Ocean City · Maryland · USA
North Ocean City Beach
You'll smell the funnel cakes before you see the waves. North Ocean City stretches from the inlet to 27th Street, where seagulls wheel above striped umbrellas and children dig moats in coarse tan sand. The surf rolls in steady and forgiving, cool enough to numb your ankles by July.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for North Ocean City Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
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- Conditions
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- Crowd
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- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll smell the funnel cakes before you see the waves. North Ocean City stretches from the inlet to 27th Street, where seagulls wheel above striped umbrellas and children dig moats in coarse tan sand. The surf rolls in steady and forgiving, cool enough to numb your ankles by July.
Photos
8 captures from North Ocean City Beach
About this beach
Where it is
North Ocean City Beach
Ocean City, Maryland, USA
38.4107°, -75.0548°
Top things to do
At North Ocean City Beach
Wade the Inlet
Calmer water at northern tip
Thrasher's Fries
Boardwalk institution since 1929
Boogie Board Breaks
Gentle waves for first-timers
Sunrise Stroll
Empty sand before 8 a.m.
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of North Ocean City Beach.
Questions people actually ask about North Ocean City Beach.
Is North Ocean City Beach safe for swimming with children?
North Ocean City Beach is generally safe for family swimming, with lifeguards stationed along the beach during summer months (typically late May through early September). The ocean here features gentler waves compared to southern sections, making it ideal for children. However, always swim near lifeguard stands and check daily beach flags for conditions. Rip currents can occur, so supervise children closely. The beach patrol provides safety information at stands, and the gradual slope into the water gives parents better visibility of young swimmers.
When is the best time to visit North Ocean City Beach?
Peak season runs June through August, offering warmest water temperatures (70-75°F) and full amenities, though crowds are heaviest. For fewer crowds with pleasant weather, visit May or September when temperatures reach the 70s-80s. Families often prefer late June or early September for manageable crowds and swimmable conditions. Winter months attract off-season visitors for peaceful walks and lower accommodation rates, but swimming isn't advisable. Weekdays are considerably less crowded than weekends throughout summer, especially north of 94th Street.
