12 Tips For Planning the Perfect Ocean City Vacation

Ocean City, Maryland has the best accommodations a vacation spot can offer. From ocean front views to bayside sunsets, there is something for everyone. We highly recommend the ocean front Double Tree by Hilton and Courtyard by Marriott right on the boardwalk. 

There are several bayside restaurants to watch the sunset. But also several secret restaurants hidden amongst the hotels. The Captain’s Table, a popular seafood restaurant, serves top of the line entrees including lobster stir fry and a delicious photo worthy crab cake (that is also gluten free!) . In addition to the great food, they have live piano music at the bar on weekends. Make sure to call ahead to see if reservations are required. And don’t forget that most restaurants will only allow seating once the entire party has arrived. Other notable restaurants are Marlin Moon, Vista Rooftop,  and the newly renovated Wedge Bar.

Looking for a brewery? Want to see when the steamed crab specials are available at The Shrimp Boat? Our Oceancity.com app has all of the important information that you need to find right at your fingertips. Go the “your app” store and search for oceancity.com.

Taking the view of Ocean City by water is always a great way to see the city from a different angle. Call ahead to reserve a pontoon boat or jet ski from Odyssea Watersports, which moved to their new location at 52nd street at the bay. Or maybe relaxing on a sunset cruise on the 87’ catamaran, The Alyosha, sounds more your style. The Alyosha sets sail several times a day from west Ocean City next to Pier 23. There are several options from sunset sails to learn to sail options. 

The Angler, a 65’ fiberglass deep sea fishing boat departs just by the Route 50 Bridge. With several trips to choose from, captain and first mate alike are extremely knowledgeable and aim to set their anglers on some fish! Most often The Angler comes in with their limit and even more fish stories for you to share with your family and friends. 

There are a variety of ways to play like a kid in Ocean City, Maryland. Playing games at Trimpers or riding the ferris wheel at Jolly Roger are always great options. But there’s more! Drive outside the Route 50 bridge for go karts! Several options include Baha Amusements, Grand Prix Amusements, and Pro Track.

Grab a cup of coffee from the Java Beach Cafe on the boardwalk underneath The Grand Hotel. Visit The Kite Loft and grab some Thrashers (vinegar recommended). Rent a surrey from Bike World and take in the morning sunrise. And if you’re coming in the summer, visit Oceancity.com for our family photo and sand castle contest. 

If you’re coming to the beach, having fresh seafood is probably at the top of your list. Blu on 23rd street serves some monster steamed crabs along with tables that show off the nightly sunsets. If you’re looking for fresh oysters, Marlin Moon has a noteworthy raw bar that serves several types of oysters. Sweet or briny? They’ve got an oyster for you. 

Breakfast seems to always be a vacation tradition. The Angler Restaurant opens for breakfast daily and shows off some of the best views of the Route 50 bridge, west Ocean City, and even some glimpses of Assateague Island. New renovations are in the works. Check out our Facebook Page for updated photos. 

There are several annual events that Ocean City, Maryland is known for. Beginning in the winter, Fe”brew”ary shows off several popular breweries including newer The Other One settled on the bayside at 23rd street. Serving up flights of bayside blonde, sofa king sexy, and return of the brew guy, The Other One has an atmosphere of a laid back summer night. Spring begins in March with The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and 5k hosted by Shenanigans, an Irish restaurant on 4th street and the boardwalk. Done your shamrocks and kilts to get in the spirit. Continuing the festivities with Spring Fest, Berlin’s Easter Egg Hunt and Bonnet Parade, 4th of July Fireworks, The Ocean City Air Show, The White Marlin Open, Sunfest, and the new Ocean’s Calling Festival.

Vacation is a time to treat yourself to something special. And we have the best recommendations.  Wine and dine yourself with a tapas style dinner at Spain Wine bar at the top of The Cambria hotel. Signature cocktails, elegant views of the bay, and paella stirred and served by the best wait staff in all of Ocean City. If you’re looking for a view of the Ocean City inlet and Assateague Island, head to Harrison’s Harbour Watch to watch the boats coming in and out of the infamous inlet. Try their oyster stew, made right in front of you at the raw bar in the center of the lowered bar. Or try their locally fresh caught seafood such as rockfish and clams. 

We asked and you responded. The Best of Ocean City is voted on by locals and vacationers alike. Here you will find the best of everything you can image from the best steamed crabs, seafood, view, sushi, and more. You can use these award winning places as guidelines for your epic Ocean City vacation experience.