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Photo: Bob Adasek
Ocean City Beach
★4.7(1,444 reviews)FreeActivity
🕑 4-6 hours (full beach day)👶 Perfect for all ages from toddlers to teens. Little ones can splash in the shallow waters and build sandcastles, while older kids enjoy boogie boarding, beach volleyball, and exploring the boardwalk attractions independently.🧡 Saved by 21 families
About
Ocean City Beach offers 10 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline perfect for family beach days, complete with gentle waves ideal for young swimmers and lifeguards stationed throughout the summer season. The famous boardwalk runs alongside the beach, providing easy access to amusement rides, arcade games, and treats when kids need a break from the sand and surf.
Highlights
- ✓Miles of clean, sandy beach with gentle waves perfect for young swimmers
- ✓Lifeguards on duty daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day
- ✓Adjacent 3-mile boardwalk with amusement parks, mini golf, and ice cream shops
- ✓Free beach events including movies, concerts, and sand sculpting contests during summer
- ✓Excellent wave conditions for boogie boarding and beginner surfing
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 9 AM to snag prime parking spots and claim your beach space before crowds arrive, especially on summer weekends
- 2.Set up near a lifeguard stand (marked with green flags) for the safest swimming conditions and easy landmark for kids to find you
- 3.Bring a beach cart or wagon,the walk from parking to the sand can be lengthy, especially with gear and tired kids
- 4.Pack a pop-up tent or beach umbrella as shade is limited, and reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes even on cloudy days
- 5.Download the Ocean City MD app for real-time updates on water conditions, beach events, and fireworks schedules
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (7-10 AM) offers the calmest waters, smallest crowds, and best sand dollar hunting. Mid-week visits from Tuesday through Thursday are significantly less crowded than weekends during peak summer season.
What to Know
Beach access is free, but metered parking ranges from $3-5 per hour with some lots offering daily rates. Restrooms and outdoor showers are located at regular intervals along the boardwalk, and numerous food vendors make packing lunch optional.
Seasonal Notes
Lifeguards are on duty from late May through early September. The beach is accessible year-round, but most boardwalk attractions close after Labor Day and reopen in late spring. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest water temperatures and most family programming.
Nearby Eats
Thrashers French Fries on the boardwalk is an Ocean City institution that kids love (cash only). For sit-down meals with ocean views, try Seacrets Jamaica USA, which has a family-friendly section with a kids menu and fun tropical atmosphere.
More Activities Near Ocean City
Farm
Ocean City Farmers Market
★4.9Free❤️9
The Ocean City Farmers Market offers a delightful sensory experience for kids who can sample fresh local produce, watch craftspeople at work, and enjoy family-friendly activities in a relaxed outdoor setting. With its convenient summer schedule and high ratings from visiting families, it's a perfect morning outing that combines education about local agriculture with entertainment and the chance to pick up healthy snacks for beach days.
Nature
Assawoman Wildlife Area
★4.7Free❤️145
Assawoman Wildlife Area offers families a peaceful escape into nature just minutes from Ocean City's beaches. This scenic wildlife refuge features easy hiking trails perfect for little legs, excellent bird watching opportunities, and hands-on educational programs that teach kids about local ecosystems and wildlife in an engaging, interactive way.
Park
Ocean City Recreation & Parks Center
★4.7Free❤️50
Ocean City Recreation & Parks Center is a fantastic community hub offering something for every family member. With its combination of modern playgrounds, refreshing splash pad, wide-open spaces for running around, and multiple athletic fields, it's the perfect spot to let kids burn energy while parents relax in a safe, well-maintained environment. The impressive 4.7-star rating from over 160 families speaks to its consistent appeal as a go-to destination for both locals and vacationing families.
Entertainment
OC Paintball and Sports Center
★4.7$$❤️19
OC Paintball and Sports Center offers an action-packed experience for families with older kids looking for adventure in Ocean City. This family-friendly facility features beginner-friendly paintball courses designed specifically for first-timers, complete with all necessary protective gear and safety equipment to ensure a fun, worry-free experience.