15 Best Beaches Near Ocean City, MD
Ocean City immediately conjures up images of crystal-clear oceans and white sand beaches.
Although Ocean City has numerous lovely beaches, you can still quickly get to other nearby beaches.
Some well-known lake and ocean beaches nearby are accessible enough for an enjoyable day excursion.
Start exploring and discover which of these top beaches around Ocean City, Maryland, you can visit.
- Fenwick Island State Park
There are 344 acres at Delaware’s Fenwick Island State Park.
One of the most beautiful beaches close to Ocean City, Maryland, is just 17 minutes away.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You’ll arrive at this serene state park with fine, white sand.
There are many things to do when you’re on the serene shorelines.
Swimming, tanning, and surf fishing are all options.
While you’re here, you may also hire sailboats, SUPs, and kayaks.
Expert Tip
Visit Little Assawoman Bay’s stunning, unspoiled shoreline when you get the chance.
It provides the ideal vantage point for a breathtakingly gorgeous sunset.
- Ocean City Beach
You can get to the Atlantic Ocean from 20 separate streets along the Coastal Highway in Ocean City.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The 10 miles of sandy beaches at Ocean City front the refreshing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
You may indulge in as much swimming and surfing as you want here.
Even kayaking and romantic catamaran cruises are options.
Expert Tip
Are you finished at the beach?
The fun may continue when you visit Jolly Roger Amusement Parks near the southern part of Ocean City.
Enjoy going fast in go-karts, plunging water slides, and riding traditional thrill attractions.
- Maryland Beach
Maryland Beach is located in Ocean City’s northernmost section and is just 18 minutes from Ocean City Beach.
It is located close to the Maryland-Delaware border.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Look no farther than Maryland Beach if you’re seeking long lengths of sandy shoreline.
It is a great place for making sandcastles and having fun on the coast since it is vast.
However, you may also wade through the water.
Expert Tip
A boardwalk with many attractions is close by.
Family-friendly alternatives are available throughout the day, and as night falls, there are many nightlife possibilities.
- Delaware Seashore State Park
The Delaware Seashore State Park is around 2,825 acres large and is located close to Dewey Beach.
It takes 35 minutes to go to Ocean City, Maryland.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The State Park offers a tonne of activities.
There are two locations within the park where you may go swimming if you’re seeking a beach close to Ocean City.
Additionally, one of the few surfing locations in the vicinity is located in the park.
Additionally, you would feel confident and protected knowing that summertime lifeguards are on duty at the beach.
Expert Tip
Do you feel like taking a trip?
Experience beach camping in Delaware Seashore.
You can choose between two campsites on each side of the Indian River Inlet.
So you can choose to live in an RV or experience tent camping.
- Bethany Beach
A little seaside community called Bethany Beach is about 28 minutes from the city.
Ocean City, it’s the ideal location for weekend beach visits.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Bethany Beach is renowned for its expansive stretch of sandy coastline, where you may spend the day relaxing with your family.
While you relax on your beach blanket, the kids may play in the ocean and sand.
Expert Tip
If you’re ready for some retail therapy, a boardwalk is close to the beaches and stores across the town that you may enjoy.
the positive news
When you purchase here, you have a tonne of tax-free choices.
- Calvert Cliffs State Park
The distance from Ocean City to Calvert Cliffs State Park is three hours and two minutes.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Do you want to visit the beach but also do something different?
Calvert Cliffs State Park offers some of Ocean City’s greatest beach getaways.
Along with shooting stunning pictures close to the well-known cliffs, you may spend some time looking for fossils on the nearby quarter-mile length of the beach.
Since there are no lifeguards, you may swim in the waters at your own risk.
Expert Tip
Check out some of the park’s trails if you have the time.
You may select from and enjoy more than 13 km of hiking routes during your vacation.
- Assateague Island National Seashore
The closest beach to Ocean City is Assateague Island National Seashore, located approximately 14 minutes away.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Wild horses are abundant on the Assateague Island National Seashore.
Even though it’s forbidden to approach or touch wild horses, even simply seeing them is an incredible experience.
What a wonderful thing!
If you have one, you are welcome to ride your horse here during the off-season.
It certainly provides for a distinctive beach experience.
Expert Tip
While there, you may engage in typical beach activities like swimming, fishing, and crabbing.
