12 Cheap Things to do in Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, Maryland is a favorite among vacationers, and it’s been a favorite of ours for over 40 years – when we were younger – we didn’t have a lot of money to spend – so we went looking for the things to do in this seaside resort that were free or at least affordable. And here are 12 of our favorites – stick around for number 12 because it’s the biggest and it’s FREE.
First up is the boardwalk - Hey - It’s free to walk on the boardwalk – but this is a tourist town – so let your wallet guide the way.
Along with boardwalk souvenirs comes boardwalk food – and Ocean City has plenty to keep the whole family happy. A few of these OC Icons have been around for over 50 years and they’re priced with the family in mind.
And speaking of being around for a long time, Dolles on the boardwalk and Talbot Street has been making candy for over 100 years and has the best caramel corn on the planet! You can still get a whole tub for under 10 bucks.
Also on the boardwalk, near the inlet, is the Ocean City Lifesaving Museum. The cost to get in is super affordable – kids under 11 are free and they have senior and military discounts. Plus, there’s a really cool shark
Did you know there is a lighthouse in ocean city? Yep! It’s located at 103 146th Street on the border of Delaware. The Fenwick Island light was built in 1859 on the border between Delaware and Maryland. There’s still the original survey marker from the Mason Dixon line and an older one that shows the Calvert coat of arms and the Penn Family coat of arms because when this marker was put there, Delaware was still part of Pennsylvania. The lighthouse is only open occasionally – the cost is a donation for the lighthouse, otherwise it’s free to visit.
If you’re looking for a great place to eat, head on down to Talbot Street and stop at the Angler restaurant. This bayside eatery always features the catch of the day but you can also get a burger or a steak and the best part is you can sign up for a sunset cruise aboard Captain Bill Bunting’s boat – ask them how you can get a sunset cruise with your dinner.
While you’re out riding around after dinner you might as well go out to Assateague Island and see the wild ponies. Assateague was once part of Ocean City, but in 1933 a big storm destroyed part of the barrier island – Today Assateague is both a state park and a part of the national seashore.
Another fun and affordable way to see Assateague is to hop aboard the Assateague Adventure Boat Tour. This amazing tour takes you to the lesser-known parts of Assateague Island where you can get your feet wet while looking for shells and birds and occasionally you might even see something completely different. We were able to take the whole family. The kids got to participate in the touch tank show and tell. It was a great time and super affordable.
Ocean city has one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. Trimpers was built in 1893 and has many of the kiddie rides under roof making this the perfect rainy-day activity. Of course, if it’s beautiful outside, go to the pier and ride the big wheel or visit Ripley’s Believe it or not in any type of weather.
One of the most interesting and possibly famous places in Ocean City is the Ocean Gallery bringing art to the seashore for over 50 years. The ocean side art gallery has just about anything you can think of plastered to the outside of the building and has even appeared in a few movies. It’s always free to roam around the three floors of art – try not to get lost.
Another family-friendly and free thing to do is make the long walk from the inlet up the boardwalk to 5th street to visit the Kite Loft. Their slogan is Where Fun Begins and they’re right. One step inside and you can’t help but smile. The kite loft is a magical place filled with brightly colored kites, windsocks, flags and spinny things – outside you’ll also be treated to amazing kits that twirl and soar and some that are just happy hanging out in the wind.
The final free, family favorite thing to do in Ocean City, Maryland is of course the Ocean! The big beautiful Atlantic Ocean sits at the edge of the sand beckoning the whole family to come and enjoy its cool waters. Regardless of the time of year you visit the ocean is always there, waiting and welcoming your arrival.
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