Exploring the “Off the Beaten Path” of Ocean City, MD

There’s no doubt about it: Ocean City, MD is one of the most beautiful and exciting beach destinations on the East Coast. With miles of wide, white sand beaches, plenty of amusements and activities, and a vibrant boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants, there’s something for everyone. But if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore too.

From secret local spots to hidden gems, there’s no shortage of unique experiences to enjoy in Ocean City. Read on to discover the best of “off the beaten path” Ocean City, MD.

1. Assateague Island

Assateague Island is one of Ocean City’s best-kept secrets. Located just a short drive away, the island is a 35-mile long barrier island with miles of pristine beaches and marshland. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including the famous wild horses that roam the island, as well as birds, sea turtles, and more. Be sure to bring a camera—you never know when you might spot a wild horse!

The island also offers plenty of opportunities to get out and explore. There are miles of hiking trails and plenty of beach space to relax and take in the scenery. Or, for a unique experience, take a guided kayak tour through the marshland and around the island. No matter how you explore it, Assateague Island is a must-visit destination for adventurous travelers.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to visit the island for the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim in July. Thousands of people flock to the island each year to watch the wild horses swim across the Assateague Channel, so it’s definitely worth a visit!

2. Visit the Local Markets

Ocean City is home to a variety of local farmers’ markets and flea markets, perfect for those who want to explore off the beaten path. Whether you’re looking for produce, seafood, handmade goods, or antiques, there’s something for everyone at the local markets. Here are just a few of our favorites:

• Berlin Farmers’ Market: Located in downtown Berlin, this market offers local produce, handmade goods, and much more.
• Ocean Pines Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market: This market is held every Saturday from 8am-1pm and features local produce, handmade goods, and more.
• West Ocean City Flea Market: This popular flea market offers a variety of vintage and antique goods, as well as handmade items from local vendors.

Be sure to set aside some time to explore these unique markets—you never know what hidden gems you might find!

3. Explore the Art Scene

Ocean City is home to a vibrant art scene with plenty of galleries, museums, and public art installations to explore. For a unique experience, take a self-guided tour of the public art around town. From murals to sculptures and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re looking to get more in-depth with the local art scene, be sure to check out the Ocean City Center for the Arts. This center offers classes, workshops, and exhibitions in a variety of mediums, from painting and pottery to photography and more. It’s a great way to get an inside look at the local art scene and meet other creative people in the area.

Don’t forget to check out the local galleries too. From modern art galleries to traditional galleries, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to take a stroll down the boardwalk to check out the galleries—you never know what hidden gems you might find!

4. Take a Sightseeing Tour

For a unique way to explore Ocean City, take a sightseeing tour! There are plenty of tour operators in the area that offer a variety of tours, from boat tours to bus tours and more. You can explore the local wildlife, get an inside look at the local culture, or even take a tour of the historic sites around town.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to check out the eco-tours. These tours take you out on the water to explore the local wildlife, from dolphins and sea turtles to osprey and bald eagles. It’s a great way to get an up-close look at the local wildlife and get a better understanding of the area’s natural beauty.

No matter what type of tour you choose, it’s a great way to explore the area and get an insider’s look at Ocean City and the surrounding area.

5. Check Out the Local Breweries

If you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to check out the local breweries in Ocean City. From craft beers to locally brewed ciders and meads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few of the local breweries to check out:

• Burley Oak Brewing Company: This local brewery offers a variety of craft beers, from IPAs and stouts to sours and ciders.
• Backshore Brewing Company: This brewery specializes in craft beers, from IPAs and ales to stouts and porters.
• Red Shedman Farm Brewery: This brewery specializes in meads, ciders, and ales made with locally sourced ingredients.

Be sure to check out the local breweries—you never know what you might discover!

6. Take a Hike

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk, take a hike! Ocean City is home to plenty of hiking trails, perfect for those who want to explore the area’s natural beauty. From easy trails to more challenging treks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For an easy hike, be sure to check out the Assateague Island National Seashore. This 8-mile loop trail offers stunning views of the island and its wildlife, as well as plenty of opportunities to spot the wild horses. Or, for a more challenging trek, check out the Berlin Wall, a 3-mile out-and-back trail with stunning views of the bay.

No matter where you choose to hike, it’s a great way to get out and explore the area’s natural beauty.

7. Try Adventure Sports

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the area, try adventure sports! Ocean City is home to plenty of activities and attractions, perfect for those who want to get out and explore. From surfing and kayaking to windsurfing and parasailing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re looking for something a bit more extreme, be sure to check out the local skydiving and bungee jumping. There are plenty of operators in the area that offer these unique experiences, so you can get an adrenaline rush while taking in the stunning views of the area.

No matter what type of adventure you’re looking for, Ocean City has plenty to offer.

8. Visit the Museums

For a unique experience, be sure to check out the museums in Ocean City. From the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum to the Maryland Coastal Bays Museum, there’s something for everyone to explore. Here are just a few of our favorite museums in the area:

• Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which was formed in 1878 to rescue sailors in distress.
• Maryland Coastal Bays Museum: This museum is dedicated to the local coastal bays, with exhibits on the area’s history, ecology, and more.
• Assateague Island National Seashore Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and ecology of the island, with exhibits on the area’s wildlife, plants, and more.

Be sure to set aside some time to explore these unique museums—you never know what hidden gems you might find!

9. Explore the Local Wildlife

If you’re looking to get out and explore the local wildlife, there are plenty of opportunities to do so in Ocean City. From bird-watching to whale-watching, you can get up close and personal with the area’s natural beauty.

For a unique experience, be sure to check out the local bird sanctuaries. These sanctuaries are home to a variety of birds, from shorebirds and seabirds to migratory birds and more. It’s a great way to get an up-close look at the local wildlife and get a better understanding of the area’s natural beauty.

No matter what type of wildlife experience you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone to explore in Ocean City.

10. Enjoy the Local Music Scene

For a unique experience, be sure to check out the local music scene in Ocean City. From live music to DJ sets and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few of our favorite spots to check out:

• Seacrets: This popular spot is known for its live music and DJs, as well as its delicious food and drinks.
• The Beach House Bar & Grill: This spot offers live music, DJs, and dance parties throughout the summer.
• The Green Turtle: This bar and grill offers live music and DJs, as well as a variety of food and drinks.

Be sure to check out the local music scene—you never know what hidden gems you might find!

11. Attend a Local Event

If you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to check out the local events in Ocean City. From festivals and concerts to art shows and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For a unique experience, be sure to check out the Sunset Park Concert Series. This free concert series takes place every Thursday night throughout the summer, featuring a variety of local bands and musicians. It’s a great way to get out and enjoy the local music scene, as well as take in the stunning views of the bay.

No matter what type of event you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Ocean City.

12. Visit the Local Wineries

If you’re looking for a unique experience, be sure to check out the local wineries in Ocean City. From traditional wineries to craft breweries and distilleries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few of the local wineries to check out:

• Red Shedman Farm Brewery: This brewery offers a variety of craft beers, meads, and ciders made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Fractured Grape Winery: This winery specializes in handcrafted wines made with locally sourced grapes.
• Burley Oak Brewing Company: This local brewery offers a variety of craft beers, from IPAs and stouts to sours and ciders.

Be sure to check out the local wineries—you never know what you might discover!

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Ocean City, MD has plenty to offer. From secret local spots to hidden gems, there’s no shortage of unique experiences to enjoy. From Assateague Island and local markets to art galleries and wineries, there’s something for everyone to explore in “off the beaten path” Ocean City, MD.