10 Unique Things to Do in Ocean City Maryland for Couples
Nothing is more romantic than planning a getaway with your favorite person. New experiences, quality time away from the daily hustle—what more could you want?
Well, for starters, how about some date night ideas that go beyond dinner and a movie? If that’s you, you’ve come to the right spot. We’re giving you our top 10 unique things to do in Ocean City, Maryland, for couples, so you can plan ultimate date nights during your trip. Wow your love with off-the-beaten-path sites, deliciously elevated dining experiences, fun-filled activities, and moments you’ll remember forever.
As you plan your romantic visit to Ocean City, make sure the most important part of your trip is secured: where you’ll stay. At Century 21 New Horizon, we have an extensive catalog of vacation rentals, as well as wonderful one-bedroom properties with an ocean view where you can relax at the end of each day.
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Unique Date Night Ideas in Ocean City, Maryland
1. Paddleboarding or Kayaking
As our name implies, Ocean City offers tons of opportunities to get out on the water. Depending on what time of year you visit, it may be too cold to risk taking a dip, but even in winter, there’s fun to be had.
Head to Paddle Cove at 67th or 48th Street and rent paddleboards or kayaks for a day of leisurely sightseeing. Their team offers tours if you’d like a guided experience, and lessons so you’ll feel confident before heading out. A kayaking or paddleboarding date in Ocean City lets you see the city from a unique vantage point.
If you really want a fun twist, book a glow paddle trip and head out at night for an illuminated float under the starry sky.
- Glow Tours start at $35 per person
- Beginner friendly
- Available seven days a week
2. See Wild Horses on Assateague Island
On an island beach just a few miles from Ocean City, you’ll find windswept dunes and the majestic Assateague wild horses. As they roam the shore, you’ll notice a variety of colors and patterns, social structures within the herds, and even territorial instincts at play.
These are truly feral animals, meaning they are descendants of domesticated horses who have since returned to the wild. As such, it’s important to respect them and give them their space.
Assateague Explorer offers boat tours that wind through the channels, getting you up close to these majestic creatures while ensuring everyone (including the horses) stays safe. Book a sunset wildlife excursion for an added bit of romantic ambiance and see these beautiful horses in person.
Tour Details:
- ~2 Hours
- Price: $59
- Advanced reservations recommended
3. Tasting Experiences
There are plenty of great spots in Ocean City to grab a drink, and experiencing some craft beverages makes for a great date night where you’ll get to try something new with your love. Here are a few of our favorites:
Burley Oak Brewing Company
From their first fruited sours to a production line that now includes flavored vodkas and canned cocktails, Burley Oak has grown into a full-scope beverage company where community members love to hang out thanks to the welcoming atmosphere and fun-loving staff.
Located in nearby Berlin, your date night here could include sampling their most popular drafts, listening to live music, and playing games in the beer garden. Visiting Ocean City over Valentine’s Day? Don’t miss their special chocolate pairing event!
- Location: 10016 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, MD 21811
- Hours: Sunday and Monday: 11 AM – 7 PM | Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM
- Recommended Draft: Tiramisu Stout or Coffee and Cream Ale for dark beer lovers, or the Bahama Mama lactose sour
45th Street Taphouse
This one-stop shop features craft brews from across the region (even some Burley Oak flavors!). The menu is robust, from food to drinks, and even features a pairing guide so you can expertly craft a meal/drink combo that will wow your taste buds.
With three locations throughout Ocean City, you can find the right vibe for your date night.
- 45th Street location features bayfront dining with great views and even better food and drinks.
- Taphouse Tavern North serves elevated pub classics like burgers and wings.
- Taphouse West is one part sports bar, one part gastropub.
Regardless of which one you choose, you’re in for a treat, and with more than 25 beers on tap, we know you’ll find one you love.
Seacrets Distilling Company
Proudly declaring itself Ocean City’s “First Distillery since Prohibition,” Seacrets is an award-winning operation crafting classic spirits inspired by the flavors of Jamaica. Their award-winning line features vodka, gin, white rum, and their flagship spiced rum. Visit their tasting room for a guided tour and sample some of their top items.
Tour Details:
- $15 per person
- 3 samples + guided tour of distillation process
- Tours available Saturday 11 AM – 5 PM, starting every hour, on the hour
- 21+
- Walk-ins welcome, but booking early is best
4. Plane Ride over the Beach
Impress your love with a date that takes things to new heights—literally! A scenic plane ride over Ocean City and Assateague Island is guaranteed to wow. At Ocean City Plane Rides, you and your partner take the front seat in an open-air Waco biplane while the pilot flies from the rear cockpit.
