Summer is nearing an end, but there are still plenty of things to do in Ocean City whether you are a local, or squeezing in a few weekend vacations with friends and family! As a town full of tourist attractions, it’s difficult to experience everything it has to offer. We’ve narrowed down (in no specific order) what we believe to be some of the most worthwhile activities and adventures in the area!
1. Helicopter Tour
If you think you’ve seen it all, you’re wrong! Leaving out of Ocean City’s Municipal Airport, helicopter tours with J&J Shop Heliair take you on a trip like no other. With multiple route options, you can choose to fly over Assateague, the Assawoman Bay, the Rt. 90 Bridge, and the Atlantic Ocean along the beach. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss out on! Check out pricing and contact information here.
2. Jolly Roger Speedworld Go Karts
With more than ten tracks to choose from, the opportunities for fun are endless at SpeedWorld. Open weekends-only through the end of September, there is still plenty of time to get on the track and challenge your friends to a few good laps. While you’re here, you have to check out Xtreme Ziplines, too, for a one-of-a-kind view of Ocean City.
3. OC Life Saving Station
For only a few dollars, you and your family can stop by the station located on the boardwalk to get the full story of Ocean City’s Coast Guard history. Take a tour of the station 10am-6pm from June-September, and at varying times off season.
4. Parasailing
Choose to go 400, 600, or 800 ft in the air off the back of the parasailing company’s boat (again, you have a wide variety of companies and locations to choose from). Get a breathtaking view of Ocean City, Assateague and the Inlet as you glide above the clear ocean waters along the shore. Paradise Watersports comes highly recommended!
5. Jet Ski Rentals
With many options from Paradise Watersports to OC Baysports and Inlet Sea Doos to Odyssea Watersports, Jet Skis are waiting for you and your family or friends to take them out into the bay. Take this opportunity to ride along the wide open bay!
6. Sea Rocket or OC Rocket
You have to try out one of these two speedboats while in town. Whether you have the privilege of frequently going out boating, or have never been on a boat in your life, the experience is one you will remember. Both speed boats often see dolphin during their rides, too.
7. Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Canoeing
If Jetskis and speedboats seem a little intimidating, don’t let that stop you from getting out on the water! Rent kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddle boards from various locations throughout Ocean City, like Ayers Creek Adventures, to explore the bay on a gorgeous day.
8. Judith M. Sunset Cruise
Catch a beautiful view of the sun going down, a colorful horizon on the shore, dolphins swarming the boat, and wild ponies at the tip of Assateague Island all while listening to an entertaining narration by Captain Seth daily at 7:30pm. To purchase tickets, visit Bahia Marina on 21st St. or call 410-289-7438.
9. Tortuga Fishing Trip
As Ocean City’s original fishing boat, Tortuga sets out everyday for a trip out into the bay open to all ages. The trips begin at 8am, 12pm, and 4pm, each lasting three hours. This is the perfect family-friendly fishing trip to include in your vacation!
10. Boardwalk
This goes without saying, but it is something worth mentioning! Starting below 1st St. at the inlet and stretching all the way to 28th St., Ocean City’s Boardwalk has hundreds of attractions from the famous Thrasher’s French Fries to Jewelery shops to bars and nightclubs like Shenanigans and The Purple Moose to a handful of Sunsations stores. If you’re not sure where to start while exploring Ocean City, this is the place to start!
11. Slingshot Ride
Strap in tightly… because Jolly Roger’s Slingshot Ride on the Boardwalk is going to throw you high into the air! This is a must-do for vacationers and locals, just make sure the combined weight of the two passengers exceeds 150 lbs!
12. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Located right past Thrasher’s French Fries on the Boardwalk near the Inlet parking lot, Ripley’s Believe it or Not is impossible to miss with its huge life-like shark crashing through the building. They take the word “museum” to a whole new level.
13. OC Screams Haunted House
During its first year of business, OC Screams was ranked one of the Top 3 Haunted Houses in the nation, beating out its mother company, Field of Screams. That alone, combined with live actors and a creative, haunting ship-themed set, you won’t be disappointed.
14. Assateague Island
While Ocean City is an ideal vacation spot, there are lots of areas surrounding the town that are worth a day trip! We recommend heading to Assateague at least once during your stay for a chance to see the wild ponies!
15. Baja Amusements
A perfect activity for the kids, and for those who are older but still want to feel like kids! Baja Amusements has eight go-kart tracks, bumper boats, climbing walls, an arcade, and more with free admission and free parking, located right across the Rt. 50 bridge.
16. Casino at Ocean Downs
Live horse racing and slots make up this exciting casino in Berlin, MD just minutes from the Rt. 50 bridge. If you like to gamble, or just enjoy the casino atmosphere, you’ll want to check this one out!
17. Laser Tag
There is nothing better than a good, old-fashioned laser tag battle to help get rid of some of that pent-up energy. Take the kids over to Planet Maze on 33rd St. or the new Game World on 146th St.
18. Seacrets
If you’re over the age of 21, Seacrets is set in stone as one of the first places to experience on a night out! While it is a beautiful restaurant on the water to enjoy during the day with the family, it turns into a unforgettable night club at dark. Their newly opened distillery is also a must-see.
19. See a Movie
One of our favorite ways to spend a rainy day is at the Sun & Surf Cinema on 143rd St. With their comfy, new chairs, it’s difficult not to fall asleep. But, grab a spot and settle in for a flick with some buttery popcorn.
20. Mini Golf
With countless miniature golf course along coastal highway, it doesn’t matter if you’re staying downtown or up at the north end–there is almost definitely one close-by! Mini golf is the perfect way to spend the time with your family before or after dinner. If it rains, check out one of the indoor Old Pro Mini Golf locations on either 68th St. or 136th St.