4 TOP Areas + HOTEL GUIDE

Did you pack your sunglasses and swimsuits? These are the 2 most important things to bring on your trip to Ocean City, Maryland! This beach town has long been the ultimate holiday destination for people who love the sun and ocean, and if you count yourself among this group, you’re probably wondering where to stay in Ocean City!

Well, you’re in luck – I already compared all the Ocean City neighborhoods, and I highlighted the 4 best spots for your holiday. 

The best area to stay in Ocean City, MD, is Boardwalk, the city’s tourist hotspot. Here, you’ll find all the top attractions, fantastic seafood restaurants, and some of the best oceanfront hotels in the city. 

Besides talking about the top neighborhoods, I also handpicked the top hotels in each recommended area and in every price category. Keep in mind that this is a top vacation destination, and all the best Ocean City hotels will sell out super fast! So, I highly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot and get the best deals!

I can already hear the waves! Let’s go! NOTE: In this post, I will be talking about the top places to stay in Ocean City, Maryland – not to be confused with another city of the same name, Ocean City, New Jersey.

Quick Picks for Your Stay

No time to read the whole post? Not to worry, this shortlist contains the best hotels in Ocean City, Maryland, all situated in Boardwalk:

Check out this map of the 4 best places to stay in Ocean City, Maryland, that I’ll be talking about in this post:

1. Boardwalk – where to stay in Ocean City for first-timers

Great beaches, fun attractions, and delicious seafood await in Ocean City’s Boardwalk area. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with kids, or with a group of friends, if you’re visiting for the first time, the Boardwalk is the best place to stay in Ocean City, MD! You can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and always find something cool to do! 

As you can probably guess from the name, the top attraction in this area is the Ocean City Boardwalk (map). This wooden boardwalk dates back to 1902, and it’s lined with shops, eateries, hotels, and even carnival rides. This is a must-visit in Ocean City, so naturally, it draws in big crowds – but definitely still worth checking out. 

Some of the top things to check out along the Boardwalk are the Ocean City Boardwalk Arch (map) – stop and snap a photo – and Jolly Roger at the Pier, an amusement park that offers many cool rides, including a Ferris Wheel. 

If you’re into amusement parks, you also have to check out the Trimper Rides of Ocean City! This is a historic amusement park that’s been operating since 1887 and is great fun for anyone – adults and kids alike. However, the park might be closed during the off-season, so be sure to check their website to see whether it will be open during your visit. 

NOTE: Some of the attractions and restaurants in the city are closed during winter; the weather in Ocean City, Maryland, is not great during the winter months, so outdoor activities are often suspended. 

Another great thing to do in the Boardwalk area is to check out some of the museums. For those interested in history, I recommend the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, which features exhibits on the city’s history. But if you’re looking for something more fun and laid-back, pay a visit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum – I’m sure you’ll have a blast! 

Don’t worry – I didn’t forget about the beach! From the Boardwalk, you’ll have easy access to Ocean City Beach (map), a huge beach that stretches almost across the entire city – to be exact, it goes on for 10 miles (16 km). You can spend your days sunbathing on the sand, go for a swim in the clear water, maybe try some watersports, and stay to watch the sunset. 

As I mentioned, there are plenty of nice eateries on the Boardwalk, but I have to single out the Brass Balls Saloon (map). This casual restaurant serves delicious food and drinks at affordable prices, so make the time to have lunch or dinner here. 

Other accommodation options in Boardwalk

Things to do in Boardwalk

• Walk the Ocean City Boardwalk and snap a photo of the Ocean City Boardwalk Arch
• Go for a ride on the Ferris wheel at Jolly Roger at the Pier
• Spend a fun day at Trimper Rides of Ocean City
• Admire the art at the Ocean Gallery (map)
• Learn more about the city’s history at the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum
• Admire the fun exhibitions at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
• Swim and sunbathe at Ocean City Beach
• Join a speedboat cruise and spot some dolphins
• Dine at the Brass Balls Saloon and try the fries from Thrasher’s French Fries (map)
• Try your hand at mini golf at Island Golf (map)

2. Midtown – where to stay in Ocean City with family

The Midtown neighborhood is situated directly North of the Boardwalk, and even though the 2 areas are just steps away from each other, they have their own distinct character. 

Midtown is a vibrant neighborhood offering plenty of cool things to do, but it’s a bit quieter and more relaxed than Boardwalk, making it the ideal spot for a family stay in Ocean City. 

The first thing to add to your to-visit list is the Jolly Roger Amusement Park. This family-friendly park features a roller coaster, go-karts, and a water park with a pool and water slides – the kids will love it! 

Midtown is also a great place if you want easy access to the best restaurants in the city. Some of the best places to enjoy a meal in Midtown are Barn 34 (map) and Shotti’s Point Ocean City (map); for dessert, try the ice cream from Dumser’s Dairyland Drive-In (map), and for a fun night out, head to Seacrets (map), the most popular spot in town! 

You can spend the rest of your stay in Midtown enjoying yourself on Ocean City Beach (map). I highly recommend you also try some water sports – jet skiing and paddle boarding are quite popular in Ocean City. 

TIP: You can rent jet skis from Back Bay Adventures (map), but you can also book a spot on one of their sunset cruises and fishing trips and even book a private boat tour, perfect for celebrating special occasions. Get more info on their official website. 

If you’re looking for more fun activities, I suggest you rent a car and drive out to the Salisbury Zoological Park. The zoo is just a 45-min drive from Midtown, and you can spend an entire day there, meeting the animals and learning more about the zoo’s conservation efforts. 

