Ocean City, Maryland might be famous for its iconic boardwalk, but there’s so much more to discover in this coastal town—especially if you’re looking to turn a weekend getaway into an unforgettable date and adventure. In this blog post, we’re sharing our favorite Ocean City date ideas.
We recently spent a long weekend in Ocean City for Shane’s cousin’s wedding, which took place at the gorgeous Cambria Hotel that sits right on the bay. The bonus? We scored a free place to stay through HomeExchange, which gave us the freedom to explore, relax, and celebrate without worrying about hotel costs. Oh, and we just so happened to be there during the Cruisin’ Ocean City Car Show, a bi-annual event that fills the streets with classic cars, hot rods, and nostalgic vibes. Talk about great timing.
If you’re looking for an ideal date itinerary while you’re in Ocean City, here’s what we’d recommend for 1 day (or you can spread it out over multiple days):
Start Your Day with a Cozy Brunch at Soriano’s
Located on Baltimore Ave, Soriano’s Restaurant & Coffee Shop is a charming little diner that’s perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring. The service is fast and friendly, and the breakfast sandwiches? Worth waking up early for. Grab a window seat if you can, and enjoy that warm local feel before heading out to take on the day.
Classic Ocean City Date: Boardwalk + Beachfront
After brunch, it’s time for the boardwalk. Yes, it’s a little touristy—but there’s something timeless and fun about strolling along the Ocean City Boardwalk with an ocean breeze in your hair and the sound of gulls overhead. Pop into the beach shops, take in the sea views, and if you’re feeling adventurous (and have a little extra cash to spare), stop by the amusement park.
Our recommendation: the Ferris wheel.
We have a soft spot for Ferris wheels—our first kiss was on one at Knoebels in Pennsylvania—so now it’s a tradition. Every time we spot one, it’s a must. The view from the top of the Ocean City wheel? Totally worth it.
Shop, Thrift, and Play
By this point, you’ll probably have spent a few hours walking and exploring—it’s easy to lose track of time in the best way. If you’re not ready to call it quits yet, check out a few off-the-boardwalk thrift shops for hidden treasures, or get a little competitive at one of the many mini golf courses around town. (Loser buys the next round of drinks.)
Tour the Past (and Sip the Present) at Seacrets Distilling Company
I’m not gonna lie – One of the highlights of our trip was the Seacrets Distilling Company tour. It’s not your typical distillery experience—this place is full of antiques and relics handpicked by owner Leighton Moore, including everything from Thomas Edison’s work bench to a WWII-era telephone and guitars signed by Johnny Cash. Watch the tour sneak peek here.
You check in like an old-time employee before being guided through a beautiful, story-filled space. The tour ends in a speakeasy-style bar where you can sample three spirits for just $15. We highly recommend booking ahead—tours fill quickly, and once you’re in, you’ll see why. It’s fun, fascinating, and gives you a real sense of Ocean City history with a modern twist. And their rum is sooo good! We brought a bottle home and… let’s just say it didn’t last long. We’re already planning a return visit. One more thing we loved: they recycle their bottles and even collect them from local establishments to reuse. We’ve held onto ours to bring back next time—just another reason to go back soon.
Dinner Options: Seacrets or Local Favorite
Post-tour, you’ll be ready for dinner. You can stay right there and eat at Seacrets, or if you’re in the mood for something a little more lowkey and loved by locals, head over to Bull on the Beach. There’s multiple locations on the main strip. We ate at the 94th St. location and loved the casual vibe, great service, and tasty eats.
Whether you’re in town for a wedding, a car show, or just a spontaneous weekend away, Ocean City is more than just a beach town—it’s a date destination full of charm, memories, and unexpected fun.
Tip from us: Use HomeExchange to stretch your travel budget and spend more on experiences than accommodations. (Like that Ferris wheel ride…)
Until next time—
🗺️❤️
– Crystal & Shane
Dates in the States