Ocean City sees about 8 million people every year, which means it’s absolute chaos in the summer—in the best way possible. But I’ll be real with you: I still have flashbacks to my first trip there. I was standing on the boardwalk, staring at a sea of sunburned tourists, realizing I had zero dinner reservations for ten hungry girls.
I’m writing this so you don’t end up like I did. We’re going to map out a game plan for 2026 that covers everything from the madness at Seacrets to those quiet, headache-soothing sunrises in North Ocean City. Below is a list of twenty-five things to do, plus the honest truth about navigating Coastal Highway and how to keep the bride happy without bankrupting the bridal party.
Organize activities and costs in one place using the Bachelorette Party Planner
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Look, if you’re skimming this in a panic, here are the bullet points you actually need. These are the fast facts that will save you cash before you even open a spreadsheet or look at our ultimate bachelorette party planning guide.
Timing is Everything: The season is strictly Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you go in May or September, it’s cheaper, but if you want the full energy, you have to go July or August.
Pick Your Vibe: You have to choose: do you want the “Seacrets” party chaos or the “North Ocean City” relaxation? Most groups want a mix, but where you sleep determines how much you spend on Ubers.
Geography 101: Stay Oceanside if you want to walk to the beach, but remember that the best sunsets and party bars are on the Bayside.
The Traffic is Real: Coastal Highway traffic is no joke. The $3 “Beach Bus” is cheap, but it stops constantly. Rideshares surge at night. Try to plan activities near your condo to save money.
|
Transport Mode |
Cost |
Speed |
Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Beach Bus |
$3 Ride-All-Day |
Slow (Stopping every block) |
Day drinking when you have nowhere to be. |
|
Uber / Lyft |
$ – $ (Surge pricing is real) |
Fast (Traffic dependent) |
Getting to dinner on time or getting home safely at 2 AM. |
|
Boardwalk Tram |
$5 per ride |
Moderate |
Saving your feet/heels from the Inlet to 27th St. |
|
Walking |
Free |
N/A |
Only works if your condo is close to the bars. |
Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s talk strategy. OC is weird because it swings from “wholesome family vacation” to “absolute nightlife chaos” in the span of ten blocks. You need to know the layout so you aren’t stuck in traffic on Coastal Highway for half the trip.
Map out locations and timing with the Bachelorette Party Planner
You need to figure out where your bride falls on the “Vibe Spectrum.” Is she a club music person or a wine bar person? This also decides who pays for the bachelorette party transport costs, which adds up fast.
The “Split Personality” Strategy:
If your group is 50% party animals and 50% early risers, book a condo on 90th to 100th Street. You’re far enough north to get quiet beaches and easy parking, but a quick Uber ride south gets you to Seacrets (49th St) or Fager’s (60th St). It’s the perfect compromise.
Balance party and chill plans using the Bachelorette Party Planner
These are the places that made Ocean City famous. If you skip these, you haven’t really done an ocean city maryland bachelorette party. Here are the top five spots, ranging from massive clubs to chill marina bars.
Seacrets is famous for a reason. It’s a massive complex on 49th Street (Bayside) where you can float on a raft with a drink in hand all day or hit the club stages at night. The energy is intense, it’s crowded, and it’s loud. Be prepared for cover charges and spending a decent chunk of change, but for a party bride, it’s non-negotiable.
Fager’s (60th St Bayside) is a bit more “grown-up” than Seacrets, but still fun. They have this famous “Sunset Party” where they play the 1812 Overture as the sun goes down. It’s dramatic, it’s fun, and it’s a great spot to dress up and hear live bands without getting spilled on.
You’ve probably seen the franchises, but the original spot on 116th Street is a landmark. It’s a sports bar that turns into a DJ party at night. Honestly, it’s a solid choice for a low-pressure night or a recovery lunch where you just want grease and a familiar vibe.
Need a break from the noise? Go to Fish Tales on 22nd Street. It’s right in the marina, it’s open-air, and they have swings at the bar. It’s way calmer than the big clubs, making it a budget-friendly spot to day drink without screaming over the music.
Eating dinner with your toes in the sand at 54th Street is a classic OC moment. Macky’s is super social and they do theme nights (like Grease or 80s). Definitely check their 2026 calendar before you pack—it’s fun to coordinate outfits.
The concrete gets hot and the sidewalks get crowded. Get on the boat. Whether you want to drive it yourself or hire a captain so you can focus on the drinking, these are the best ways to cool off.
Schedule boat days and group activities with the Bachelorette Party Planner
|
Activity |
Capacity |
BYOB? |
Vibe Check |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tipsy Tikis |
Max 6-12 (Varies) |
Yes (Bring coolers) |
Social, boozy, and perfect for Instagram. |
|
Pontoon Rental |
Up to 10-12 |
Yes (Driver stays sober) |
DIY adventure. Find a sandbar and chill. |
|
OC Bay Hopper |
Ticketed |
No (Buy on board) |
Bar-hopping without the walking. |
|
Parasailing |
2-3 per flight |
No |
Scary/Exciting. Short but memorable. |
It’s a floating tiki bar. It cruises the bay. It’s perfect for groups of 6 to 12. It’s BYOB (they bring the ice/cooler, you bring the booze). Warning: You need to book this like three months in advance. It sells out fast.
Want to bond? Send the bride 800 feet into the air. You can fly in tandems or triples. It’s weather-dependent, so watch the forecast, but the views of the boardwalk from up there are insane.
