The Ocean City Boardwalk runs from the Inlet to 27th Street, giving you a clear route for a day by the beach. Start at the southern end, visit the Inlet and its fishing pier, then make time for the beach and the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum.
- Route: Inlet to 27th Street along the Boardwalk, which is 2.9 miles long.
- Beach access: Ocean City’s beaches and ocean are open to the public from 5:00 a.m. to midnight.
- Pier: Oceanic Fishing Pier has a $10 daily pass for 12 hours.
Start near the southern Boardwalk
The Boardwalk begins at the Inlet and continues north to 27th Street, alongside the beach. The Town of Ocean City also describes it as Atlantic Avenue, running from South Second Street to 27th Street.
Begin at the southern end, where the Inlet gives you a natural starting point for following the Boardwalk north. Ocean City’s public parks are generally open from dawn to dusk, unless an authorized event or activity extends their hours.
Visit the Inlet and fishing pier
Inlet Park sits on South Second Street on the bayside, and a public fishing pier is located at the Ocean City Inlet.
Oceanic Fishing Pier extends more than 450 feet into the inlet. Its operator says it is open 24 hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day and gives daily hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; check the official site before you go.
The pier has a $10 daily pass for 12 hours. You do not need a Maryland fishing license to fish there because the pier has a blanket pier license.
Pause for the beach and lunch
The public beach and ocean are open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight, so you can take a break beside the Boardwalk as you make your way north. For a different pace after dark, the Ocean City Boardwalk at night has its own mix of rides, food and strolling.
If you plan to swim, note the Town’s seasonal lifeguard schedule: lifeguards are on duty from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Memorial Day through the third Sunday after Labor Day.
Surf fishing and surf casting are prohibited on public beaches from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through September 30, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., unless the Mayor and Council grant permission. They are also prohibited within 50 yards of anyone swimming, walking, sitting, lying, surfing or standing on the beach.
Add a museum stop
The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is a stop to add near the southern end of your day: it is about 35 minutes on foot or 4 minutes by car from Cabana Motel. The Town identifies the Ocean City Life Saving Station as a local landmark.
Keep this visit distinct from the Boardwalk walk itself. The beach and the route north provide the outdoor portion of the day, while the Life-Saving Station offers a separate stop before you finish your outing. If rain changes your beach plans, rainy-day activities in Ocean City offer another way to plan the day.
Return by transit or on foot
You can finish the route on foot or consider local transit for the return; the Ocean City transportation guide covers ways to get around town.
FAQs
How long is the Ocean City Boardwalk?
The Boardwalk is 2.9 miles long, running from the Inlet to 27th Street.
Does the Ocean City fishing pier require a fishing license?
No Maryland fishing license is needed to fish from Oceanic Fishing Pier; it has a blanket pier license.
When are Ocean City beaches open?
The beaches and ocean are open to the public from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. Lifeguard duty follows a separate seasonal schedule.