As you probably know, I recently made Ocean City my official permanent place of residence and I am LOVING it! Even though its a small beach town (basically an island), there’s so much to do even in the off season and just being by the beach is a feeling like no other. Plus, prices drop in off season so you’re able to save big, but still get to experience most of what OCMD has to offer. Keep reading for some of my favorite off season activities and in Ocean City!
WALK YOUR DOG ON THE BEACH OR RIDE YOUR BIKE ON THE BOARDWALK
You might be surprised to learn that between May and September dogs aren’t allowed on the beach, and bikes are prohibited on the boardwalk except for early in the morning. Once the summer crowds dissipate, though, visitors can enjoy a bike ride, roller blading, or skateboarding whenever they like. One of the best things about fall is that you can also bring your pets out onto the beach (leashed) and enjoy a walk along the sand together.
ENJOY A NICE MEAL OUT
Explore some of the amazing restaurants open off season. Some of my faves are Liquid Assets, Annabelle’s, One Coastal Farm + Kitchen, Bad Monkey and Our Harvest!
SEE A FULL LIST OF RESTAURANTS OPEN DURING THE OFF SEASON HERE
VISIT A WINERY/BREWERY
I love getting to try out different wine’s and wineries, especially with a group of friends! There’s nothing like bringing your own snacks (or making your own cheese board) and hanging out by the bonfire with your favorite wine or brews. Some of my local favorites include:
Wineries: sip on wine in a heated igloo at Windmill Creek Vineyard , Salted Vine Winery , Costa Ventosa, Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery, Laytons chance
Breweries: Fin City, Burley Oak, Buzz Meadery, Dogfish Head, Sinepuxent Brewing Company, Revelation Craft Brewing, Tall Tales, Big Oyster, Crooked Hammock Brewery, The Brimming Horn Meadery, Evolution Craft Brewing Co. & Public HouseSalted Vines (Frankford, DE)
TAKE A TRIP TO HISTORIC BERLIN
A short fifteen min ride from OCMD is the historic town of Berlin, where they filmed movies like Runaway Bride and Tuck Everlasting. There’s a bunch of cute local stores and shopping and its a great place to take a quick trip to explore for lunch, or just a quick drive through to see holiday lights!
VISIT ONE OF THE CUTE LOCAL BOUTIQUES
There are tons of local boutiques that offer SO MANY cute things and I love shopping small because I know i’m supporting SOMEONE instead of a corporation! Some of my fave local stores include:
shopping: Indigo octopus // Body Double Fenwick (currently up to 50% off) // Magnolia riffle// Innerbloom Floral// South moon under// ish // raggamuffin// Beach Gypsy// bleached butterfly// fathom & co// Heart of gold Kids// Bomshell Boutique // Patty Jeans Boutique// Victorian Charm
Pamper yourselves at a local spa. Some great options are OC Massage, Grand Aqua Spa, and Creative Day Spa.
spas: North & Coastal (hair/nails/skin/airbrush tanning) // Andrea Bounds (skin/brows/lashes/makeup) // Shady Sun (at home + spray tanning)
EXPLORE INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Ocean City has many fun indoor activities, including two mini golf courses and an indoor arcade/bar/bowling alley. There’s also a few movie theaters, including the newly constructed West OC theater and the theater uptown Oc. The Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums also has an indoor ice skating rink, which is open daily to the public for big and little kids to enjoy.
Ocean City is home to the Life-Saving Station Museum, which includes an aquarium room filled with sea creatures. You can also explore shipwreck exhibits, mermaid displays, sand from around the globe, Davy Jones’ locker, and swimwear from the olden days.
Paint night’s are a great activity year round, but especially once the temps start to drop. I personally have not been to a paint nigh but have seen great things about OC Paint Experience/ T.C. Sudios.
If you like to gamble, visit The Casino at Ocean Downs, about 5 miles outside of OC on Route 589, Racetrack road, about 1/2 mile north of Route 50.
WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, visitors can see Ocean City sparkle daily at the Winterfest of Lights. Over 1 million lights and animated displays decorate the city’s 58-acre Northside Park. Santa will be there for photos, and hot chocolate is available inside the heated Winterfest Village Pavillion. There is also a Winterfest Express train, which takes guests on a one-mile tour of the exhibits and past the 50 foot Christmas tree.
NEW YEARS FUN
A ton of the local bars, like Seacrets and Cowboy Coast have special New Years events that are always fun! Ocean City also has free fireworks and live entertainment on New Year’s Eve, plus adventurous visitors can take part in the Penguin Swim on New Year’s Day. All proceeds from the icy plunge into the ocean go to the Atlantic General Hospital.
