Top 5 Hidden Gems for Ocean City Vacationers to Visit
As Ocean City MD’s best vacation rental company, we’ve been welcoming guests to Ocean City for decades. Through countless conversations with our amazing vacationers, we keep hearing this question time and time again: “What are some good places to visit that not many people know about?”
While everyone flocks to Ocean City’s famous boardwalk (and rightfully so!), we’ve noticed that our most memorable guest experiences often happen at the hidden gems tucked away from the crowds.
So today, we figured we’d give you a guide of the Top 5 Hidden gems for Ocean City MD vacationers to visit- written by year-round locals who know their way around to say the least.
Ready to experience Ocean City like a local? Read until the end!
1. Smoker’s BBQ Pit – A Carnivore’s Paradise
Smoker’s BBQ Pit is a family-run gem delivering authentic pit-smoked barbecue with genuine hospitality. The aroma of slow-smoked meats hits you as soon as you walk in. Their brisket is tender and effortless to cut, and the pulled pork is another delicious staple. What elevates the experience are their house-made sauces, crafted to enhance the smoky flavors.
Start with the bacon-wrapped jalapeños—spicy, savory bites that pack a punch. For your main, the Smokers BBQ Burger stacks their signature meats with fresh toppings for a satisfying meal. Families can dig into the budget-friendly family meals!
Pro tip: when the seasonal crab cake special appears, get there early—they sell out fast and live up to the hype.
The relaxed vibe suits families or groups of friends looking to enjoy a hearty meal. Smoker’s BBQ Pit serves straightforward comfort food with care, making it a standout spot.
2. Assateague Island – Wild Horse Adventures
A short drive from Ocean City, Assateague Island is a barrier island where wild horses roam free across beaches and maritime forests. Its biking and hiking trails wind through diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife, from shorebirds to the iconic ponies. The beaches here are quieter than Ocean City’s, offering a peaceful escape for locals and visitors.
If you’re heading to the beach at Assateague, make sure you check wind conditions before heading out—west winds can bring flies that make relaxing difficult at times. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Ocean City, Assateague is a great place to visit.
Pro Tip: Purchase an OSV pass, drive your SUV onto the beach at assateague and enjoy a family picnic at dinner time!
3. Stinky Beach – The Local’s Secret
Tucked along the western Bayfront of Assawoman Bay and right next to the Rt. 50 Bridge, Stinky Beach is a long-held local secret in Ocean City, far from the crowded boardwalks.
Despite its quirky name, this quiet strip of sand offers a serene escape with eastward views over the bay and into downtown Ocean City. At sunrise, the distant hotels and condos glow in golden hues as gentle bay waters lap the shore.
The soft sand and calm waters create a relaxed vibe, ideal for true beach relaxation. Locals cherish this spot for its tranquility, but we think you should give it a go too!
For visitors craving an authentic, off-the-radar experience, Stinky Beach is the place to go.
Pro Tip: Don’t tell anyone we told you about Stinky Beach- it’s supposed to be a secret!
Learn more about stinky beach!
4. The Grove Market – A Culinary Experience!
The Grove is a refined and highly unique dining spot located just 15-20 minutes outside of Ocean City, in Bishopville Md. This is spot that’s cherished by locals for its fresh, seasonal, made from scratch cuisine. Each evening, the menu is reinvented, featuring the day’s finest ingredients. With no printed menus, the servers present the night’s offering, adding a personal touch that sets the stage for a meal you won’t soon forget.
The ever-changing menu keeps every visit unpredictable and engaging. From duck to smoked fish, imported lamb, and their deserts that are absolutely delectable, you can’t go wrong at the Grove. *Try the Pie-Lady’s Bumbleberry pie if it’s available!
Pro Tip(s): The Grove is best enjoyed on Date Night with your significant other- as kids may not enjoy a lot of the offerings.
Be prepared to pay cash for your meal- as they do not accept credit cards. They have an ATM on site. And we’ll repeat. Bring Cash!
Make reservations well in advance and visit the Grove’s website below to learn more about their reservation policies.
5. The Surfside Rooster – Breakfast Bliss
Tucked away in West Ocean City right off of Rt 611 is the Surfside Rooster. This breakfast haven is where many locals and frequent OCMD vacationers flock to enjoy their breakfast!
The warm, welcoming service hits you as soon as you step inside, with staff treating you like one of their own. The menu delivers classic breakfast done right with everything from Eggs Benedict to their famous cinnamon bun and even a hot honey fried chicken & waffles (our favorite).
Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday for shorter wait times and try one of their breakfast cocktails!
Visit the Surfside Rooster Facebook Page
Experience Ocean City Like a Local
We’ve shared just a glimpse of Ocean City’s hidden treasures that most visitors never discover. As your local vacation rental hosts, we’re passionate about helping you experience our beloved coastal town like a true insider. When you stay with us, you’re not just getting exceptional accommodations – you’re gaining access to decades of local knowledge and our carefully curated list of secret spots.
If you visit one of these hidden gems, let us know what you think!
Bonus: Thinking About Buying a Beach Home?
If seeing some of the locals favorites in and around OCMD 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—they’re the top experts in Ocean City MD real estate 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 NEXT STAY NOW: www.centraloc.com
Call us: (410) 723-4111
Email: info@centraloc.com
We can’t wait to see you in Ocean City, MD, for an awesome July 4th weekend!
See you at the beach soon!
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Central Reservations
Ocean City’s Vacation Rental Leaders