3 Days in Ocean City

Somehow Ocean City, Maryland, is able to squeeze all the best parts of summer into one 10-mile stretch of shoreline. Think sandy beaches and surf shops—but also fresh seafood, a giant Ferris wheel along a lively boardwalk, crabbing off a pontoon boat, and more. Given all that, three days on this barrier island may seem like barely enough time to scratch the surface, but fear not. The itinerary below hits plenty of the highlights, with time left over to soak up the sunshine from your beach chair.

Check Into Your HotelWhile most of the action in OC happens on the beach and boardwalk, you'll want to set up your home base on the bay side to experience a quieter side of town—with some added luxuries. The Edge, located on Isle of Wight Bay, features 12 newly remodeled suites with sweeping waterfront views, many of which can be taken in from private indoor hot tubs. Or for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, book the Lighthouse Club Hotel, which is modeled after the historic Thomas Point Shoal Light in Chesapeake Bay, with a wraparound porch overlooking the water. If beachside is a must-experience, Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites is just steps off the sand.

Have a Food Crawl Along the BoardwalkBoardwalk food is a must in any beach town, but Ocean City's is especially unmissable. Hailed by national media as one of the best in the country, the boardwalk here stretches for three miles and features all the classics (pizza, funnel cakes, ice cream)—plus a few places all its own. Bull on the Beach, for example, offers up pit-roasted barbecue beef alongside an entire seafood selection. Thrasher's is another long-standing boardwalk institution—it opened in 1929—whose specialty is French fries, served exclusively with salt and vinegar. Stock up on saltwater taffy at Dolles Candyland; a block over is the Bearded Clam, a venue that's been serving ice-cold beers since 1978.

Cap the Night at a Whiskey BarJust a few steps off the beach at 93rd Street, Liquid Assets is part whiskey bar, part liquor store, and part full-service dining establishment. The extensive spirits menu features a massive selection of Kentucky bourbon alongside American whiskey, rye, Scotch, and even a few tequilas. The only lineup more impressive might be the cheese and charcuterie, which pair perfectly with the house-made honeys. For an extra treat, stop by the lounge at Señor Cigars for some hand-rolled selections before calling it a night.

See What You Can Reel InFishing is a major draw in Ocean City, thanks to the rich marine life and a myriad of inshore and deep-sea fishing options. Kick off the morning with a half-day charter on the Ocean City Girl for a taste of both—you might reel in sea bass while trolling inshore, or mahi-mahi when casting off near OC's famous shipwrecks. If Maryland crabs are what you're after, catch a two-hour tour with OC Bay Hopper, a pontoon boat charter on which you can learn about the state's crabbing industry while pulling up crab pots.

Grab Some Beach HoagiesLocals flock to Anthony's Liquors—which has a deli tucked inside—for its Flagship hoagie (capicola, pepper ham, Genoa salami, and provolone) or the Nautilus (mortadella with pistachio, thinly sliced prosciutto, and soppressata). If you prefer to sit down for lunch, Bad Monkey also offers an array of hoagies at its two OC locations.

Check Out the Fine CuisineAfter soaking up some sun on the beach (or with a tropical cocktail in hand at Seacrets), get showered and ready for an evening in OC's fine-dining scene. Pull up a chair near the panoramic windows at The Hobbit Restaurant and watch the sunset while sipping on Elrond's Elderflower Negroni or Smaug's Spicy Margarita. The menu features a mix of international and local flavors, including fried green tomatoes with jumbo lump crab meat and vegan mapo Bolognese with Szechuan chili sauce over udon noodles. There's also Fager's Island, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, where you'll find more traditional seaside dining like stuffed shrimp and surf-and-turf.

Hang Ten at the Surfing BeachesThere are miles of unobstructed shoreline and solid waves, so it's no surprise that visitors and locals alike get out on their boards in Ocean City year-round. During the peak summer season, the town operates two floating dedicated surf beaches—one on the north end and one on the south end of town—the locations of which vary daily; there's also a permanent surfing beach at the inlet. Didn't bring your board? Head to one of the city's surf shops, like Malibu's or K-Coast, to rent boards and book lessons.

Get a Crab Cake for BrunchYou can't leave Ocean City without a crab cake—so grab yours at Barn 34, where the local classic is one of seven Benedict options offered on the brunch menu. Of course, there's also a variety of French toasts, omelets, and lunch options too, plus mimosas, Bloody Marys, and boozy coffee drinks.

Toast Your Trip with Some Local BrewsBefore packing out, head just a smidge deeper into Maryland and you'll find Sinepuxent Brewery. A taproom set on a farm turns out saisons, sours, and stouts alongside hard seltzer and iced tea. (Plus, you can pet goats or hang by the campfire with a beer in hand.) Just 10 minutes away, Burley Oak Brewing Company specializes in Berliner weisse-style fruited sours—perfect for summertime sipping.