Bayside Vacation Guide to Ocean City, MD: Rentals, Dining, and Activities
Ocean City, Maryland, is renowned for its vibrant Boardwalk and sandy beaches, but its bayside offers a serene escape with stunning views and a wealth of fun vacation activities.
Whether you’re seeking a luxurious waterfront retreat or a budget-conscious stay, Central Reservations offers a diverse selection of vacation rentals to suit every traveler.
From stunning Bayfront units with panoramic water views to charming canal-side properties ideal for boating enthusiasts, to bayside non-water rentals, which are typically the most budget-friendly options in Ocean City, we’re sure we have a bayside rental in Ocean City, MD to fit your vacation crew’s needs.
Today, we’ll give you a quick & easy guide to enjoying all that the Assawoman bay has to offer. We made a list with our favorite restaurants in OCMD with great Bayfront views, as well as our favorite activities to recommend to our guests who want to enjoy the bay and get a bit of a switch up from the standard vacation day of wake up, breakfast, beach, dinner, repeat.
If you have any questions about Ocean City, MD or any of our vacation rentals, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our 100% local staff is here and happy to help.
Top 5 Bayside Restaurants with a View in Ocean City, MD
Elevate your Ocean City experience with a meal at one of these top bayside restaurants, each offering delectable dishes and stunning bay views:
Enjoy crab cakes or blackened mahi tacos in a casual, family-friendly setting with expansive bayfront decks, perfect for watching the sunset over the water. Ropewalk even has a playground for kids and a fireworks show every Saturday in June, Tuesdays in July, and Saturdays in August beginning at 9:45!
This upscale gem serves seared scallops, orange glazed sesame short ribs, filet mignon, and of course delicious seafood. It has an intimate atmosphere, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the bay’s beauty. Perfect for a birthday or special occasion dinner!
While many know Fager’s as a nightlife hotspot in OC, they also have delicious food for Lunch & Dinner. Enjoy everything from Surf & Turf with a Crab Cake or Lobster Tail to delicious takes on classic sandwiches! Enjoy a stunning bay view on their iconic deck, where bay sunsets create a memorable dining experience.
Macky’s is a more budget friendly option, but they still serve up delicious food and amazing bay views with sand beneath your feet on their bayside beach dining area. A few of our favorite dishes from Macky’s include their smoked salmon wrap, and their Lobster Mac & Cheese.
Last, but certainly not least is 45th Street Taphouse. This vibrant spot offers over 50 craft beers with 2 bars, one indoor & one outdoor, and food that hits the spot. A few of our favorites are their Steak Tacos & the Mexican Street Corn salad with chicken!
Top Bayside Activities on Assawoman Bay
The Assawoman Bay is the heart of Ocean City’s bayside adventure, offering water-based fun for all. Here are a few of our favorite bay-centric activities sure to give your vacation experience a boost:
Rent Jet Skis or Pontoon Boats:
Feel the thrill or cruise leisurely with rentals from Odyssea Watersports on 52nd Street or Under the Bridge Watersports off Talbot Street in downtown OC. Both provide jet skis and pontoon boats for exploring the bay’s calm waters.
Paddle-boarding:
Glide across Assawoman Bay on a stand-up paddle-board from 67th Street Paddle Cove, or even bring your own! It’s a peaceful way to enjoy the scenery and spot our local wildlife.
Fishing:
Cast a line in the bay, known for flounder and striped bass. Rent gear or book a charter for a relaxing morning of angling.
Tipsy Tiki Boat Tour:
For a fun evening on the water, book a 90-minute Tipsy Tiki cruise, complete with drinks and your choice of music as you tour the bay with friends.
Plan Your Bayside Escape with Central Reservations
Ocean City’s bayside blends relaxation and adventure, and Central Reservations makes it easy to find your ideal vacation rental in OCMD. Explore our diverse options, from bayfront to budget-friendly Bayside non-water units, at centraloc.com and book directly to unlock perks like dining coupons.
More Things to Do in Ocean City
Take your OC trip to the next level:
Things to do on your family vacation to Ocean City
Our favorite fine dining restaurants in OC
Bonus: Thinking About a Beach Home?
If being in OC makes you fall in love with our beach-town and you want to consider purchasing your own place at the beach, check out the Fritschle Barker Group’s YouTube Channel—Grant and Jon are ‘THE’ Real Estate experts in Ocean City, MD and can help you find your dream home, condo, or townhome in OC!
Stay Connected with Central Reservations
Check out some of our other blogs for Ocean City vacation tips on places to stay, things to do, and great spots to eat!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Vacationing in Ocean City
Book your stay: www.centraloc.com
Call us: (410) 723-4111
Email: info@centraloc.com
BOOK NOW
We can’t wait to see you in Ocean City, MD, for an awesome Labor Day weekend!
See you at the beach soon!
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Central Reservations
Ocean City’s Vacation Rental Leaders
Qualifying Criteria
All images used in this blog post were sourced directly from the official websites of the respective restaurants and businesses mentioned, including Ropewalk Restaurant, The Hobbit Restaurant, Fager’s Island, Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill, 45th Street Taphouse, Odyssea Watersports, Under the Bridge Watersports, and Tipsy Tiki. Additional images were created or sourced from Canva to enhance the visual appeal of this guide. The restaurants and activities featured were carefully selected based on Central Reservations’ extensive local knowledge of Ocean City, MD, and positive feedback from our past guests, ensuring authentic and guest-approved recommendations.