Things To Do:

It's one of America's best beaches. And it's free.

It's 10 miles of beautifully kept, family-friendly ocean beach. And it's absolutely free - the way beaches should be!

Ocean City, Maryland's beaches are perfect for swimming and sunning. For surfing or fishing. For kayaking or canoeing. During the summer, you'll find free family activities six nights a week, including concerts, bonfires, movies - even a beach Olympics!

And when you're ready for more fun, one of America's best boardwalks (as ranked by the Travel Channel) is only a few steps away. Get out early for an invigorating bike ride, shop an almost endless variety of stores, or head for the arcades and amusements.

Build a castle. Hit the waves. Or just kick back and relax. Ocean City's beaches are proof that the best things in life are free - and a major reason for you to get to OC ASAP.

About our beaches.

Ocean City's beautiful beaches are free and open to the public from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. (We use the overnight hours to keep the beaches clean and beautiful.) For your protection, the Ocean City Beach Patrol is on duty between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM. Please be sure to obey their instructions, swim near a lifeguard at all times, and have a buddy with you when you're in the surf. Please note also that by Town Ordinance, throwing balls or Frisbees and other sports are not allowed on the beach between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM from May 30^th through September 15^th.

Surf's up every day.

Our waves have welcomed surfers and boogie boarders for decades. Two beaches are reserved every day for surfers; their locations rotate daily. In addition, one section of beach along the inlet is reserved for surfers. It's open Monday through Friday during the summer, except on July 4^th.


For a list of the day's surfing locations, plus the OC surf report, you can:

• check our local radio stations
• call the OC Beach Patrol at (410) 289-7556
• visit http://www.kcoast.com/library/surfBreaks.cfm
• visit www.town.ocean-city.md.us/ocbp/Surfing.htm
  

Surf fishing.

You're welcome to cast your line from the beach. For safety's sake, regulations require that you remain 50 yards away from anyone on the beach or in the water between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

For pet owners.

Animals are allowed on the beach or boardwalk at any time between October 1^st and April 30^th. Dogs must be leashed at all times, and the owner or handler is responsible for removing any waste.
A special Dog Playground is available at 94^th Street (bayside). For hours and access pass information, call OC Recreation and Parks at (410) 250-0125 [or click on the link below?]

Public restroom locations.

NOTE: All locations are accessible for the physically challenged.

• Boardwalk at Worcester St.
• Boardwalk at Caroline St.
• 3rd St. and St. Louis Ave. next to Skate Park
• Boardwalk at 9th St.
• Boardwalk at 27th St.
• South Division Street Transit Center
• Park & Ride off Rt. 50, just west of Harry Kelly Bridge
• Transit Center, 144th Street

Public rinse-off showers

Rinse-off showers are provided at the following locations:

• Caroline Street (4)
• Inlet Beach (4)
• 9th St. (2)

Beach Access

Ocean City's beaches are for everyone. So we provide access for the physically challenged at several locations. Look for the special blue signs at these street entrances along Coastal Highway:

Inlet Beach, Somerset St., Talbot St., N. Division 12th St. 25th St. 35th St., 37th St., 40th St., 48th St., 59th St., 70th St., 81st St., 89th St., 94th St., 107th St., 120th St., 130th St., 139th St., 145th St.

Where to find beach wheelchairs.

The Town of Ocean City provides beach wheelchairs at designated locations from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They are available from the Beach Patrol on a first-come, first-serve basis. Beach wheelchairs must be used within one block (north or south) of the location where you picked it up, and must be returned by 5:00 PM.

Please note that beach wheelchairs may not be taken into the water or off of the beach itself.

These locations may change depending on availability:

Inlet Lot, 7th St., 30th St., 40th St., 48th St., 59th St., 70th St., 81st St., 89th St., 94th St., 107th St., 120th St., 130th St., 139th St., 145th St.

The Ocean City Police Department provides beach wheelchairs at 65th St., (bayside). You can reserve one in advance for one more days of use. Certain restrictions may apply. Call (410) 723-6610 for details.

The Ocean City Visitors Center also offers beach wheelchairs by advance reservation for 1-3 days of use. For details, visit the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40^th Street, or call (410) 723-8610.