1 Day in Ocean City
America's Greatest Family Resort
Every stop below is a place in our Ocean City listings: The Chatterbox/Green Eggs Cafe, Main Beach, Ocean City Boardwalk, Manco & Manco Pizza, Playland's Castaway Cove, Johnson's Popcorn, Congo Falls Adventure Golf and Cousin's Restaurant. Swap any of them for another from the town guide; the times are only a suggested order.
Morning
Breakfast: The Chatterbox/Green Eggs Cafe
Breakfast and brunch in a 1937 Spanish Mission Revival building designed by the same architect as the Flanders Hotel. The cookie dough stuffed French toast is the signature dish — generous, photogenic, and worth the wait. Lines move slowly on summer weekends; arrive by 8:30am or expect 45+ minutes.
Tip: Order: Cookie dough stuffed French toast.
Main Beach
Eight miles of family-friendly beaches with lifeguards. The center of Ocean City summer activity. Beach tags required June through Labor Day for ages 12+.
Tip: Best for swimming, relaxation, surfing.
Ocean City Boardwalk
2.5-mile boardwalk with amusement pier, classic food stands, and ocean views. Family Night every Thursday in July/August with free magicians, music, face painting.
Afternoon
Lunch: Manco & Manco Pizza
"THE definitive Ocean City pizzeria" since 1956. Signature style: sauce swirled ON TOP of cheese. Watch pizza tossing. Lines long but move quickly. Slice $3.28, plain pie $24.15. Zeppoles mandatory.
Tip: Order: Cheese slice with zeppoles.
Playland's Castaway Cove
30+ rides including GaleForce roller coaster, Python looping coaster, and Double Shot rising 110 feet. Free entry, pay-per-ride. Tickets never expire—look for half-price spring sales.
Treat: Johnson's Popcorn
"Follow the scent" to this "Ocean City legend" since 1940. Hand-tossed caramel popcorn from copper kettles. Small cup $3.95. Refillable tubs available.
Tip: Order: Caramel corn bucket.
Congo Falls Adventure Golf
THREE mini golf courses at $9.50/person: Congo Queen and Solomon's Mine outdoors, plus 100% air-conditioned Lost City indoors for rainy days. Giant animatronic King Kong, waterfalls, caves.
Evening
Dinner: Cousin's Restaurant
Italian-American restaurant with twilight menu specials (4:30-5:30pm) including salad, vegetable, bread, and dessert under $20.
Tip: Order: Twilight menu.
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What we know it costs
- Day parking (tracked lots)
- $15-20/day
- Meters from
- $2/hr
- Beach badge
- $10/day
Food and activity costs vary too much by choice to estimate here. Budget guide · Beach badge prices
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Parking in Ocean City
9th Street Lot is the cheapest flat rate at $15/day (150 spaces, 3 min walk to the beach). Meters run from $2/hr, so a short visit beats a day rate. Paid parking runs May 1 – Oct 31 — it does not stop when beach badges do.
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Choose a place in Ocean City, then check the room and full price for your dates.
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Ocean City Day Trip FAQ
How long is the drive to Ocean City from New York City?
About 2hr 30min without traffic, or 1hr 10min from Philadelphia.
Do I need a beach badge in Ocean City?
Ocean City beach badges cost $10 per day or $35 for the season; children under 12 are free.
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