Ocean City, MD in 3 Days: Top Things to Do, Eat and See on a Weekend Getaway
Thinking of heading to Ocean City, Maryland this summer? Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a full beach week, this vibrant coastal town is packed with things to do, but even more importantly, things to eat.
In this post, I’m sharing a 3-day journey up and down the Ocean City strip — from boardwalk staples to hidden gems, all through the lens of a foodie trying to make every bite count.
Day 1: Hit the Strip Running
As soon as we arrived, I didn’t even want to unpack — we hit the strip running. First stop: Fish Tales Bar and Grill.
This spot is a vibe. It’s got a deck right on the beach, with sand under your feet, open-air seating, and floating tiki bars that make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean.
Start your visit with the frozen coconut margarita — tropical and ultra-refreshing.
We ordered the walking tacos, a fresh garden salad, and split the mahi Reuben, which was a clever spin on a classic. The shrimp and chips also hit the spot — hot, crispy, and just what you want near the water.
Once we checked in at Princess Royale, we relaxed and took advantage of the direct beach access. Note: it's a little farther from the boardwalk, so plan your transport accordingly.
That evening, we grabbed dinner at Macky’s Bayside Bar and Grill, a lively waterfront spot perfect for watching the sunset.
Their signature cocktail, the Dirty Banana, is practically a requirement. I paired mine with a soft-shell crab sandwich that was in season and absolutely delicious. The crowd is upbeat, the music’s going, and you can catch a game on the big screens.
To end the night, we swung by Dodo’s Edible Cookie Dough and Ice Cream, where we loaded up a custom dessert with cake batter dough and salted caramel brownie ice cream. If cookie dough is your thing you will want to check this place out.
Day 2: Sand, Spirits and Sweets
We kicked off day two with some beach time before heading to Seacrets Jamaica USA — hands-down one of the most memorable stops of the trip.
Seacrets is more than just a restaurant — it’s part beach bar, part club, part waterfront oasis. Picture palm trees, floating tables in the bay, and multiple live music stages. It’s electric.
We didn’t dine there this time, but I did try a few of their house-distilled spirits: the Bumbleberry Vodka, Passion Fruit Vodka, and their award-winning Spiced Rum — all incredibly smooth and flavorful.
If you’re a spirits fan, the distillery tour next door is a must. Pro tip: get to Seacrets early to avoid long lines and cover charges.
Later in the day, we finally explored the Ocean City Boardwalk, which regularly ranks among the top in the country.
To cool off, we hit Dumser’s Dairyland, a local legend for over 80 years. I went classic with Oreo, and it did not disappoint.
We tried Fisher’s Popcorn next — you can find them nationwide, but nothing beats grabbing a fresh bucket on the boardwalk. I sampled the Old Bay caramel and white cheddar — both worth taking home.
Not all boardwalk snacks are created equal, though. We had some very underwhelming funnel cake and then churros later that night — dry and flavorless — so choose your vendors wisely.
For dinner, we scored a reservation at The Hobbit, one of the more refined dining experiences in Ocean City.
Located beneath the Rivendell Condos, this upscale seafood restaurant has been around since 1977. The view is usually stunning, but it was already dark when we arrived.
We started with some Spanish wine and warm bread. I ordered the special: the Shire Mixed Grill — a beautiful surf-and-turf plate with pork tenderloin, jumbo shrimp, chorizo, chipotle mashers, and broccolini. A return visit is already on my list.
From there, we popped into Guido’s Burritos, a late-night spot serving Mexican street fare and a massive selection of tequilas — apparently the largest in Ocean City. The vibe is upbeat and fun; just double-check kitchen hours if you're looking to eat late.
We ended the night at Skye Bar, one of the few rooftop lounges in town. The host was lively and welcoming — even treated us to kamikaze shots.
Skye is known for its fresh oysters and seafood, but I went with their Watermelon Crush and a side of sweet potato tater tots — both hits. It’s open late and makes a great final stop for the night.
Day 3: Brunch, Sailing, and a Sunset Show
On day three, we took it a bit slower. After a morning beach session, we stopped by Current Oceanfront Bar and Grille at Princess Royale.
They can get backed up during busy hours, but the beachside location and solid drink menu make up for it. Favorites included the Hot Honey Bourbon Peach Smash, Peach Crush, and Pina Colada.
We also split the Summer Berry Arugula Salad with blackened shrimp and the Crabby Pups — hush puppies stuffed with crab. Surprisingly good for hotel fare.
In the afternoon, we booked a sunset sail with Sail Alyosha, a 50-foot catamaran that offers beautiful views and a chill escape from the bustle.
The cherry on top? They served Taharka Brothers Ice Cream from Baltimore during the cruise. I tried the Olive Oil and Sea Salt flavor — rich, creamy, and completely unique.
Back on land, we wrapped up the night at Ropewalk — a fun, family-friendly waterfront spot with multiple decks, bars, games, and a playground.
The seasoned waffle fries are beloved for a reason, and I ordered the Flounder Roulade — fresh fish with crab stuffing and a light sauce that elevated the dish beautifully.
The Murphy’s Mac and Cheese, however, was overpriced for the portion and protein. But the fireworks show over the bay (yes, they played Katy Perry) was a perfect finale to the evening.
After dinner, be sure to stop by Justine’s Ice Cream Parlour — a retro-style dessert shop known for its iconic Wall of Shakes, neon lights, and old-school vibe. Their award-winning ice cream has earned local cult status, and it's easy to see why. I went with the caramel pretzel flavor in a chocolate-dipped cone — rich, creamy, and indulgent without being overly sweet. The salty-sweet combo was perfectly balanced, with a satisfying crunch from the pretzels.
They offer over 40 flavors, as well as massive specialty milkshakes topped with full desserts like brownies, cookies, and even cupcakes. If you’re indecisive, ask for a sample or two — the staff is friendly and used to helping people find their new favorite.
Pro tip: It can get busy at night, especially in peak season, but the line moves quickly and the ice cream is worth the wait.
Final Morning: Brunch at Barn 34 and Mini Golf Victory
Before heading out of town, we brunched at Barn 34, one of the most popular spots for good reason. It’s first come, first served — but the wait was absolutely worth it.
I ordered the Cinnamon Roll French Toast with a side of eggs, bacon, and avocado. Add a passion fruit mimosa to the mix and it was a full send-off.
To walk it off, we played a round at Embers Island Mini Golf. We chose the Pirate’s Course and had a blast — $12 well spent. Mini golf is huge here, and while it's lighthearted fun, there are real courses nearby if you're serious about your swing.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found this guide to Ocean City useful, and that the references come in handy when planning your next beach getaway. It’s a fun, flavorful destination — whether you're traveling solo, with family, or as a couple.
