Ocean City Stories

Gifting Outdoor Experiences Along Maryland’s Coast

Gifting experiences is quickly becoming the best way to exchange gifts with outdoor lovers during the holiday season. The promise of an adventure gives your loved ones something to look forward to, which is much better than stuff that will just collect dust or clutter the closet.  The variet...

OCMD Indoor and Outdoor Family Fun in Late Fall

When the crowds head home and the salt air turns crisp, Ocean City settles into something a little quieter and honestly, kind of magical. Late fall is when the locals take back the beach: arcade lights glow brighter, the Boardwalk feels like yours again, and that first sip of hot chocolate after a w...

Nature, Community & Celebration: Events That Bring Maryland’s Coast to Life

Worcester County, Maryland, is not just a place to visit. It is a place to belong. Here, Ocean City’s shoreline meets open farmland, bald eagles soar above the Pocomoke River, and wild ponies wander the dunes of Assateague Island. For travelers seeking a getaway rich in nature, tradition, a...

Weddings on Maryland’s Eastern Shore | Venues & Inspiration

Boho bouquets in open fields. Jewel-toned tablescapes glowing in candlelit barns. Rooftop champagne toasts with ocean views. Maryland’s Eastern Shore has quietly become one of the East Coast’s most sought-after wedding destinations, where every season offers couples a new canvas to desig...

Explore Experience: Country Calling 2025

Day 1  Country Calling kicked off with beautiful beach weather, cowboy hats and boots as far as the eye could see, and a crowd more than ready to party all weekend long. Ocean City, MD’s inlet transformed into Nashville-on-the-coast, with fans flooding the festival grounds by car, ride...

Explore Experience: Oceans Calling 2025

Oceans Calling 2025, you did it again! Now that we have a couple of years of Oceans Calling music festivals under our belts, Explore OC is proud to see that the concerts are getting better year after year, continuing to surpass expectations with incredible lineups, drawing crowds of 50,000+ people f...

Tide to Table: Maryland’s Coast Oyster & Crab Trail

Crack a claw, slurp a salty oyster, and hit the road. This is Maryland’s Coast, where the seafood is local, the stories run deep, and the flavor is unforgettable. Worcester County, Maryland, is known for its scenic shoreline and small-town charm, but it’s also a culinary destination f...

Halloween in Ocean City, MD: Family Fun by the Shore

Costumes, candy, and a little coastal magic. Halloween in Ocean City, Maryland is one of the best times of the year. From trunk-or-treat events and pumpkin patches to spooky skate contests and hayrides, there is something for every age and every costume. If you’re searching for the best Hal...

Pumpkin Picking and Fall Festivals Near Ocean City, MD

Fall at the beach? Absolutely. Just because you’re in Ocean City, Maryland doesn’t mean you have to miss out on classic autumn traditions. From pumpkin patches near Ocean City, MD to family-friendly fall festivals, you’ll find plenty of small-town charm within a short drive. Whe...

Fall in Ocean City, MD: Family Festivals, Halloween Fun, and Coastal Escapes

Think Ocean City, Maryland is just a summer town? Fall is when the real magic happens. With cooler temperatures, lighter crowds, and festivals nearly every weekend, September and October are two of the best months to visit. Whether you’re planning a quick family getaway, a long weekend with fr...

Sensory-Friendly Activities for Kids in Ocean City, MD

Inclusive Beaches, Parks & Attractions Planning a beach getaway with kids who thrive in calmer, more inclusive environments? Ocean City, MD makes it easy with sensory-friendly, autism-friendly, and accessible activities designed for every family. From quiet beaches and nature trails to hands-...

A 3-Day Mural and Public Art Trail Itinerary Along Maryland’s Coast

Explore Eastern Shore art, local culture, and scenic small towns Looking for a creative road trip that blends public art, small-town charm, and photo-worthy stops? This 3-day mural and public art trail itinerary takes you through four artistic destinations in Worcester County, Maryland—Berl...

Iconic Tastes of Ocean City: 5 Must-Try Local Favorites

Iconic Tastes of Ocean City: 5 Must-Try Local Favorites   Some flavors are more than just delicious; they’re iconic. In Ocean City, Maryland, a handful of legendary treats have been winning hearts (and taste buds) for decades. Whether you're a first-timer or a lifelong OCMD visi...

The Secret Season: Why Fall Is the Best Time to Visit Maryland’s Coast

Think summer’s the only time to experience Maryland’s Coast? Think again! If you're searching for a warm beach destination in September or planning a relaxing off-season coastal getaway, fall may be the best time of year to visit Ocean City, Berlin, Snow Hill, and Pocomoke, MD. Wi...

Most Nostalgic Gifts to Bring Back from OCMD

Generations of families have been visiting Ocean City, MD year after year, creating golden moments that stick with them forever—and forming deeply cherished bonds with our beach community. Ocean City holds a timeless charm that awakens memories of carefree summer days: salt in the air (and on...

How to Beat the Crowds in Ocean City: Family-Friendly Insider Tips

How to Beat the Crowds in Ocean City: Family-Friendly Insider Tips Ocean City is full of ways to unwind and make memories, even during the busiest days. With smart tips like reserving your beach spot early, exploring Assateague Island, or finding fun indoors, your family can soak up all the charm...

Maryland's Coast Agriculture Week

The Worcester County Department of Tourism and Economic Development is pleased to present the second annual “Maryland’s Coast Agriculture Week” this year from August 2 through August 10. This week will be full of various offerings by local partners, farms, and agricultural business...

Sustainable Travel Guide to Maryland’s Coast

Eco-Friendly Things to Do in Ocean City, Berlin & Beyond Maryland’s Coast isn’t just a summer getaway—it’s a community that cares. Locals, businesses, and visitors all play a part in keeping our beaches, bays, and small towns beautiful for the next generation. From ze...

Snow Hill Adventures Town Hall Engagement

The Worcester County Office of Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED), in partnership with the Town of Snow Hill invites the public to a Community Town Hall Engagement event on Tuesday, July 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Worcester County Government Center Board Room. The meeting address i...

Ocean City, MD Outdoor Adventures: Mini Golf, Bike Rides, Watersports & More

Looking to turn your Ocean City, MD vacation into a high-energy, memory-making family getaway? Whether you're cruising the Boardwalk by bike, chasing thrills at local amusement parks, or soaking up sunshine on the water, Ocean City offers endless ways to stay active and entertained. Here&rsqu...

Beach Day Safety: Lifeguard-Approved Tips for Families Visiting Ocean City, MD

You’ve booked your stay, packed the beach bags, and counted down the days.  Your Ocean City, MD vacation is finally here! But before the kids race toward the waves, take a moment to review some simple (but important) beach safety tips. At Explore OC, we’ve gathered the top lifegu...

What’s New in Worcester County, MD in 2025: Top Places to Eat, Shop & Explore

Planning a trip to Maryland’s Coast in 2025? Worcester County, MD, is brimming with new restaurants, attractions, and local shops that make it the perfect beach-and-beyond getaway. From the boardwalk in Ocean City to historic Berlin and the quiet charm of Snow Hill, there’s something new...