Ocean City Prepares for Peak Summer Season with New Boardwalk Additions

Ocean City is gearing up for peak summer season with several new boardwalk additions, including expanded dining options and a refreshed lineup of amusement attractions along the town's famous three-mile boardwalk.

Tourism officials say early season bookings suggest another strong year for Maryland's largest beach destination, with weekday visitation continuing to grow as more visitors extend their stays beyond the traditional weekend pattern. New restaurant openings along the boardwalk have leaned into the town's classic boardwalk food traditions while adding more diverse dining options nearby.

For first-time visitors, the boardwalk remains the natural starting point, running from the inlet at the south end up to 27th Street, lined with amusement piers, arcades, and the town's iconic Thrasher's French fries stands. Families looking for a quieter beach experience often head further north, where the crowds thin considerably past 50th Street.

Beyond the boardwalk, Ocean City's back bay offers a different pace entirely, with kayak and paddleboard rentals giving visitors a chance to explore the calmer waters away from the ocean surf. Assateague Island, just south of town, remains a popular day-trip destination for visitors hoping to see the island's wild horses roaming the dunes.