Ocean City, Maryland, ranks high on the list of top vacation destinations within the Mid-Atlantic region. It’s not uncommon for the town’s population to exceed grand totals of 300,000 during peak season, which usually begins just before or around Memorial Day and tapers off following Labor Day’s last hurrah.
Compare that to the off-season, when the bustling beach scene vanishes, and total population numbers plummet primarily to just those of year-round residents. That raises the question of whether or not there’s even anything to do in this coastal community throughout the winter months. That answer, surprisingly enough, is yes. Here are my top 10 suggestions for what you can do while visiting Ocean City in wintertime.
Shopping and Dining Excursions
Not all shopping and dining locations close up shop after the summer rush. As is the case in any community, locals still need to shop and eat in wintertime. While it’s true that some businesses do only operate seasonally, you’d be surprised by the number of options that remain in full swing. Even most Sunsations locations keep their doors open all winter long, offering up some awesome deals at this time. Many Boardwalk destinations keep regular hours too, regardless of the season. As for your favorite dining spots, several of these can be enjoyed year-round in addition. Do note, however, that some do shift to weekend operations solely.
Playing Indoors
How about a little indoor playtime when it’s too cold outside? Ocean City offers so many options, ranging from various arcade locations to even a couple of Escape Rooms. Do you like bowling? You’ll find a couple of options for that as well. Alley Oops is a perfect example comprising many diversions all under one roof. Furthermore, in getting back to the aforementioned year-round dining, Alley Oops covers that as well, doubling as a premium playtime pursuit and an awesome casual restaurant all in one. They even have live sharks swimming around in large tanks!
Outings to Area Casinos
Speaking of playing indoors, if you’re into table games, slots, betting, and other like-minded activities, you may want to take note of Ocean City’s ideal location to two of the Mid-Atlantic’s major casinos of great acclaim. There is, of course, Ocean Downs Casino in nearby Berlin, Maryland, for instance. And if you don’t mind taking a bit of a detour north of the Delaware line, you’ll find Bally’s Dover Casino Resort (formerly Dover Downs).
Going to the Movies
Whoever said going to the movies at Ocean City is a waste of time? Even in the summertime, on those rainy days, it makes for a pleasant outing. You’ll be happy to discover that Ocean City is home to several fine movie theaters proudly showcasing the latest cinematic releases. These theaters are state-of-the-art, top-notch quality in everything, from high-definition screens to heated reclining seats, with all your favorite film-watching food options available.
For a one-of-a-kind novelty moviegoing endeavor, consider heading to the Clayton Theatre in Dagsboro, Delaware. It’s here that you can experience the state’s only still-operating historic single-theater movie house!
Attending Convention Center Events
Whatever the season, something’s always going on at Ocean City’s award-winning Roland E. Powell Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. From home shows to special ticketed events to live entertainment performances, meetings, exhibits, and social events, the indoor gathering area comprising this premium convention center of such acclaim plays host to ongoing opportunities year-round.
Checking Out the Art League of Ocean City
The Art League of Ocean City is another all-season pursuit, especially if you like art exhibits and displays. As a nonprofit organization, they are committed to sharing the joy of visual arts through education, exhibits, scholarship programs, and public service projects. From featured attractions to permanent displays, there’s always something awesome to take in on any visit.
Visiting Year-Round Museums
Ocean City is home to various special interest museums that are open year-round. Among these are two Boardwalk-based staples of great renown. One is the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, which is chock-full of local history, including relics, artifacts, and fascinating displays. The other is the ever-entertaining Ripley’s Believe It or Not! You’ll find many other museums while venturing elsewhere in and around greater Ocean City, including the newly established Museum of Ocean City, located in what was formerly the Bank of Ocean City Building on Baltimore Avenue.
Staying in an All-Inclusive Resort
With so many all-inclusive resorts throughout town, the weather outside need never be an obstacle for out-of-town guests. In most cases, these lodgings sport such amenities as indoor heated swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs, workout rooms, arcade games, varying forms of in-house entertainment, sports diversions, and even onsite dining. Locals have been known to utilize some of these services regularly, as many amenities aren’t restricted to hotel guest use solely (though some still are). Either way, you can spend viable time indoors at such resorts and still reap the benefits of a fulfilling getaway, regardless of whether it’s a rainy summer keeping beach time at bay or a blizzard brewing in the dead of winter.
Ice Skating and Ice Shows
In continuation of all the indoor amenities allotted by all-inclusive resorts, it’s worth mentioning the indoor ice skating that the Carousel presents. Open to anyone (guest or otherwise), the lobby features a grand indoor ice rink with onsite skate rentals. Public skate times are available all year long with designated hours.
Every evening, the ice rink presents special ice shows featuring skilled performers. These shows are free for anyone to come and watch.
Day Tripping to Other Towns
Day trip detouring to nearby locales is even more ideal during the winter. That is, of course, if you go on a clear winter’s day with no threat of icy or snowy conditions. Thankfully, such instances are rarer on the coast, anyway. What’s more, you can take this grand opportunity to truly scout the greater region without feeling that you’re cutting into valuable beach time! There’s so much to see and do in places that are surprisingly close by—just a drive away even. From Salisbury to Snow Hill, Berlin to Pocomoke City, the Maryland side features plenty of hidden gems to take in during the winter or even to make a note of with intentions of revisiting in summertime (now that you know they are there). Then there’s the idea of heading north through Delaware or even boarding the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a day in New Jersey. Some parts of Virginia aren’t too far away either.
These are only a few of the many endeavors to consider when visiting Ocean City in the off-season. Infinitely more options await you in addition to these. It all depends on your own unique personal interests and planned pursuits.
Article by: LC Hermoza
Photography courtesy promoted businesses
January 2025