Fourth of July in Ocean City
Family-friendly fireworks & boardwalk fun
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Fourth Of July Weekend at a Glance
Saturday
July 4, 2026
9:30 PM
Fireworks Start
$5
Daily Beach Badge
Free
Boardwalk Access
While You're in Ocean City
Make the most of your visit with these local highlights and essential info.
🎯 Don't Miss
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
🔗 Quick Links
🚗 Parking Tips
Staying overnight?
Find hotels and B&Bs in Ocean City
Why Ocean City for July 4th?
Ocean City is the quintessential family destination for Fourth of July. As a dry town, the atmosphere is wholesome and focused on family fun. The boardwalk buzzes with activity, the beach is pristine, and the fireworks show is one of the shore's best.
The fireworks are launched from the beach near the Music Pier, creating a spectacular display over the ocean. The show is choreographed to patriotic music simulcast on local radio, so bring a portable radio for the full experience.
Arrive early to stake out your spot on the beach or boardwalk. Many families spend the entire day - swimming in the morning, walking the boards in the afternoon, and enjoying fireworks at night.
💕 Sample Romantic Weekend
Morning Beach Time
Arrive early for the best beach spots. The beach near Music Pier offers prime fireworks viewing.
Afternoon Boardwalk
Grab lunch at Manco & Manco, play games at Jilly's, ride the Ferris wheel at Wonderland Pier.
Sunset Dinner
Dine at one of OC's many family restaurants. Jon & Patty's, Cousin's, or grab boardwalk fare.
Fireworks Magic
Find your spot by 8:30 PM. Fireworks begin at 9:30 PM with music on 96.1 FM.
Romantic Restaurants
Reserve 2-3 weeks early for fourth of july weekend. Many offer special prix-fixe menus.
Manco & Manco Pizza
$Pizza
Legendary boardwalk slices since 1956
Jon & Patty's Coffee Bar
$Cafe
Best coffee and breakfast on the boards
Shriver's Salt Water Taffy
$Candy
OC tradition since 1898
Varsity Inn
$$Seafood
Classic shore dining with ocean views
Yellow Fin
$$$Seafood
Upscale BYOB, reserve ahead
The Chatterbox
$$American
Family favorite, great burgers
Romantic B&Bs & Hotels
Ocean City's accommodations offer the perfect romantic retreat. Many offer special packages.
Port-O-Call Hotel
Right on the boardwalk
Pool, beach access, perfect for fireworks viewing
Flanders Hotel
Historic landmark
Rooftop bar, elegant rooms, central location
Beach Club Hotel
Budget-friendly
Pool, free parking, short walk to beach
VRBO Vacation Rentals
Home away from home
Full kitchens, multiple bedrooms for families
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Romantic Activities
fourth of july Weekend Tips
Parking Tips
- • Street parking fills early - arrive before noon
- • Use lots at 6th-9th Streets
- • Consider biking in from nearby towns
Beach Tips
- • Lifeguards on duty 10 AM - 5 PM
- • No alcohol on beaches (dry town)
- • Rent chairs/umbrellas at beach stands
Fireworks Tips
- • Tune to 96.1 FM for simulcast music
- • Beach blankets preferred over chairs
- • Stay 30 min after for traffic to clear
Other Romantic Shore Getaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Ocean City July 4th
America's Greatest Family Resort awaits. Book early for the best selection.