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OCMD 4th of July Happenings

Ocean City and the Delaware shores are where I spend most of my time in the summer, so trust me when I say, there’s no better place to be for the Fourth. From paddle boarding in the bay to beach bars with live music and fireworks over the ocean, OCMD knows how to do summer right. If you’re heading down for the holiday weekend, here’s everything happening in and around town, plus a few of my favorite ways to soak it all in!

Things to Do on the 4th in OCMD

Spend Time on the Water
Nothing says summer like a day out on the water. Rent a boat, jet ski, kayak, or paddleboard and soak up all that coastal sunshine. Whether you’re gliding through the bay or speeding across the ocean, it’s one of the best ways to kick off your Fourth.

Beach + Beach Bars
Obviously, you’ll want to spend some time on the sand. And if you’re looking to grab a drink without leaving the beach vibe, there are a couple of great spots to check out.
– Coconuts (38th Street): Laid-back, beachfront bar with live music and drinks served right to your beach chair.
– Seacrets (on the bay): A total OCMD staple. Expect floating tables, strong cocktails, and a lively crowd.

Check Out a New Restaurant
There’s no shortage of amazing food in town, and the Fourth is the perfect excuse to try something new. Some new restaurants on my radar are:

The station / the pantry

Daybreak cafe Fenwick

Forgotten 50

Windmill Creek Winery & Farm Kitchen

OAKED at The Globe and Tiki Tim’s

Jolly Jellyfish

Berlin Beer Company

Fenwick Pub 

Knot there

The street kitchen berlin

The wedge

Bird dog tavern

Flamingo Coast

Hideaway at seacrets

Local Events to Know About

July 2: Movies on the Beach
Paw Patrol will be playing on the beach at dusk, perfect for a chill night before the festivities kick off. Bring a blanket, snacks, and get cozy.

July 4: Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga at Fager’s Island
Start your day with a peaceful, on-the-water yoga class hosted by Yogavibez. You can book your spot through the Mindbody app.

July 4: Fireworks
There are two spots to catch the show.
– Northside Park (uptown): A DJ starts the party before fireworks light up the sky at 9:30 p.m.
– Downtown Beach (Caroline Street): Live music followed by fireworks, also at 9:30 p.m.

July 6: Sundaes in the Park + Fireworks
Ice cream, live music, and fireworks? Yes please. This family-friendly event runs from 7 to 9 p.m., with fireworks to close out the night.

July 6: Seacrets Concert Series
G. Love & Special Sauce will be playing live—an iconic summer night if you ask me. Grab a drink, float in the bay, and enjoy the show.

July 7: OC Beach Dance Party + Fireworks
Wrap up the holiday weekend with music and dancing right on the sand, plus another round of fireworks to end it all on a high note.

From OC you can reach points as far south as VA Beach (if you have the time) and as far north as Cape May, NJ, but we love to stay closer and explore around Assateague Island and The Wedge (in West OC) and Little Assawoman Bay in Fenwick! Here are some of my favorite spots in Ocean City, Maryland, to check out by boat or jet:

SANDBARS

  • Hoopers Sanbar
  • “The Wedge” sandbar by the inlet across from west oc/north assateague
  • The Island Beaches on the backside of the Route 90 bridge

RESTAURANTS/DOCK BARS

RENTALS

If you don’t have your own boat, there are several options here in OCMD!

If you don’t feel comfortable or would rather leave the driving to someone else so you can enjoy yourself, there are a couple of 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!

If you’re looking to boat with larger groups, try:

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