Are you thinking about visiting Ocean City, Maryland? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Ocean City worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for three to seven days because of the many great activities. Ocean City, Maryland is a popular beach destination for people living in the area. It sits on the Atlantic Ocean and offers miles of sandy beach that is lined with hotels and resorts. There's a classic boardwalk with restaurants, shops, and amusement parks. There are also boat tours and many lively restaurants in the area. We first visited in 2005 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its fun atmosphere and countless activities.
Ocean City, Maryland
Reasons to Visit Ocean City
Nightlife
Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.
Resorts
There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.
Beaches
There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.
Food
Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.
Is Ocean City worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Ocean City, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The weather in Ocean City is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 25°C (77°F). But it can get as warm as 30°C (86°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, relax at a luxurious resort, and enjoy an evening out.
Summer Weather in Ocean City
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 25°C (77°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| August | 24°C (76°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| September | 20°C (69°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Is Ocean City worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Ocean City. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 14°C (58°F).
During this season it's fun to experience .
Autumn Weather in Ocean City
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| November | 9°C (49°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 4°C (39°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Is Ocean City worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Ocean City can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 2°C (35°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Ocean City is during the winter. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.
This is a great time of year to sample the delicious cuisine and dance the night away.
Winter Weather in Ocean City
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 2°C (35°F) | 93 mm (3.6 in) |
| February | 3°C (37°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| March | 7°C (45°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
Is Ocean City worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Ocean City. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F).
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Ocean City
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| June | 22°C (72°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Ocean City
Museums: Ocean City isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.
Shopping: Ocean City isn't exactly a shopper's destination. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.
Lots of Tourists
Ocean City sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Ocean City might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Ocean City here or see if Ocean City is expensive here.
Related
What is Ocean City most famous for?
Ocean City is most famous for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. The city is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Also, it's known for food. It is often described as fun-filled, laid back, active, and energetic.
What is the most famous sight in Ocean City?
The most popular sight in Ocean City is the Ocean City boardwalk. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Ocean City on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Ocean City boardwalk and other attractions here.
How touristy is Ocean City? Is it a popular city to visit?
Ocean City is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Assateague Island Morning Cruise: $79
- Atlantic Ocean Catamaran Cruise with Crew: $125
- Atlantic Coastline Parasailing Adventure: $132
- Bay Hopping Food Boat Tour with Tastings: $179
- High-Speed Sunrise Cruise and Dolphin Watching: $25
- Speedboat Coastal Tour with Dolphin Spotting: $25
- Banana Boat Fun Adventure: $33
- High-Speed Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watch: $36
How long should I spend in Ocean City?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Ocean City is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Ocean City has activities such as nightlife, resorts, and beaches, many visit for up to seven days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Ocean City?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Ocean City?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Ocean City?.
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