Spotlighting the storied mainstays of the Ocean City Boardwalk
Strolling down Ocean City Maryland’s three-mile Boardwalk is an experience like no other. Spectacular beach and ocean views, wooden boards beneath your feet, delicious food smells wafting from nearby restaurants and food stands, and lively sounds of amusement rides and games—the memories made in Ocean City stay with you for a lifetime.
The boardwalk, which extends to 27th Street, is a destination steeped in tradition, nostalgia and joy. Decade after decade key businesses remain as steadfast pillars along the boardwalk, some with multiple locations, and seeing them is like reconnecting with a dear old friend. These favorite merchants and their well-known logos are delightful reminders that we are in Ocean City Maryland.
From beach fare and cherished souvenirs to epic attractions and entertainment, happening both day and night, these boardwalk staples hold a special spot in our hearts and play a big part in our overall fascination with the Ocean City Boardwalk. Read on for great reasons why you should experience—or re-experience—these incredible boardwalk icons during your next visit.
Operating since 1978, Bike World is a go-to for Boardwalk bike rentals. It offers top-of-the-line aluminum bicycles including regular bikes, surreys for groups, two-person tandems, three-wheel fun cycles, BMX bikes and choppers at its five convenient locations on Caroline Street, 1st Street, 8th Street, 18th Street and 27th Street. This family owned and operated business is open every day (weather permitting) April through September.
Bull on the Beach
This casual OC staple opened its restaurant doors in 1980 and has been serving up its world famous “open pit” beef ever since. Bull on the Beach’s menu features savory house smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked ribs, seafood and more; it’s no wonderful locals love this dining spot and out-of-towners keep returning with each visit. The restaurant has two locations on the Boardwalk—2nd Street and South Division Street at Trimpers Rides—and a more northern location on 94th Street.
Families have looked to this local, family-owned and operated business to satisfy their sugar fix since 1937. Candy Kitchen’s fresh and high quality treats include salt water taffy, creamy fudge, hand-dipped chocolates and much more. With vibrant branding and multiple locations, it’s hard not to love Candy Kitchen.
Dolle’s is the perfect place to enjoy a treat yourself or take as a gift. Since 1910, this family-owned and operated shop has been serving up its world famous salt water taffy, caramel popcorn, and delicious fudge and chocolates. With three locations in Ocean City, including Dolle’s Original on the Boardwalk at Atlantic Avenue, a visit to “Ocean City’s Original Candymakers” is a must!
Getting “old time” photos taken in OC is a favorite tradition reaching back to 1979. Guests of all ages relish playing dress up in vintage costumes and having their photo taken in the studio on North 1st Street on the Boardwalk. Particularly fun with a group, this one-of-a-kind experience, featuring antique portraits and frames as a keepsake, transcends guest to a whole other era and provides a great way of preserving special memories of a OC vacation.
As the beloved theme park’s logo goes “Without Jolly Roger, It’s Just Another Day At The Beach!” For more than 60 years, Jolly Roger has been entertaining families at its two OC locations: At the Pier and 30th Street. With something for all ages, some of the park’s top attractions include Splash Mountain Water Park, SpeedWorld, Jolly Roger Mini Golf and the Giant Wheel at the Pier. Plus, Jolly Roger is loaded with entertainment and games!
Ocean City and all-you-can-eat restaurants go hand in hand, and the locally owned and operated Jonah and the Whale has been feeding hungry families since 1976. This tried and true OC classic, located on 26th Street and the Boardwalk, is a popular dining spot offering fresh seafood and much more. With both all-you-can-eat and full menu dining options, there’s something tasty for the entire family. The smiling whale on the outside of the building will let you know you’re at the right place!
The M.R. Ducks restaurant, OC’s world famous bayfront bar and grille, and its easy-to-recognize apparel are both beloved OC traditions. For more than 40 years, M.R. Ducks has been serving and entertaining its guests, both locals and visitors alike. Located on Talbot Street and the Bayfront, only a few blocks from the Boardwalk, M.R. Ducks Bar & Grille offers patrons tasty food, live outdoor entertainment and stunning sunsets. The lively gazebo bar on the water is an experience that’s always a good time!
For a premier jewelry shopping experience, Park Place Jewelers is “the place” to go. Since 1996, this family-owned and operated jewelry store has offered a wide selection of jewelry from diamond to destination pieces. The shop also sells an array of charm bracelets and jewelry, as well as watches for men and women. Park Place Jewelers has two locations including one on the Boardwalk between 2nd and 3rd Street and another at Park Place Plaza in West Ocean City.
Located on the Pier, this immersive and interactive museum offers one of OC’s most unique experiences. For decades, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has been amazing visitors with the unbelievable. From changing exhibits to fun events and much more, there is always something interesting—and odd—to see at this OC landmark.
Marking its 50th anniversary in 2025, The Kite Loft is a sight to see. With colorful kites and flags blowing festively in the sea breeze in front of the shop, it’s hard to miss The Kite Loft’s captivating Boardwalk store location on 5th Street. Along with kites, flags and garden decor, shoppers will find a wide selection of wind chimes, toys and more. Not to be overlooked, The Kite Loft also has a second location on 67th Street and Coastal Highway. The Kite Loft also hosts two kite festivals!
A t-shirt, hoodie or sweatshirt makes the perfect OC souvenir. Specializing in custom printing, T-Shirt Factory, exclusive retailer of Ocean City Tourism and Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company apparel, has the largest design selection in OC. Six locations—five on the Boardwalk and one on 62nd Street on Coastal Highway! Everything for the beach and more!
Eating hot Thrasher’s French Fries on the Boardwalk is a rite of passage in OC. Since 1929, these fries have been a favorite beach bite and people cannot get enough of them. Made from Idaho Russet Burbank potatoes, customers line up to purchase their bucket of fries at three locations: At the Pier, 2nd Street & Boardwalk and 9th Street & Boardwalk. Sprinkling Apple Cider vinegar on the delicious fries makes them that much better.
Trimper Rides is one of OC’s top family-friendly destinations where kids of all ages can experience a variety of exciting amusement rides, attractions and games. Since its early beginning in 1893 when Daniel and Margaret Trimper opened the park to today, it stands as America’s longest-running family-owned amusement park. This historic attraction is a must-do for having a complete OC experience. The Tidal Wave and the Himalaya are just a sampling of the exciting rides that await on Atlantic Avenue.
One of the oldest candy makers in Maryland, this local OC staple has two locations: Boardwalk and 1st Street and another at the Outlets in West Ocean City. In 1915 Herman Charles Wockenfuss launched the Wockenfuss Candy Company, which today is called Wockenfuss Candies. The shop is full of sweet treats from creamy fudge and taffy to hard candy and caramel apples.
