Men's Health April 2, 2026 0 Comments

Unlock the Secret Ocean City Workout That Turns Every Vacation into a Fat-Burning Adventure!

Ever find yourself sprawled out at the beach, trying to chill with a book or puzzle, but your brain just won’t switch off? Yeah, me too. If you’re the type who fidgets more than floats, then Ocean City, Maryland might just be your kinda playground. With 10 miles of Atlantic shoreline for the sun worshippers, this spot also throws down a buffet of activities for the movers and shakers—think surf culture dating back to the ’60s, marshland golf courses, and a bay begging to be paddled. Whether you’re looking to catch your first wave, reel in some deep-sea action, or just crank your energy up a notch, this place won’t leave you sitting still. Ready to dive into a beach town that keeps pace with your restless spirit? Let’s roll. LEARN MORE

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Some people can hit the beach and spend all day on a chaise in the sand, breezing through books and wading into the water when the sun gets too hot. Others flop down on a towel and attempt to relax with a crossword but just can’t seem to sit still. If you’re in the second camp, Ocean City, Maryland, is your kind of beach town.

With 10 miles of Atlantic coastline, beach bums can always find a sunny spot to snooze in Ocean City. But if you prefer a more active vacation, this narrow barrier island also boasts golf courses carved into coastal marshland, a surf scene that’s been going strong since the ’60s, and a bay that is best explored by paddleboard—and it’s all within a day’s drive from major East Coast cities. Here are some of the best ways to get moving in this seaside locale.

Catch Your First (or Next) Wave

Ocean City’s first surf shop opened on 18th Street in 1964 and although it’s long gone, you’ll still feel that pedigree around town. Surf culture is serious enough that there are dedicated hours between Memorial Day weekend and September 30th—anywhere before 10 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m.—for uninterrupted shredding. Rent or buy a board at K-Coast Surf Shop and browse the hand-shaped selection at Malibu’s.

If you’re in need of a lesson, Ocean City’s laid-back waves are a boon for beginners. Grasp foundational skills with Wave Riding School, whose instructors—some with national titles—break down the fundamentals fast.

Explore the Bay

On the western side of the island, head onto Isle of Wight Bay, which connects to Assawoman and Sinepuxent Bays. To survey the area on your own, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Sea Rocket or 48th Street Watersports, or head to Paddle Cove further north. Book a guided daytime eco tour for the chance to see dolphins, stingrays, and horseshoe crabs. Or paddle out after dark on an LED-lit board, illuminating the water beneath you.

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Courtesy of Ocean City

Go Fish

Known as the White Marlin Capital of the World and one of the East Coast’s best areas for deep-sea fishing, Ocean City is host to the annual White Marlin Open—one of the largest billfish tournaments. But the action doesn’t stop offshore; there’s plenty to catch closer to the beach. Embark on Ocean City Girl’s 10-Hour Mate’s Special, where you’ll drag lures behind a slow boat a few miles offshore to catch mahi-mahi, and more. Then, drop lines to the ocean floor to hook bottom-dwellers like sea bass and flounder. Charter a private fishing boat with OC Bay Hopper or try its crabbing tour to pull in crab pots in Assawoman Bay.

Let Your Inner Child Loose

Jolly Roger Amusement Park has been an Ocean City institution for over 50 years and operates several distinct venues. At the most iconic, Jolly Roger at the Pier, you’ll find a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and classic boardwalk games. At the most full-throttle locale, racing complex SpeedWorld, you’ll find 10 racetracks for full-throttle competition. There you can ride the five-story Cyclone Cart Coaster, a mashup of go-karts and rollercoasters, and open-wheel race along the pro racetrack.

Courtesy of Ocean City

Pedal the Boardwalk and Beyond

Ocean City lies low, so you can log easy miles on a bike. For a classic ride, pedal the nearly three-mile boardwalk, stopping to get an ice cream cone here and a piece of world-famous salt water taffy there. For a quieter spin, head to serene, 58-acre Northside Park, where bike-friendly paths wind alongside sports fields and playgrounds. Just outside town, at Assateague Island National Seashore, cycle four miles through salt marshes, pine forests, and sand dunes. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, shorebirds, and the wild ponies that roam freely across the island.

Golf With a View

Mild year-round weather? Check. Courses created by acclaimed designers? Definitely. You better believe that Ocean City is a veritable golf destination. For an exemplary course, look to Rum Pointe, where the marsh, open water, and wind shape the play across bentgrass fairways and greens (17 of the 18 holes have bay views). Over at Eagle’s Landing, look out across Sinepuxent Bay and Assateague Island National Seashore while you pull out the long iron for par fours. Eighteen holes meander through Maryland’s first certified Audubon cooperative sanctuary, meaning the wildlife habitat is tended as carefully as the greens. Not a scratch golfer? Check out Jolly Roger Mini Golf, where the 30th Street location has two 18-hole courses.

It’s easy to get to Ocean City, Maryland—and even easier to keep going back. Plan your trip at ococean.com.