announced!

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​Country Calling is back for year two and its looking and better than ever! The Country Calling Festival is set to return to Ocean City, Maryland, from October 3 to 5, 2025. This event has moved to a three-day event over two days last year and will feature over 25 country artists. These artists will performing across three stages: two on the beach and one along the boardwalk. Who can forget last year’s amazing weather as country’s top artist graced the stage.

This year’s lineup includes renowned artists such as Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Gabby Barrett, and closing out the show on Sunday is Luke Combs. ​

Presale tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025. For more details on ticket options and to sign up for the presale, visit the official festival website.​

In addition to the musical performances, attendees can enjoy offerings from boardwalk businesses within the festival area, including restaurants, bars, and variety shops. The festival grounds also encompass Jolly Roger at the Pier, featuring amusement park rides and games.

Now’s the time to reserve your hotel reservations, with several great opportunities available close to the venue. Just steps from the entrance gates, check out the Oceanic Motel at the Inlet and the Plim Plaza Hotel on Second Street. Further down along the boardwalk, check out the Harrison Hall hotel and Courtyard by Marriott hotel on 15th street. Keep walking down the boardwalk and you’ll find the Quality Inn Boardwalk on 16th street and the Holiday Inn & Suites on 17th street. Before leaving the boardwalk, you will find the Flagship Hotel on 26th street, Dune Suites, Dunes Court and the Seabonay on 27th street. All are perfect locations for concert attendees in Ocean City, Maryland! 

For the latest updates and additional information, refer to the official website, CountryCallingFestival.com

Country Calling 2025 Dates Announced

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Big news today for country music fans! Promoters announced today that the festival will be a three day event, adding an extra day over last year. The 2025 festival is scheduled for October 3-5, 2025. While the lineup for 2025 has not yet been announced, attendees can expect a similar format with multiple stages and a diverse selection of country artists.

The Country Calling Festival is an annual country music event held in Ocean City, Maryland. The inaugural festival took place on October 4-5, 2024, featuring over 25 artists performing across three stages—two on the beach and one along the boardwalk.

Now’s the time to reserve your hotel reservations, with several great opportunities available close to the venue. Just steps from the entrance gates, check out the Oceanic Motel at the Inlet and the Plim Plaza Hotel on Second Street. Further down along the boardwalk, check out the Harrison Hall hotel and Courtyard by Marriott hotel on 15th street. Keep walking down the boardwalk and you’ll find the Quality Inn Boardwalk on 16th street and the Holiday Inn & Suites on 17th street. Before leaving the boardwalk, you will find the Flagship Hotel on 26th street, Dune Suites, Dunes Court and the Seabonay on 27th street. All are perfect locations for concert attendees in Ocean City, Maryland! For more information on the concert, please visit CountryCallingFestival.com.

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