Other Important City Ordinances to Note
In Ocean City, we take laws related to alcohol consumption very seriously. Drinking alcoholic beverages in public is prohibited. This includes on any street, avenue, alleyway, sidewalk, beach, parking lot and vehicle in any of these areas. Possessing an open container of any alcoholic beverage in public is not allowed. Sleeping in any motor vehicle within the city limits of Ocean City is prohibited. Sleeping on the beach also is not allowed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Beach and Boardwalk Information
Ocean City is proud to be home to one of America`s most popular and family-friendly boardwalks. Our 2.9 mile boardwalk stretches from the Inlet in South Ocean City to 27th Street. In addition to our famous boardwalk, our 10 mile stretch of the beach and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean is free and open to the public from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The remaining hours are used to clean the beach for everyone`s enjoyment the next day. No private vehicles are permitted on the beach at any time.
Swimming
When swimming in the ocean, it`s important to be careful. Ocean surf can be rough and it is best to swim using the buddy system and have someone with you in the water at all times. Beach patrol members are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily all summer to ensure your safety. Please obey the Beach Patrol when you are on the beach. They are there to protect you and always swim near a lifeguard. For more safe swimming tips, visit the Ocean City Beach Patrols Website: http://oceancitymd.gov/Recreation_and_Parks/Beach_Patrol
Surfing
Want to catch some waves? Ocean City has some great waves, but surfing is only permitted on two surfing beaches announced daily on local radio stations. For everyone`s safety, these two areas are dedicated to surfing only for the day indicated. For more information on surf beaches and beach conditions, call any of the area surf shops.
Surf Fishing
Surf fishing is permitted in Ocean City. However, be sure you are not within 50 yards of swimmers or of anyone on the beach between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Other Beach Activities
Frisbees, ball throwing and other sports are not allowed on the beach from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily from May 30 to September 15, by Town Ordinance.
Pet Parents
Bringing your four-legged friend? It`s important to note that animals are only allowed on the beach and boardwalk between October 1 and April 30. Any handler or owner of a dog must remove any waste deposited on public or private property not owned by the handler or owner in possession of said dog. Also, dogs must be kept on a leash when being walked in and around Ocean City. During peak-season and year-round, a Dog Playground is available at 94th Street and bayside so your pet can let loose and enjoy their time in Ocean City. For more information, contact OC Recreation & Parks at 410-250-0125 or click here.
Skateboards, Bicycles & Roller Blades on the Boardwalk
To ensure safety on this heavily-traveled walkway, certain regulations are in effect during summer months. Skateboards are not permitted on the Boardwalk, public streets, alleys, sidewalks and public lots. However, Ocean City is pleased to offer a skateboard park at 3rd Street and St. Louis Avenue. For up-to-date information on hours and regulations, contact the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department Office at 410-250-0125 or 410-289-2695.
Bicycles
You may enjoy riding your bike on the Boardwalk at the following times: From Saturday of Memoral Day weekend through Labor Day, between 2:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. of the same day. From Tuesday after Labor Day through Friday before Memorial Day, at any time, subject to the following exceptions: Springfest and Sunfest (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) between 2:00 a.m. and 12 p.m. of the same day.
Noise Regulations
Remember that many folks are here visiting to relax. Please be respectful of your neighbors both on and off the beach. It is unlawful for any person to make, cause, or continue any loud, unnecessary, unnatural or unusual noise, or any noise which annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace and safety of others at any time, day or night. Ocean City strongly enforces its ordinance that no disruptive noises be made between 12 midnight and 7 a.m. in such a manner as to be heard at a distance of 50 feet from the building or structure which it is located. Maryland Motor Vehicle Law and Ocean City Town Ordinance state that no loud noise from a vehicle may be heard at a distance of 50 feet from the vehicle at any time.
