Ocean City, Maryland Bachelorette Party Guide and Itinerary Ideas

Don’t be fooled by the seemingly sleepy nature of this quiet town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The beach, the Boardwalk, and the bounty of group-friendly accommodations make this destination a prime choice for East Coast party seekers of the bachelorette variety. From seaside amusements to posh spa treatments, an Ocean City, Maryland bachelorette party is a great choice for a girls' getaway before saying "I do."

Ready to start planning? Jessica Waters, a born-and-raised Ocean City native and tourism expert, shares everything you need to know about crafting the ultimate Ocean City bachelorette party, including itinerary ideas for any time of the year.

Mild winters, amazing seafood, and wild ponies are among a few reasons why you’ll love this island-like locale but read on for more from the former bachelorette and current OCMD resident.

Why You'll Love Ocean City

Waters, who held her own bachelorette party in Ocean City, can attest to the fact that this coastal city offers something for every party looking to celebrate the bride in style. Whether you are searching for nightlife and dancing, fine wine and dining, or a quiet weekend in your comfiest clothes, she says Ocean City delivers. "Our bar and restaurant scene will have brides living their best life before they tie the knot," she promises. She also shares that because the city is essentially a barrier island, many of their accommodations offer either beach or bay views—perfect for sunset slumber parties or taking in the views if you get home at sunrise!

• Food: Maryland is famous for its seafood, especially its blue crabs. Whether you’re cracking open the freshly steamed variety or chowing down on the state’s renowned cakes, if you and your crew are crustacean lovers you’re all but guaranteed to leave Ocean City full and happy. 
• Nightlife: From dive bars and beachy boardwalk haunts to upscale oceanfront lounges and nightclubs, you won’t be left wanting when it comes to OCMD nightlife. Make sure to take an extra day off after your bachelorette to recover from the fun. 
• The Boardwalk: You can spend all day or night on this world-famous, three-mile boardwalk and never get bored. Thrilling amusements, games, and rides will delight your inner child, while seemingly endless options for food, shopping, and live music will keep your grown-up group entertained for hours on end.

Where to Stay in Ocean City

Ocean City’s neighborhoods each have their own distinct ambiance, along with a variety of accommodations to match. Depending on your preferences, you can score loyalty points with well-known hotel brands, cozy up in quaint bed-and-breakfasts, or camp on the coast. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most popular spots to settle into for your last soirée as a single lady.

• Downtown: "Downtown is lively and full of the excitement of the boardwalk, amusement rides, the fishing pier, and historic charm," says Waters. Cambria, one of Ocean City’s newest and most stylish hotels overlooking the Bay is conveniently located near the Boardwalk and the Inlet. For a whole-house experience with beach bungalow appeal, look to the White Marlin House on Talbot Street.
• Midtown: Midtown offers an array of dining options, loads of indoor and outdoor mini-golf courses (it’s kind of a thing here), and proximity to the convention center and the Art League of Ocean City. ​​Here, the Aloft Ocean City hotel serves up sleek design and an energetic vibe with its design-driven and tech-forward approach to modern hospitality. Situated on the bayside of Ocean City, which is not far from the boardwalk, it is a perfect home base for a bachelorette party. 
• Uptown: Uptown offers a large variety of condominium choices and beach houses from private owners and rental share companies like Vacasa, more great dining, and the quiet neighborhood atmosphere of a laid-back beach town. 
• Assateague Island: For an alternative bachelorette experience, set up camp on the Assateague Island National Seashore. At this well-known park, you can stay right on the beach and the area’s beloved wild horses roam all through the campsites. Rent a tricked-out camper from a service like RVShare and the entire group can glamp in style.

Where to Eat in Ocean City

If you’re looking for the freshest seafood, there’s no wrong turn in Ocean City, but for a little variety and a bit more direction, these are some of the Waters’ picks for the best places to grab a bite. 

• Best Brunch Spots: The Bad Monkey, Longboard Café, Coastal Salt, and Pablo’s Bowls (for a quick and healthy breakfast, their smoothies and acai bowls are made from fresh, organic produce from a nearby farm). 
•  Best Dinner Spots:  32 Palm, Fager’s Island, Shark on the Harbor
  

What to Do in Ocean City

This seaside town has a little bit of everything to offer bachelorette parties no matter the time of day or year. "If you are looking for an itinerary full of action or adventure, brides can check out our water sports, charter boats, or tipsy tiki rides," Waters suggests. "If a good meal and a fine wine is more your speed, we have dozens of excellent restaurants to choose from, offering the sophistication of the city with the charm of the shore."

Daytime Activities

Cultured types will enjoy spending the day soaking up the local color at the Art League of Ocean City followed by an OC Foodie Tour. From jet ski rentals to beach yoga to chartered fishing trips, you can easily fill your days with any combination of aquatic activities if you’re visiting in the warmer months then cool off with a scoop of nostalgia at one of Dumser’s Dairyland locations. No matter the weather, you can’t miss the Boardwalk, hailed by Travel Channel and National Geographic as one of the best in the U.S. And if you decide to venture outside the boundaries of Ocean City,  you can embark on the scenic drive to Assateague Island or take a day trip to Fenwick Island or Dewey Beach.

Nighttime Activities

Things start to heat up in this beach town after the sunsets. Live performances, never-ending cocktail lists, dance halls, and fun dive bars make up the nightlife scene of Ocean City—even the Boardwalk gets in on the after-dark action. Get the party started at Teaser’s, Macky’s, or Coconuts and see where the night takes you. 

Ocean City Bachelorette Party Itinerary

Day One 

• Afternoon: After checking in, head straight to the shore for a stylish welcome event with a luxury pop-up picnic on the beach from Palm Picnics.
• Evening: Get dolled up for a fine dining experience at a waterfront dinner spot like Fager’s Island or Shark on the Harbor.

Day Two

• Morning: Indulge in a big brunch and fuel up for a day of amusements and adventures. 
• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon on the Boardwalk or on the water with jet ski rentals or a Tipsy Tikis cruise.
• Evening: Keep the party going with a bar crawl including local favorites like Seacrets, Fishtales, or Tequila Mockingbird (where they boast the largest tequila library on the East Coast). 

Day Three

• Morning: Sleep in, grab a quick breakfast and head out for a day of retail therapy at local boutiques.
• Afternoon: On your way out, take a detour through Assateague Island in hopes of spotting the wild horses before saying your goodbyes to the group.