Castle in the Sand Hotel
Ocean City Tourism

Top Places to Stay in Ocean City

By Jim Meyer
Castle in the Sand Hotel
Ocean City Tourism

Ocean City may be the vacation mecca of the mid-Atlantic, and for good reason. Miles of white, sandy ocean beaches, watersports on the bay, quintessential beach living on the famous boardwalk, and lots of great places to stay right in the heart of it all. Here’s just a smattering of the great accommodations in OC with everything from beach camping to penthouse luxury.

1
The Atlantic Hotel
Ace Atlantic Hotel

An idyllic Victorian built right on Ocean City’s famous boardwalk, the Atlantic has been family run to provide family fun since 1923! The location puts you right in the heart of it all, and the beachfront balcony is the perfect place for spotting dolphins at sunrise and people-watching all day long.  

2
The Carousel
Ocean front Carousel Hotel

It doesn’t get any more Ocean City than the Carousel. Built on the beach, The Carousel has an indoor pool, a fitness center, and it’s famous, one-of-a-kind ice skating rink!  

3
Princess Royale Resort
Princess Royale Resort
Courtesy Princess Royale Resort

Two room, kitchenette suites make the Princess Royale a great base for you and the kids, and the luxury of the on-site Creative Day Spa means mom and dad will get a true vacation, too. The atrium with its palm trees, crystal clear pool, and open view of the Atlantic makes the Princess Royale a year round resort. 

4
Frontier Town & Fort Whaley
Frontier Town & Fort Whaley Campgrounds
Frontier Town

Just over the bridge in West OC and smack dab in the middle between the boardwalk and Assateague National Seashore, Frontier Town brings the Old West to the East Coast. Full-service campgrounds and cabins make a great option, especially if you like to mix your salt water taffy with the occasional stage coach robbery. 

5
The Edge Hotel at Fager’s Island
Edge Hotel at Fager’s Island

The 12 unique suites of The Edge offer sweeping panoramas of the beautiful Sinepuxent Bay and luxurious contemporary décor each with their own theme. Sample the modern, European flair of the Riviera suite, experience the exotic Safari, Orient Express and Bali suites, or revel in the sumptuous Hang Five Penthouse.

6
Camp at Assateague State Park
Assateague Island National Seashore Beach Camping
Frank Forgione

If you think “staying at the beach,” means “staying ON the beach,” then Assateague State Park is the place for you. The hustle and bustle of Ocean City is just minutes away, but the serene sands, rolling waves and legendary wild horses of Assateague are right outside your tent. 

7
Rent a Condo on the Canal
Sunset Island Bayside Condos Ocean City
Courtesy of www.sunsetisland.net

With so many private condos and houses to rent, you’re sure to find something just right for your Ocean City adventure. Find a great spot on one of the bayside canals. You’ll have a pier for fishing or tying up your own boat, and all the amenities of home. 

8
Hilton Suites Ocean City Waterfront
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
Visit us at www.oceancityhilton.com

Hilton luxury on the white sands of OC! The Hilton Suites Waterfront has a great game room and arcade for the kids and an adults-only pool for the grownups. Full kitchens make this a great beachfront home away from home while the beautiful balconies and tropical style swim-up bar let you forget about the work-a-day world.

9
Castle in the Sand Hotel
Castle in the Sand Hotel
Ocean City Tourism

With its iconic architecture, Castle in the Sand looks like it was torn from the pages of a storybook and placed on the Ocean City beach. Castle in the Sand has been an OC landmark for generations, and with great activities for the kids and live music, great seafood and servers that will bring a famous, fresh-squeezed Crush from the Castle’s Coconuts bar right to your beach umbrella, Castle in the Sand Hotel is perfect for every beach traveler.

10
Dunes Manor Hotel
deck overlooking OC beach
Dunes Manor

A modern take on the classic Ocean City Victorian beach hotel, Dunes Manor is fresh off of a sumptuous renovation that kicked up this OC classic to the next level. Every room has an ocean view, and Dunes Manor’s four fantastic restaurants each offer something special.