Travel guide
Ocean City Boardwalk Attractions
Ocean City's famous 1-mile wooden boardwalk is the heart of the town's entertainment scene. Lined with arcades, amusement rides, restaurants, and shops, the boardwalk is where most visitors spend their time when they are not on the beach.
Travel concierge
Let Balanced Tide Travel plan your Ocean City stay
Top boardwalk attractions
- Trimper's Rides: Ocean City's signature amusement park with a historic wooden roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and dozens of rides for all ages.
- Arcades: dozens of game rooms line the boardwalk, offering classic and modern video games, claw machines, and ticket-redemption games.
- Funland: another major amusement park with rides, arcade games, and a water park component.
- Restaurants and food stands: from classic boardwalk fare (fries, funnel cakes, corn dogs) to sit-down restaurants and ice cream shops.
- Shops and vendors: souvenir shops, clothing stores, sunglasses stands, and beachwear retailers throughout.
- Fishing pier: the Bay Inlet Pier offers fishing and scenic views, with bait and tackle available on-site.
Boardwalk dining
The boardwalk offers a wide range of dining options. Quick bites like boardwalk fries, Old Bay fries, funnel cakes, and corn dogs are everywhere. Sit-down restaurants offer seafood, burgers, and casual fare. Ice cream and frozen treats are available from multiple vendors. Most visitors eat several casual meals on or near the boardwalk and go back to their hotel or a quieter restaurant for a bigger dinner.
Walking the boardwalk
The main wooden boardwalk stretches about 1 mile and is best walked during early mornings or late afternoons to avoid peak heat and crowds. Wear flip-flops or comfortable sandals because the wooden boards can be hot and rough. Crowds are heaviest on summer weekends and lightest on weekday mornings or after 9pm when many rides close.
For hotel recommendations near the boardwalk, see the boardwalk hotels guide, and for a broader overview of the town, check the full boardwalk guide. If you're planning a family visit, the family vacation guide has more tips on board walk activities for kids.
Frequently asked questions
What are the hours of the boardwalk?
The boardwalk is open year-round and free to walk. Amusement parks and arcades typically open around 10am and close at 10–11pm during peak season, with shorter hours off-season.
How much does Trimper's Rides cost?
Trimper's is open seasonally and offers both ride tickets and unlimited wristbands. Prices vary by season; check their website for current rates.
Is the boardwalk crowded?
Weekends and peak summer days are very crowded. Weekday mornings and September afternoons are much quieter.
Can I bring my own food to the boardwalk?
Outside food is generally not allowed on the boardwalk, but you can bring water and snacks back to your hotel or beach area.
Boardwalk attractions, hours, and pricing vary seasonally. Check individual attraction websites for current details before your visit.