Rent a pontoon from Bayside Boat Rentals and be your own captain. You can cruise to a sandbar and just float. It’s great for saving money since you split the rental, but remember: whoever drives has to stay sober.
If you need a break from the partying, head to West OC for this eco-tour. You paddle out to see the wild ponies and nature. It’s active and quiet—a nice reset button for the group.
This is basically a water taxi/bar crawl. You can book a “Bar Hop” cruise that takes you to different waterfront spots. It solves the “how do we get there?” problem and keeps the party moving.
You can’t leave Maryland without picking a crab or drinking an Orange Crush. It’s against the law (okay, not really, but it should be). Here are the spots you need to hit for those mouthwatering bachelorette party food ideas.
This place in West Ocean City literally invented the Orange Crush. It’s divey, rustic, and authentic. You’ll need an Uber to get there, but it’s a pilgrimage you have to make.
If you want the messy, brown-paper-on-the-table crab feast, go to Hooper’s. It’s huge, loud, and perfect for big groups. It’s not cheap (seafood prices fluctuate), but it’s an experience.
The “It” spot for brunch. Captain Crunch French Toast. That’s all you need to know.
Pro Tip: Barn 34 gets slammed by 10:00 AM. Plan your “big night out” for Friday, so you can rally everyone to get here by 8:30 AM on Saturday. If you roll up at 11 AM on a Saturday in July, you’re going to be waiting on the sidewalk for 90 minutes with a hungover bride. Don’t do that.
If you have one “glam night” planned, go here. It’s a rooftop tapas bar downtown with amazing views of the inlet. There’s a dress code and it feels sophisticated—a nice balance to the dive bars.
HOT. DONUTS. You design them yourself. It’s iconic, it’s cheap, and it saves lives the morning after. Grab a box for the condo.
Eventually, the hangover hits. Or the bride just needs a minute of silence. Here’s where to go to slow down, similar to other relaxing bachelorette party destinations.
Located at the Princess Royale Hotel. They do group packages for massages and facials. It’s a perfect backup plan if it rains, or if everyone just feels gross and needs a reset.
For the wellness bride. Private group yoga right on the sand. It’s a beautiful, zen way to start the morning before the chaos starts up again.
Drive 15 minutes south to the National Seashore. There are wild horses roaming the beach. There are no boardwalk stands, so bring your own snacks. It feels worlds away from the high-rises.
A massive park at 125th Street. It’s calm, free, and has great sunsets. Grab some takeout and have a picnic on the pier.
Paint and Sip. You bring the wine, they provide the canvas. It’s a great indoor activity if it’s too hot outside or raining.
Ocean City runs on nostalgia. These ideas are great for mixing things up so you aren’t just sitting in a bar for 72 hours straight. Plus, they beat the usual bachelorette party games played in the hotel room.
|
Activity |
Nostalgia Factor |
Effort Level |
Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Old Pro Golf |
High (Dinosaurs!) |
Low |
$ |
|
Trimper’s Rides |
High (The Carousel) |
Low |
$-$ (Per ride) |
|
Escapology |
Low (Modern) |
High (Mental puzzle) |
$ |
|
Berlin Trip |
High (Antique vibes) |
Medium (Walking) |
Free to look |
You have to play mini-golf in OC. Old Pro is the standard. Do the dinosaurs or the indoor undersea course. Make a friendly wager on it.
Go to the south end of the boardwalk for the vintage rides. The carousel is historic, and the haunted house offers some hilarious photo ops.
See how well you work together under pressure. It’s a high-end escape room. Good for waking up the brain before happy hour.
Walking 2.5 miles in heels is a nightmare. The Boardwalk Tram is a lifesaver. It runs the whole length of the boards. Sit down, enjoy the breeze, save your feet.
Just 15 minutes away is Berlin, voted the “Coolest Small Town in America.” It’s where they filmed Runaway Bride. It’s got antique shops and cute cafes—perfect for a slower afternoon.
Planning an ocean city maryland bachelorette party sounds fun until you’re the one trying to split a dinner bill for 12 people at Seacrets while three bridesmaids are crying and the bride is sunburned.
This is where Bridesmaid for Hire comes in. Founded by Jen Glantz, the world’s first professional bridesmaid, this service exists because the Maid of Honor role is basically just being an unpaid travel agent and therapist.
Stop drowning in spreadsheets. Bridesmaid for Hire has AI tools and planning services to build the itinerary for you. They handle the logistics so you aren’t scrambling last minute.
Keep the group organized and drama-free with the Bachelorette Party Planner
Tension between the college friends and the work friends? It happens. Jen and her team are professional problem solvers. They offer coaching to handle the drama before it explodes.
You can literally hire a professional to come with you. They can be the designated “herder,” the sober voice of reason, and the person making sure the bride drinks water.
The “Money” Email:
Asking for money sucks. Bridesmaid for Hire has templates for that. Instead of feeling awkward, use their scripts: “Hey team! To lock in that pontoon, we need $60 per person by Friday. Here is the Venmo!” It keeps things smooth.
Stop wishing you eloped and check out Bridesmaid for Hire.
Ocean City is a beast, but if you prepare, it’s a blast. Mix the high-energy stuff with some chill moments, keep the bride’s vibe in mind, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if the logistics get too crazy. Good luck with the 2026 season!
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