While Ocean City’s beautiful beaches and exceptional water recreation are an undeniable draw to the region, its vibrant cultural scene should not be overlooked.
By Julie Matthews / Photo above: Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts
With a variety of performance venues and art centers sprinkled throughout the area, Ocean City offers its visitors and locals top-notch entertainment and
cultural experiences.
The Ocean City Performing Arts Center (PAC), located at 4001 Coastal Highway within the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, takes center stage as the City’s premier entertainment venue. The state-of-the-art, 1,216-seat venue holds a wide range of performances year-round from music concerts and comedy shows to theatre and dances. The grand venue is the perfect place to enjoy a great show, whether a Broadway musical or a concert of a talented musician. For information on upcoming events, ticket deals and more visit OCOcean.com/Performing-Arts-Center.
On 94th Street, the Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts is a must-do experience for art enthusiasts. A hub of the City’s visual art community, the center features a gallery showcasing exhibits of regional and local artists. A pottery studio, artist studios, classrooms and an art library are also housed in this spacious two-level, ADA-accessible facility. Celebrate creativity and see firsthand how The Art League of Ocean City, a non-profit organization, presents high-quality visual arts to the Ocean City community through an array of exhibits, programs and projects. Open to public and free admission. Learn more at ArtLeagueOfOceanCity.org.
(Tip: Also be on the lookout for eclectic street art, from colorful murals to unique sculptures, all around Ocean City.)
Dive into Ocean City’s past by paying a visit to the Museum of Ocean City, located on S. Baltimore Avenue in the recently restored former Bank of Ocean City building, Ocean City’s first bank built in 1910. In early May 2025, the museum held a grand opening celebrating its new exhibits.
The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum also offers a close look at the history of Ocean City as well as the U.S. Life-Saving Service. Located at the southern tip of the Boardwalk in one of Ocean City’s oldest structures, built in 1891, the museum is packed full of interesting displays including its Permanent Collection, Aquarium Room and more. For additional information, visit OCMuseum.org.
Discover more cultural heritage exploration by participating in Beach to Bay Heritage Area activities and events, including their Museum Passport Program and their Black Heritage Murals. Check out BeachesBaysWaterways.org to learn more.
Experience even more museums in the region including the Delmarva Discovery Center & Museum (DelmarvaDiscoveryCenter.org), with exhibits about Maryland’s Eastern Shore spanning 16,000 square feet in Pocomoke City, and the Mermaid Museum (BerlinMermaidMuseum.com), a magical destination for kids of all ages, in downtown Berlin.
Start making plans to integrate some creative, cultural fun into your itineraries the next time you are in town.
