Ocean City's Boardwalk is a 2.7-mile wooden promenade along the Atlantic coast in Maryland, lined with amusement rides, restaurants, shops, and arcades

The boardwalk runs from the inlet at the south end to the northern neighborhoods, with the widest and most crowded section between the Inlet and 27th Street. Most visitors spend time on the central mile between the Pier and 27th Street, where the rides, games, and food vendors cluster. The boardwalk is free to walk on, though individual attractions — rides, games, restaurants — charge their own prices.

The boardwalk operates year-round, but the amusement rides and most food stands run only from late spring through early fall. Winter months are quieter and cheaper for lodging, but you will find fewer vendors open. Summer weekends draw crowds that can make walking difficult between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Key Takeaways

  • The boardwalk is free to walk on, but rides, games, and food vendors charge separately — there is no single admission fee.
  • Parking fills quickly in summer; arrive before 10 a.m. or use paid lots rather than searching for street parking.
  • Most amusement rides and food stands close in winter and early spring, so check operating dates before planning an off-season visit.
  • The central mile between the Pier and 27th Street is the most crowded and has the most attractions; quieter sections exist north and south of this area.

Amusement Rides and Games

The boardwalk has two main amusement parks: Trimper's Rides (the older park, operating since 1893) and Thrasher's Amusement Park. Both operate seasonal schedules, typically opening in late April or early May and closing after Labor Day, though some rides may open weekends in spring and fall. Hours vary by season — summer typically means 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. or midnight, while spring and fall weekends may run 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Rides use a pay-per-ride system or wristband passes. A single ride costs between $3 and $8 depending on the attraction. All-day wristbands run roughly $40 to $60 per person in peak season, less during shoulder seasons. Both parks have rides for young children and thrill rides for adults. Trimper's includes a wooden roller coaster and a dark ride called the Haunted House; Thrasher's has bumper cars and a Ferris wheel.

Arcade games and midway games (ring toss, balloon darts, claw machines) are scattered along the entire boardwalk and operate on their own schedules. Most are open whenever the boardwalk is busy enough to draw customers, which means daily in summer and weekends only in shoulder seasons.

Food and Dining Options

The boardwalk has everything from sit-down restaurants to walk-up stands. Thrasher's French Fries is the most famous vendor — a boardwalk institution since 1929 — but there are also pizza stands, hot dog carts, ice cream shops, funnel cake vendors, and seafood restaurants with ocean views. Prices are higher than inland restaurants; expect to pay $12 to $18 for a casual meal and $20 to $40 per person at a sit-down restaurant.

Most food vendors operate seasonally, closing from November through March or April. A few year-round restaurants exist, but the selection shrinks dramatically in winter. If you visit in off-season, plan to eat away from the boardwalk itself.

Parking and Getting There

Ocean City is on Maryland's Eastern Shore, about 120 miles southeast of Baltimore and 140 miles from Washington, D.C. The drive from Baltimore takes roughly two hours; from D.C., about two and a half hours. U.S. Route 50 is the main highway into town.

Parking is the biggest logistical challenge in summer. The city operates several paid lots near the boardwalk; rates run $5 to $10 per day depending on location and season. Street parking exists but fills by mid-morning on weekends. Arriving before 10 a.m. significantly improves your chances of finding a spot. If you cannot find parking near the boardwalk, lots farther inland cost less and are usually available, though you will need to walk or drive a few blocks.

The boardwalk itself is walkable end-to-end in about 45 minutes at a normal pace, though most visitors spend several hours stopping at attractions. Rental bikes and scooters are available at multiple locations along the boardwalk if you want to cover distance faster.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Summer (June through August) is peak season: warmest weather, all attractions open, but also the most crowded and expensive. Hotel rates can exceed $200 per night, and the boardwalk is packed on weekends. Weekday visits in summer are less crowded than weekends but still busy.

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Many attractions still operate on weekends, though some may have reduced hours. Hotel rates drop to $80 to $150 per night. This is the best time to visit if you want to avoid crowds without sacrificing access to rides and food.

Winter (November through March) is quiet and cheap — hotel rates often fall below $60 per night — but most amusement rides and food vendors close. The boardwalk is still walkable and pleasant on clear days, but you should not plan a trip around specific attractions unless you confirm they are open.

What to Bring and Safety Considerations

Sunscreen is essential, even on cloudy days. The boardwalk has no shade except under the amusement park structures, and the sun reflects off the water and sand. Bring water to stay hydrated, especially if you are walking the full length or spending hours on rides.

The boardwalk is generally safe during the day and early evening. Police presence is visible in summer. Avoid the boardwalk late at night (after midnight) in summer, when crowds thin and rowdier visitors emerge. Winter nights are quieter overall.

Wear comfortable walking shoes. The wooden boardwalk is uneven in places, and you will be on your feet for hours. Flip-flops work but can be tiring over long distances.

Nearby Attractions Beyond the Boardwalk

Ocean City has a beach that runs the full length of the boardwalk. Beach access is free, though some areas charge a small daily fee ($3 to $5) during summer. The beach is widest near the Inlet and narrower as you move north.

Assawoman Bay, on the bay side of the peninsula, has calmer water than the ocean and is popular for kayaking and fishing. Several outfitters rent kayaks and offer guided tours. The bay is about a 10-minute drive from the boardwalk.

Assawoman Wildlife Area, a state nature preserve, is about 15 minutes north of Ocean City and offers hiking trails and bird watching. It is free to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to walk on the boardwalk itself?

No. The boardwalk is free to walk on. You only pay for specific attractions — rides, games, food, and shops — that you choose to use.

Can I bring my own food and drinks onto the boardwalk?

Yes, outside food and drinks are allowed on the boardwalk. Many visitors bring water bottles and snacks to save money. Alcohol is not permitted on the boardwalk or beach.

What is the best time of day to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings (before 11 a.m.) are the quietest, especially in summer. Weekends and evenings are always busier. If you visit in spring or fall, crowds are lighter throughout the day.

Are there restrooms on the boardwalk?

Yes. Public restrooms are located at several points along the boardwalk, including near the Pier and at the amusement parks. They are free to use.

Can I bring my dog to the boardwalk?

Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk during summer (May 15 through September 30). Outside these months, leashed dogs are permitted. The beach also has seasonal dog restrictions; check current rules before visiting.