Is a Day Trip to Ocean City from DC Worth It? Quick Facts
Dreaming of swapping city sidewalks for a sandy boardwalk? An escape from Washington, D.C. to the classic beach town of Ocean City, Maryland is more than just a dream—it’s a perfectly achievable day trip. Before you start packing your beach bag, here’s a quick look at what the journey entails.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from DC | ~140 miles |
| Driving Time | 2.5 – 3.5 hours (no traffic) |
| Bus Travel Time | 4 – 5.5 hours |
| Estimated Day Trip Cost | $100 – $250 per person |
| Best Time to Visit | September (fewer crowds, great weather) |
| Main Draw | Free public beach, iconic boardwalk, classic beach food |
How to Get to Ocean City from Washington, D.C.
The biggest question for many DC residents is a simple one: “How do I get there?” You might think a 140-mile trip requires a car, but we’re here to show you the best ways to reach the beach, with or without your own wheels.
The No-Car Solution: Taking the Bus from DC
Yes, there is a bus from DC to Ocean City, and it’s a fantastic, stress-free option! Forget about battling Bay Bridge traffic or hunting for expensive parking. You can sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving. Here are the top choices for your car-free adventure in 2025.
| Service | Departs From | Avg. Duration | Avg. One-Way Cost | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BayRunner Shuttle | Near Union Station | ~4 hours | $70 – $80 | Speed and Comfort |
| Greyhound / Peter Pan | Union Station | 4.5 – 5.5 hours | $40 – $60 | Budget Travelers |
With services like BayRunner Shuttle offering a more direct and comfortable ride and Greyhound providing a budget-friendly alternative, getting to the sand has never been easier for the car-free city dweller.
Getting There By Car
If you choose to drive, the primary route is taking US-50 East straight to the coast. The drive is about 140 miles and takes around 3 hours without traffic. Be warned: summer weekend traffic is legendary. Leaving DC on a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning can easily add 1-2 hours to your trip. You’ll cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which has an eastbound toll of around $4.00.
Parking in Ocean City
Once you arrive, parking can be a major headache, especially in the peak season from June to August. Metered street parking and municipal lots cost about $3-$4 per hour, and private lots can charge $20-$40+ for the day. For a stress-free experience, we highly recommend the West Ocean City Park & Ride. You can park for free and take an all-day shuttle bus into town for just a few dollars.
Top 5 Things to Do on an Ocean City Day Trip
You’ve made it! Now it’s time to enjoy the best of what Ocean City has to offer. Here are five must-do activities to make your day trip unforgettable.
- Stroll the Famous Boardwalk & Hit the Beach: These two are the heart and soul of Ocean City. The historic 2.5-mile boardwalk, first built in 1902, is perfect for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or people-watching. Best of all, access to the wide, sandy beach is completely FREE. Find a spot, lay down your towel, and soak up the sun. While you’re on the boards, you have to try the local trifecta: a bucket of Thrasher’s French Fries, a tub of Fisher’s Popcorn, and some saltwater taffy from Dolle’s Candyland.
- Ride the Ferris Wheel at Trimper’s Rides: For a dose of classic Americana and the best views in town, head to Trimper’s Rides at the southern end of the boardwalk. As one of the oldest family-owned amusement parks in the United States, it’s packed with history and nostalgia. A ride on the giant Ferris wheel gives you a breathtaking panorama of the boardwalk, the beach, and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Catch a Sunset Over the Bay: While the sun rises over the ocean, it sets over the tranquil Isle of Wight Bay. This is a spectacle you don’t want to miss. For the full experience, grab a drink at a vibrant bayside spot like Fager’s Island or Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill. For a free and quiet alternative, find a bench at one of the small street-end parks along the bayside.
- Go on a Dolphin Watching Tour: Get out on the water and see the coast from a new perspective! Several tour operators based in the bayside marinas offer dolphin-watching excursions. It’s a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours, enjoy the sea breeze, and watch pods of dolphins play in their natural habitat.
- Indulge in a Seafood Feast: You’re in Maryland, which means incredible seafood is a requirement. Whether you’re craving steamed blue crabs covered in Old Bay, fresh-shucked oysters, or a perfectly cooked piece of rockfish, Ocean City has you covered. End your day by treating yourself to a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many renowned local restaurants.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary (Car-Free Focus)
Wondering how to fit it all in? Here’s a sample schedule to help you maximize your car-free day of fun.
- 7:00 AM: Grab a coffee and board your pre-booked bus at or near DC’s Union Station. Settle in for a relaxing ride to the coast.
- 11:30 AM: Arrive in Ocean City! The bus will drop you off within walking distance of the beach and boardwalk.
- 12:00 PM: Your first mission: walk to the boardwalk and get a bucket of legendary Thrasher’s French Fries (doused in vinegar, of course).
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: It’s beach time! Find your spot on the sand, go for a swim in the Atlantic, and relax.
- 4:00 PM: Shake off the sand and explore the boardwalk. Play some classic arcade games, browse the quirky souvenir shops, and take a ride on the Ferris wheel for amazing afternoon views.
