SHOPPING
Body Double Swim (Also less than a minute over the DE line)
Indigo octopus (less than a min over the de line)
KCoast
Mint + Major use beedurst15 online + inshore
Innerbloom
Ish
Malibu’s Surfshop
Patty Jeans
Ron Jon
Assateague Island Surfshop
Bombshell Boutique (west oc)
JET SKI
I basically live on my Jet ski in the summer because the bay around ocean city is PERFECT for water sports. There’s so many jet ski rental places so you can literally pick of convince or price or whatever you want, but if you’re up for it I’d recommend renting from Inlet Seadoo’s because you get to jet ski down by Assateague and can chance getting to see the wild ponies, which totally makes it worth it. If you’re looking for more of a sporty time (usually a bit rougher which can be more fun and its way less scenic), rent from Odyssey or Action Watersports.
HANG OUT AT SEACRETS
If I haven’t already convinced you to try out this place, heres a bit more. With seating that allows you to keep your feet in the water with a drink in your hand (or float on rafts if thats more your vibe), Seacrets is a must-visit. Also, they recently opened a distillery and offer tours of that as well!
BOATING
If you’re visiting with a group, Renting a boat to cruise around the bay should top of your list (along with seacrets). It’s super easy and extremely affordable! No boaters license is required (my go to’s are Oddysea Watersports – they supply the driver with a temporary one and teach you how to navigate).
If you don’t feel comfortable, or would rather leave the driving to someone else so you can enjoy yourself, there’s a couple options for chartered boats around here.I typically use Boatsetter or Get My Boat to find options but there aren’t many around the OC area so I’ve put together my fave list of charted services!
Sea Quenched charters are my go to’s whenever I want to go out – the couple that runs it is so fun and goes above and beyond to make sure we always have the best day! If you’re looking to boat with larger groups try:
A recent addition to OC is the floating tiki bars, which you rent (with a captain) for an exploration or a fun bar hopping day. Exploring the water and pulling up to sandbars to hang out and drink is one of my favorite ways to spend the summer.
The Angler offers a 45 min sunset cruise ($4 with dinner, $15 without dinner) which is one of my favorite things to do with people when they come to visit!
GO KAYAKING/SUP
Kayaking and Stand Up paddle boarding has grown so much in popularity around here. it’s a great way to get out on the water, slow down and see nature that you typically would overlook. Princess Bayside also does glow in the dark SUP tours as well which sounds like a great time!
GO PARASAILING
I went Parasailing for the first time with my sister a couple years ago and it was a blast! They took us out in the ocean for a pristine view of Ocean City, like I’ve never seen it before. If you’re worried about heights, theres 3 different levels you can choose from, and if its really really not your thing you can pay to just ride the boat out with everyone, so you don’t feel separated from your friends!
HEAD TO THE BEACH OR BOARDWALK
Ocean city is home to 10 miles of free, wide beaches. There are also two sections of beach always reserved for surfers, if that’s your thing. There are public restrooms and rinse off stations for convenience as well. The city has free outdoor movies and concerts on the sand and The boardwalk is definitely a MUST. Its full of souvenir shops and local treasures, like Candy Kitchen.Theres tons of food places, both fast food and sit down, yummy ice cream and chocolate shops, as well as multiple arcades and a mini amusement park on the pier!
HANG OUT ON THE BAY
If you happen to rent/stay at a home with water front access, floating on rafts is perfect for a relaxing sun-day (hehe get it lol) without having to deal with the beach crowds. Plus you can call cool off without having to deal with the waves!
Don’t live on the bay? Head to aloft to hang out at the liquid therapy bar + enjoy their bayside activities, mini beach + rafts in the bay. Best part is its dog friendly!
VISIT ASSATEAGUE ISLAND
Assateague Island National Seashore is more natural and pristine than Ocean City itself and, yes, you can see wild horses. Regular visitors know not try to pet or feed the horses. This is their home, we’re just visiting! If you are lucky enough to see the horses running across the beach or swimming the beautiful ocean, it’s a sight you’ll never forget. If you’d rather see it from the ocean, you can take a sightseeing cruise or kayak tour of the national park, as well as dolphins and other local wildlife.
EXPLORE DELEWARE
If you’re up for a bit of exploring, I definitely recommend paying a visit to Deleware. Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach and Rehobeth are all super close and are great for taking day trips or for dinner!