With an unimpeded view of the coastline and the wind in your hair, you can cozy up and watch the sunset over the water as you soar high above the town.
- 30-35 minutes/50 miles
- 500-1,000 feet elevation
- $350 (cash) or $400 (credit card)
- Video available – particularly great if you’re planning on popping any big questions while you’re here
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5. Go on a Speed Boat Tour
From the skies to the sea, another great adventure date idea in Ocean City is a speed boat ride! This is perfect for adrenaline-seeking couples who love a thrill. At Sea Rocket, you’ll jet across the water while the captain keeps energy high with fun music and lively commentary. Make hairpin turns and hit speeds of up to 30 miles per hour on this wild ride, and don’t forget to keep watch for playful dolphins swimming along with you!
On your ride, you’ll enjoy refreshments like cookies, chips, and pretzels. They also offer a selection of beer, wine, and canned beverages like High Noon and Ranch Water. Non-alcoholic options are available, too.
Speed Boat Tour Details:
- Depart from 307 Dorchester St. in downtown Ocean City, MD
- Price varies by seating area, but General Admission is $24.99
- 45-minute ride
6. Boardwalk Fun
Visiting the Ocean City boardwalk is a quintessential part of any visit, and it’s utterly romantic in the simplest ways. Stroll hand in hand as you take in the sights. Stop for ice cream at Dumsers—a staple since 1939. Sit for a while and watch the waves. Or visit an arcade and win each other a prize. This date idea won’t break the bank, and guarantees a day filled with laughter and fun as you experience one of the most iconic sites in town.
7. Foodie’s Night Out
There are incredible restaurants in Ocean City, MD, and you can go beyond the classic dinner date idea when you visit The Hobbit. Started in 1977, it’s a bastion of the food scene serving innovative dishes made with classic ingredients and all the flavors of the region.
From their fresh Maryland jumbo lump crab soup to scallops tagliatelle, seafood here is handled with care so each bite exudes the delicate profile of the sea. Entrees center around in-season veggies and hand-selected meats with specialties like the roasted duck dumplings and the horseradish-crusted salmon standing out as must-try options.
Reservations are highly encouraged. Be sure to ask for a table by the window so you can enjoy golden hour views over the march as you dine.
- Location: 121 81st St (Bayside, on the bottom floor of Rivendell Condos)
- Menu
- Open Daily: Sunday – Thursday, 5 PM to 9 PM | Friday and Saturday, 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
8. Visit Nearby Berlin
Berlin is a quaint nearby town that’s perfect for a day of shopping and sightseeing. Visit places like the Mermaid Museum (if the bubbles are blowing, they’re open) or the Ghost Museum for a dose of local lore. Go antiquing, visit the Burley Oak brewery we mentioned earlier. The historic Atlantic Hotel is great for a bite of food and people watching, and Island Creamery will be the cherry on top of your day (but keep in mind, they’re seasonal, so you’ll need to visit in the summer for this one).
9. Live Music at Fager’s Island
This impressive bay-front bar/restaurant and event space is great for a night out on the town when you want some local entertainment. The nightclub at Fager’s hosts DJs and full-band sets that keep everyone on the dance floor. Go early for dinner and drinks with a water view, and stay late for party vibes and good company.
10. Seaside Recreation
One of the most classic things to do in Ocean City, Maryland, for couples is to simply enjoy some time at the beach. Take a book and a cooler down to the sand and spend time in the sunshine. Enjoy a sunset stroll while you look for seashells. When the weather is warm, swimming and surfing are popular, or—if you really want to get romantic—get a permit from the Fire Marshal’s office and plan an evening beach bonfire. Pack some s’mores, roasting sticks, blankets, and sit back as the logs glow and listen to the rolling waves. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Book Your Romantic Ocean City Vacation with Century 21 New Horizon
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Regardless of how you spend time on your romantic getaway to Ocean City, make sure, at the end of each day, you come home to a relaxing vacation rental designed with your comfort in mind.
At Century 21 New Horizon, you’ll find beautifully appointed vacation rentals that put you right on the beach so you can wake up to ocean views and salt-air breezes. Plus, when you book your stay directly with us, you’ll get the best rate thanks to our direct pricing.
Never pay middleman fees again. Browse our complete inventory of Ocean City, Maryland vacation rentals and book direct today!
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