Ocean City
Information
Parking Information
Ocean City has worked hard to ensure that parking is accessible for our visitors. Parking is available in city lots, private lots and on certain public streets unless otherwise noted.
Ample free parking is available at the new West Ocean City Park & Ride. Leave the driving to us and park your car for the day, and you can take the city bus into Ocean City for $1. This shuttle service operates from the Park & Ride to the South Division Street Transit Center where passengers can disembark or pick-up a northbound bus.
Please do not park in front of any red painted curbs, or in front of any public or private driveways. It is also important to note that when parking next to the curb, please park with the flow of traffic with your vehicles wheels within 12 inches of the curb.
Beach and Boardwalk Information
Ocean City is proud to be home to one of America's most popular and family-friendly boardwalks. Our 2.9 mile boardwalk stretches from the Inlet in South Ocean City to 27th Street.
In addition to our famous boardwalk, our 10 mile stretch of the beach and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean is free and open to the public from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The remaining hours are used to clean the beach for everyone's enjoyment the next day. No private vehicles are permitted on the beach at any time.
Swimming
When swimming in the ocean, it's important to be careful. Ocean surf can be rough and it is best to swim using the buddy system and have someone with you in the water at all times. Beach patrol members are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily all summer to ensure your safety. Please obey the Beach Patrol when you are on the beach. They are there to protect you and always swim near a lifeguard. For more safe swimming tips, visit the Ocean City Beach Patrols Website: http://oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/Beach_Patrol/
Surfing
Want to catch some waves? Ocean City has some great waves, but surfing is only permitted on two surfing beaches announced daily on local radio stations. For everyone's safety, these two areas are dedicated to surfing only for the day indicated. For more information on surf beaches and beach conditions, call any of the area surf shops.
Surf Fishing
Surf fishing is permitted in Ocean City. However, be sure you are not within 50 yards of swimmers or of anyone on the beach between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Bicycling
You may enjoy riding your bike on the Boardwalk at the following times:
From Saturday of Memoral Day weekend through Labor Day, between 2:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. of the same day.
From Tuesday after Labor Day through Friday before Memorial Day, at any time, subject to the following exceptions: Springfest and Sunfest (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) between 2:00 a.m. and 12 p.m. of the same day.
Assateague State and National Parks
Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life on Assateague Island has adapted to an existence on the move. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Rest, relax, recreate and enjoy some time on the edge of the continent.
Assateague Island Visitor Center
Open All Year 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
Phone: (410) 641-1441
Location: The Assateague Island Visitor Center is located in the Maryland District of Assateague Island on the southern side of Route 611, before the Verrazzano Bridge entrance into the park.
Exhibits: Marine aquariums, touch tank, exhibits, maps, a film about the wild horses of the island, brochures, and a variety of educational opportunities are available in this new facility. Available Facilities: Restrooms, bookstore, lost and found, and emergency services are available.
Special Programs: Regularly scheduled park activities are available seasonally. Education programs for schools are given throughout the year. Information is available upon request.