But kayaking is another option for exploring the park’s salt marshes.
- Breezy Point Beach
Driving takes 2 hours and 47 minutes to go from Ocean City to Breezy Point Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Enjoy your time relaxing on a half-mile sandy length with a view of the Chesapeake Bay.
Swim within the netted area, create sand forts, or go fishing and crabbing from the top of the 200-foot pier.
You may even search the sand for hidden shark teeth.
Expert Tip
You may camp in tents, pop-ups, and RVs at Breezy Point Beach for wonderful weekend beach excursions from Ocean City.
You may even utilize one of the barbecues nearby when you become hungry.
- Rehoboth Beach
A little seaside town called Rehoboth Beach is located 45 minutes from Ocean City.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You’ll like strolling around Rehoboth Beach if you like very broad shorelines.
One of the widest shorefronts may be seen on its beaches, which will appear stunning in photographs.
Of course, you have the option of swimming in the lovely seas.
Expert Tip
Several shops and restaurants along the mile-long boardwalk, so you can always take a break if you grow weary of walking or swimming on the beach.
- Cunningham Falls State Park
Ocean City and Cunningham Falls State Park are separated by 3 hours and 26 minutes.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Sand or grass?
Why not have both if you spend the day at this state park’s lakeshore?
You may decide whether to picnic in the grassy area or enjoy wading in the 43-acre artificial lake.
Expert Tip
The biggest cascading waterfall in Maryland may be found at this state park.
Make sure you trek the Lower Trail and Cliff Trail Loop to see the 78-foot waterfall.
It is 18 kilometers long and suitable for children.
- Bethel Beach
The driving time from Ocean City to Bethel Beach, near Chesapeake, Virginia, is 3 hours and 53 minutes.
Why We Recommend This Beach
A popular destination that many visitors and locals like visiting is Chesapeake Bay.
The 83 acres of sandy shorefront at Bethel Beach are available for your enjoyment if you wish to stay on a peaceful beach that overlooks this bay.
Expert Tip
Even though Bethel Beach isn’t renowned for its swimming, bird watchers will likely enjoy a visit there.
While you’re here, you may go bird watching to see over 185 aviary species.
Just be sure to take out the garbage before you go.
- Rocky Gap State Park
Around 3,000 acres make up Rocky Gap State Park, which also has Evitts Mountain and Lake Habeeb.
It takes 4 hours and 24 minutes to get to Ocean City by automobile.
Why We Recommend This Beach
When you visit the 243-acre Lake Habeeb, visit the area with the “bluest water in the state.”
With cliffs and trees around it, it provides one of the most breathtaking vistas.
You’ll enjoy capturing a tonne of pictures there.
Expert Tip
Swimming is permitted in some areas, along with boating, fishing, and hiking on Lake Habeeb.
- Cape Charles
Cape Charles Beach is located in the southern portion of Chesapeake Bay.
Ocean City is around 1 hour and 54 minutes distant.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Many people believe that Cape Charles is the area’s kid-friendly beach.
This is because the calm bay results in little to no waves here.
The beach also features clear, kid-friendly waters that are suitable for swimming.
Expert Tip
Remain at Cape Charles as long as possible.
This beach offers one of the most breathtaking sunset views near the Chesapeake Bay.
- Lewes Beach
Lewes Beach is 55 minutes from Ocean City in the historic Lewes coastal district.
Why We Recommend This Beach
For small children and inexperienced swimmers, Lewes Beach is ideal.
You won’t have to worry about smashing waves since the waves here are often calm.
It also offers close parking spaces, but if you want one, you must arrive early.
Expert Tip
Visit the Cape Henlopen State Park while you’re in the region.
This 5,200-acre state park perfectly blends fascinating cultural heritage and natural features.
- Cape May
The distance between the city and Cape May, New Jersey, is roughly 3 hours and 40 minutes.
It’s among the top beaches close to Ocean City, Maryland.
Why We Recommend This Beach
When you arrive, take in the stunning views of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
The moderate, rolling waves make it the perfect beach for swimming.
Even those with the least swimming experience will enjoy wading in.
In addition, lifeguards are stationed at most of Cape May’s beaches.
Expert Tip
In Cape May, you can enjoy kayaking and surfing as well.
Just be careful to remain inside the boundaries.