- 6:00 PM: Head a few blocks west to the bayside. Settle in at a waterfront restaurant for a delicious seafood dinner as you watch the sun set over the bay.
- 8:00 PM: With a full belly and a camera roll full of memories, walk back to your bus stop for the return journey to D.C.
Where to Eat: From Boardwalk Bites to Bayside Dining
Ocean City’s food scene has something for every taste and budget. Here are a few local favorites.
$ (Budget-Friendly & Quick Bites)
- Thrasher’s French Fries: An Ocean City institution since 1929. They only sell fries and drinks, and don’t even think about asking for ketchup!
- Dumser’s Dairyland: Famous for its homemade ice cream, thick milkshakes, and casual diner food. A perfect spot to cool down.
- Piezano’s Pizza by the Slice: Grab a huge, delicious slice of pizza right on the boardwalk for a quick and satisfying meal.
$$ (Classic Sit-Down & Bar Vibe)
- Seacrets Jamaica USA: A massive, sprawling bayside complex with multiple bars, a nightclub, and a restaurant. Famous for its tropical drinks and party atmosphere.
- Fish Tales: A super family-friendly spot on the bay with a pirate ship playground for kids and sandy areas for everyone to relax.
- Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill: A great spot for happy hour and sunset views, with a dog-friendly beach and a laid-back vibe.
$$$ (Sunset Views & Special Occasions)
- Fager’s Island: An elegant bayside restaurant known for its upscale American cuisine and stunning sunset views, often accompanied by classical music.
- The Shark on the Harbor: Located in West Ocean City, this spot is celebrated for its creative, locally sourced menu with a focus on fresh seafood.
Planning Your Visit: What to Know Before You Go
A little planning goes a long way. Keep these details in mind for a smooth trip.
- Best Days to Visit: For the fewest crowds, plan your day trip between Tuesday and Thursday. Saturdays are the busiest day of the week in summer.
- Seasonal Hours: Ocean City is a seasonal town. The peak season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when everything is open with long hours. In the shoulder seasons (May, September), many places have reduced hours. From late October to April, the town is very quiet, with many businesses closed.
- Beach Safety: The ocean is powerful. Always swim near a lifeguard and pay attention to warnings about rip currents. The Ocean City Beach Patrol is on duty daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM in the peak season.
- Accessibility: The 2.5-mile boardwalk is flat and generally accessible, with ramps connecting to the street. The city also offers beach wheelchairs for rent for those with mobility challenges.
What to Pack for a Day at the Beach
Pack light, but pack smart! Here is a simple checklist for your day trip.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ and reapply often!)
- A large beach towel
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Your swimsuit and a change of clothes for the evening
- A portable phone charger/power bank
- Cash for smaller boardwalk vendors and arcades
- A good book for relaxing on the sand
Estimated Day Trip Budget Breakdown
A day trip to Ocean City can be done on a budget or as a splurge. This table gives you a realistic cost estimate per person for your 2025 trip, focusing on the car-free bus option.
| Expense | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Traveler |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation (Bus) | ~$90 (Round-trip) | ~$150 (Round-trip) |
| Food & Drinks | ~$40 (Boardwalk food) | ~$80 (Sit-down meal) |
| Activities | ~$15 (Arcade, one ride) | ~$40 (Rides, mini golf) |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$145 | ~$270 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get from DC to Ocean City without a car?
The best way to get from D.C. to Ocean City without a car is by bus. Services like BayRunner Shuttle offer a direct, comfortable 4-hour ride, while Greyhound and Peter Pan provide more budget-friendly options that may take a bit longer. Both major services depart from or near Washington’s Union Station.
Is there a bus from Washington, DC to Ocean City Maryland?
Yes, absolutely. There are several bus options for travel in 2025. BayRunner Shuttle, Greyhound, and Peter Pan all operate routes between the Union Station area in D.C. and various stops in Ocean City, MD, making a car-free day trip or weekend getaway easy to plan.
Is it worth going to Ocean City, Maryland?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a classic American beach experience, Ocean City is well worth the trip. With its famous free beach and boardwalk, fun amusement rides, lively atmosphere, and delicious local food, it’s the perfect escape from the city. Its accessibility by bus makes it a great option even for those without a car.
What is the best month to go to Ocean City, Maryland?
The best month to visit Ocean City is September. This is known as the “local’s summer.” You’ll enjoy beautifully warm weather, warm ocean temperatures, and significantly fewer crowds than in the peak months of July and August. Prices for some activities also tend to be lower.
TLDR: Your Quick Guide to the Trip
In a hurry? Here are the absolute essentials:
- Go Car-Free: Take the BayRunner Shuttle (~4 hrs) or Greyhound (~5 hrs) from DC’s Union Station to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
- Must-Do: Walk the 2.5-mile boardwalk, eat Thrasher’s Fries, and relax on the free public beach.
- Best Time to Go: Plan your trip for a weekday in September for perfect weather and smaller crowds.
- Budget: Expect to spend around $150-$270 per person for a full day trip including bus fare, food, and fun.
