Things to Do in Ocean City
America's Greatest Family Resort. Discover beaches, attractions, dining, and local experiences.
2
Beaches
56
Restaurants
6
Must-See Spots
5/5
Family Rating
Don't Miss in Ocean City
Ocean City Boardwalk
Must Seeboardwalk
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
Must Seeattraction
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.
Explore by Category
All Attractions
🎡Boardwalks
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.
🎢Attractions
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.
Night in Venice
Annual July boat parade attracting ~125,000 spectators. Elaborately decorated boats lighting up the bay—tradition since 1954. Philly sports celebrities and mascots often serve as grand marshals.
🛍️Shopping
Shriver's Salt Water Taffy
The boardwalk's oldest business since 1898. 30+ taffy flavors plus homemade fudge (pumpkin, Irish mint, Black Forest cherry). Watch candy being made.
Downtown Asbury Avenue
"Where the locals go" with 100+ locally-owned boutiques away from boardwalk crowds. The Shoppes at The Asbury in restored 1920s Crown Bank building. 100-year-old Boyar's Food Market for cold subs.
Beach Highlights
View all beaches →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+.
North End Beach
Quieter beach section popular with locals and families seeking less crowds.
Ocean City Vibe
Primary Vibe
Family Resort
Family Friendly
5/5 Stars
Nightlife
1/5 Stars
Quietness
3/5 Stars
Ocean City is Best For
Events & Festivals
Winter Warrior Challenge
February 14Third annual Valentine's Day obstacle course races for children and parents with team challenges including fire-truck pull. Family-friendly winter fitness event.
Doo Dah Parade
April 18Madcap comedy parade welcomes spring with 300+ basset hounds, marching bands, costumed participants, and irreverent floats along Asbury Avenue. Noon start at 6th-12th Streets.
Girls Weekend
April 10-12Annual spring shopping and entertainment weekend featuring special deals, live music, wine tastings, and girlfriend getaway activities throughout downtown and boardwalk.
Music Pier Spring Concert Series
April-JuneClassic rock, doo-wop, and tribute bands perform at the historic 1929 Music Pier with ocean views throughout spring season.
Martin Z. Mollusk Day
May 1, 2026Ocean City's quirky tradition where Martin Z. Mollusk (a hermit crab) predicts when summer will arrive. Family-friendly event with activities on the boardwalk.
Spring Block Party
May 2, 2026Over 350 crafters and food vendors along Asbury Avenue from 5th to 14th Street. Kicks off the unofficial shore season with family entertainment and shopping.
Spring Cruisin' Car Show
May 9, 2026Classic cars, hot rods, and vintage vehicles line the boardwalk for this popular spring car show. Free viewing, family-friendly event.
July 4th Fireworks & Ocean City Pops
July 4thIndependence Day celebration features free Ocean City Pops concert, bike parades, and spectacular fireworks display. America's Greatest Family Resort tradition.
T. John Carey Masters Swim
July 1246th annual open-water swimming event since 1979 ranks among premier Jersey Shore swim races. Challenging ocean course for competitive swimmers.
Night in Venice
July 2571st annual celebration features one of world's largest boat parades through Ocean City's back bays with 100+ decorated boats, followed by spectacular fireworks display.
Boardwalk Art Show
August 7-963rd annual juried art show on the Boardwalk showcases paintings, photography, sculpture, and crafts from regional artists. Free admission, family-friendly browsing.
Baby Parade
August 13116th annual baby parade ranks among oldest in the nation. Decorated strollers, costumes, and family fun parade down the boardwalk in beloved Ocean City tradition.
Ocean City Airport Festival
September 19-20Weekend aviation celebration features Parachute Pyrotechnic Show (Sept 19) and Boardwalk Aerobatic Air Show (Sept 20). Vintage aircraft, skydivers, and aerial stunts.
Fall Block Party
October 10Massive street festival on Asbury Avenue (5th-14th Streets) draws 400+ vendors from 9am-5pm. Arts, crafts, food, and family entertainment welcoming autumn.
First Night Ocean City
December 31Family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration with drone light shows, tribute concerts at Music Pier, boardwalk activities, and midnight fireworks over the ocean.