Ocean City Beach: Access, Rules and What to Know

Ocean City’s public beach has access points along the shoreline, from the Inlet north to 145th Street. The Town of Ocean City identifies entrances at the Inlet, Somerset Street, Talbot Street, North Division Street, 1st, 7th, 12th, 25th, 27th, 30th, 35th, 37th, 40th, 48th, 59th, 70th, 81st, 89th, 94th, 107th, 120th, 130th, 139th and 145th Streets.

Some entrances have specific accessibility features. Beach-access mats are at 30th, 40th, 48th, 59th, 66th, 70th, 81st, 89th, 94th, 109th, 120th, 130th, 139th and 145th Streets, as well as at 107th Street between Capri and Golden Sands Condominiums.

Boards to the beach are at the Inlet Lot and at 1st, 7th, 27th, 30th, 40th, 48th, 59th, 70th, 81st, 89th, 94th, 109th, 120th, 130th, 139th and 145th Streets.

Beach wheelchair access locations extend from the Inlet through 145th Street, but wheelchair boxes are not at every accessible access point. If you need a beach wheelchair, check the town’s accessibility information and availability before choosing an entrance.

Ocean City’s beach rules cover swimming, pets, vehicles, fires and surfing, while several services operate on a seasonal schedule. The Town of Ocean City gives beach and ocean hours as 5 a.m. to midnight, while its tourism site gives beach hours as 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; check the official site before you go.

Ocean City Beach Patrol guards the beach daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the third Sunday after Labor Day.

The town advises swimming near a lifeguard tower whenever possible. If you plan to surf, use a designated surf area: two surfing beaches rotate, and the Beach Patrol posts a daily schedule.

• Private vehicles are never permitted on the beach. Sleeping on the beach is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Dogs are allowed on the beach and boardwalk from October 1 through April 30, and must be leashed.
• Beach fires, including grills, are prohibited unless the Fire Marshal permits them.
• Public rinse-off spigots are at Caroline Street and Inlet Beach, with four at each location, and at 9th Street, with two.

Choose an access point based on the facilities you need and the part of town you want to visit.

For a route with a beach-access mat, use one of the streets marked on the town’s accessibility chart; if you need a board to the beach, check the separate list of board locations, since the two lists do not match exactly.

For beach wheelchairs, the Town of Ocean City says Beach Patrol chairs are available daily upon request, first come, first served, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The stated weight capacity is 300 pounds. To request one, call 410-520-5231 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or speak to a lifeguard at a stand. Advance reservations can be requested through the Welcome Center at 410-289-2800.

The Welcome Center at 4001 Coastal Highway has a limited number of beach wheelchairs available for advance reservation for 1–3 days. The town gives weekday availability from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., first come, first served.

If you want a different shoreline setting for part of your trip, beaches near Ocean City include the subject of a separate guide to a day at Assateague Island.

Ocean City Beach and the boardwalk are half a block from Cabana Motel, a motel in Ocean City.

The motel is at 1900 Philadelphia Avenue; you can use the access point that best fits your beach plans.

For getting around town beyond the beach, the Ocean City transportation guide covers local transportation.

Bring what you need for a day outdoors, and plan around the rules and facilities at your chosen access point.

If you are visiting with a dog, the permitted beach and boardwalk period runs from October 1 through April 30, and the dog must remain leashed. For a rinse after the beach, public spigots are available at Caroline Street, Inlet Beach and 9th Street.

For swimming, plan to stay near a lifeguard tower during the Beach Patrol’s seasonal hours. If surfing is on your itinerary, check the daily schedule for the designated surfing beaches before heading out.

Is Ocean City Beach free?

Yes. Ocean City has 10 miles of free public beach.

Where can you access Ocean City Beach?

Public access points run from the Inlet to 145th Street, with additional entrances at named streets along the shoreline.

Are dogs allowed on Ocean City Beach?

Dogs are permitted on the beach and boardwalk from October 1 through April 30. They must be leashed.

Can you use a beach wheelchair in Ocean City?

Yes. Beach Patrol and the Welcome Center offer beach wheelchair options, subject to availability and seasonal schedules. Check the town’s accessibility information when planning.