Even though you don’t need a car to get around Midtown if you’re traveling with family, I’d recommend renting a car – it’s much easier to get around. And if you don’t want to drive, Uber and Lyft ride-sharing services are available, while the Ocean City Beach Bus also provides limited public transport around the city. 

Other accommodation options in Midtown

Things to do in Midtown 

• Spend a fun day with the kids at the Jolly Roger Amusement Park
• Enjoy a delicious meal at Barn 34 or Shotti’s Point Ocean City
• Treat yourself to some ice cream at Dumser’s Dairyland Drive-In
• Have an unforgettable night at Seacrets
• Admire the artworks at the Art League of Ocean City (map)
• Rent a jet ski from Back Bay Adventures and go jet skiing on Ocean City Beach
• Take a day trip to the Salisbury Zoological Park
• Enjoy views of the bay with a tropical drink at Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill (map)

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3. North Ocean City – where to stay for the best beaches

Located 3 miles (5 km) North of the Boardwalk and right next to Midtown, the North Ocean City neighborhood stretches all the way to the Delaware state line. Due to its proximity to the beach and laid-back vibes, this neighborhood is the best part of Ocean City, MD, to stay for a relaxing beach holiday. 

While in North Ocean City, you’ll spend most of your time on Maryland Beach (map), a long sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and even attending evening concerts. 

If you like spending your time outdoors, even when you’re not at the beach, you will love Northside Park (map)! The park covers a large green surface and has many walking paths, sports courts, and a children’s playground! There are also a few fishing spots within the park, but if that’s not your thing, just pack a picnic and spend the day relaxing on the grass. 

Seeing as this is a quieter, more relaxed area, there’s not too much to do besides enjoy the beach. Don’t get me wrong – this is what makes North Ocean City a great destination for families and couples planning romantic Ocean City getaways. 

But if you’re feeling adventurous, I have a couple of suggestions for you! Get in your car and drive across the Delaware state line; once there, head to Harpoon Hanna’s (map) for the tastiest seafood, then head to the Fenwick Island Lighthouse (map) and snap some photos of this historic landmark. 

Let’s see the best hotels in North Ocean City: 

Other accommodation options in North Ocean City

Things to do in North Ocean City

• Relax and sunbathe on Maryland Beach
• Enjoy a picnic in Northside Park
• Have a fun round of mini golf at Old Pro Golf (map)
• Cross the state line into Delaware and sample the best seafood at Harpoon Hanna’s
• Snap some photos of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse
• Try the crab cakes and the Bloody Marys at The Original Crabcake Factory (map)

4. West Ocean City – the best place to stay on a budget

West Ocean City is a quiet residential area situated less than a 10-min drive West of the Boardwalk. Even though it’s as popular as the other areas, West Ocean City has undergone quite a lot of progress in recent years, attracting more tourists with each passing year. If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll be happy to hear this is a fantastic spot for your stay. 

Your stay in West Ocean City is a great opportunity to do some shopping! Head to Outlets Ocean City (map), where you’ll find a variety of designer and brand-name stores selling goods at outlet prices – who doesn’t love a good bargain?!

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll definitely want to check out Baja Amusements, a fun amusement park where you can try go-karting, mini golf, wall climbing, and more.

But if all you want is a relaxing beach day, head to the sandy beach at Homer Gudelsky Park (map) – it’s a great spot for long walks and basking in the sun. Just be sure to check the forecast for Ocean City, Maryland, weather before you get ready for a day at the beach – you don’t want to be stuck here on a windy day. 

Finally, if you’re looking for good food, West Ocean City won’t disappoint! I suggest checking out the Bad Monkey West OC (map), offering great service and even better food, and the Harborside Bar & Grill (map) for some fresh and delicious seafood! 

NOTE: There are no luxury hotels or all-inclusive resorts in West Ocean City, which works super well if you’re traveling on a budget. However, if you want to splurge on your Ocean City trip, check out my recommendation for the 3 other areas in this article.

Other accommodation options in West Ocean City

Things to do in West Ocean City

• Do some shopping at Outlets Ocean City
• Spend a fun day at Baja Amusements
• Embark on a boat tour of Assateague Island
• Have a relaxing walk on the beach at Homer Gudelsky Park
• Enjoy a delicious meal at Bad Monkey West OC or Harborside Bar & Grill
• Catch a movie at the Flagship Premium Cinemas

FAQs about where to stay in Ocean City, Maryland

🌊 What are the best oceanfront hotels in Ocean City?

🏖️ What is the best neighborhood to stay in Ocean City?

The Boardwalk is the best neighborhood to stay in Ocean City, as you’ll find many attractions, good restaurants, and some of the best hotels in the city, such as Cambria Hotel Ocean City and the Holiday Inn & Suites. 

🤔 What are the best hotels in Ocean City near Ocean City Boardwalk?

💑 What hotels in Ocean City are good for couples?

👪 Which hotels in Ocean City are good for families?

Final words on the best places to stay in Ocean City, MD

What a fun trip! I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Ocean City and which hotel to pick.

However, if you still haven’t decided (because let’s face it, there are so many options in the post), here are my top 2 favorite hotels, both located in the Boardwalk area:

My final piece of advice is to book your hotel in Ocean City in advance because this destination is super popular, and all the good hotels and rentals sell super early!

If you have any questions about the best places to stay and the best things to do in Ocean City, Maryland, drop a comment below. I’ll get back to you with the answer ASAP!

Safe travels, 

Hristina

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