Dog-Friendly Ocean City, Maryland
Where to stay, eat, and explore with your dog in Ocean City MD, plus the key seasonal beach rules every pet parent should know.
Ocean City, MD
Know Before You Go
Dogs are allowed on the Ocean City beach and boardwalk only from October 1 through April 30, and must be leashed.
The Ocean City Dog Playground at 94th Street bayside is the town’s designated off-leash dog area and requires a registration pass.
Town parks including Northside Park welcome dogs on leash, making it easier to fit in walks outside peak beach season.
Best Bets for Dog Parents
Ocean City has several waterfront restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating, especially along the bayside.
You’ll find a solid mix of chain hotels with published pet policies, including oceanfront and bayside stays.
Assateague Island National Seashore is close by, but pets are restricted to specific Maryland areas and are not allowed north of Assateague State Park toward the Ocean City Inlet.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Ocean City, MD
Hyatt Place Ocean City / Oceanfront
A polished oceanfront stay near the southern end of town with a clearly published dog policy and easy access to the off-season boardwalk.
1 16th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteAloft Ocean City
A stylish Marriott bayfront option that stands out for its no-fee pet policy and modern rooms close to midtown dining.
4501 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteTru by Hilton Ocean City Bayside
A practical midtown base with free breakfast, indoor pool, and a published pet fee structure that works well for shorter stays.
3401 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteHome2 Suites by Hilton Ocean City Bayside
A good fit for longer trips thanks to in-room kitchens, free breakfast, and a straightforward pet policy near 67th Street.
120 67th Street, Unit 3A, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteFairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Ocean City
A dependable Marriott option near the convention-center area with indoor pool access and room for up to two pets.
2501 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteResidence Inn Ocean City
A strong choice for families traveling with dogs thanks to suites with kitchens, bay views, and a dog-only policy.
300 Seabay Lane, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteLa Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ocean City
A convenient stay close to the beach and boardwalk area, popular with travelers who want chain-hotel consistency and pet-friendly rooms.
106 32nd Street, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants in Ocean City, MD
Macky's Bayside Bar & Grill
One of Ocean City’s best-known dog-friendly patios, with open-air bayside seating, sunset views, and a canine menu.
5311 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteFish Tales
A lively family-friendly bayside spot at Bahia Marina with a designated dog area on the boardwalk and dock.
2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteLongboard Cafe
A polished neighborhood favorite with a covered porch that is especially handy in cooler or breezy weather.
6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit Website45th Street Taphouse
A casual waterfront pick for lunch, dinner, or sunset drinks with a spacious outside patio on the bay.
4507 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteTailchasers Restaurant & Dock Bar
A canal-side favorite in north Ocean City with covered deck seating, strong pet-friendly reviews, and a dedicated dog menu.
12203 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteDead Freddies Island Grill
A fun family stop with a waterfront patio and playground, making it a good option if you’re dining with both kids and dogs.
105 64th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks & Activities in and Near Ocean City
Ocean City Dog Playground
The town’s designated off-leash dog area, with separate spaces for open dogs and small dogs, agility features, hydrants, benches, and a doggie pool.
502 94th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteNorthside Park
A large bayside park that welcomes leashed dogs and gives you plenty of room for scenic walks, especially useful during summer beach restrictions.
200 125th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteOcean City Beach & Boardwalk (Off-Season Only)
From October 1 through April 30, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach and boardwalk, making the shoulder season especially appealing for pet trips.
Ocean City Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteDoggie Style Canine Cafe
A fun stop near the inlet for gourmet dog treats, gifts, and supplies when you want to spoil your pup during your trip.
806 S Atlantic Avenue #2, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteHomer Gudelsky Park
A simple waterfront green space in West Ocean City that works well for a leashed walk and quick stretch near the inlet area.
12055 Old Bridge Road, Ocean City, MD 21842
Visit WebsiteAssateague Island National Seashore (Maryland district)
A worthwhile nearby excursion for scenic drives and select pet-accessible areas, but check restrictions carefully before you go.
7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Ocean City
This sample plan works best in the off-season if you want beach time with your dog, but it can be adapted year-round by swapping in parks and patios.
Day 1: Arrival and Bayside Sunset
Check into a pet-friendly hotel like Aloft, Hyatt Place, or Residence Inn and take your dog for a neighborhood walk to settle in.
Head to the Ocean City Dog Playground at 94th Street if you already have the required pass, or enjoy a leashed walk through Northside Park.
Book an outdoor table at Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill or 45th Street Taphouse for sunset views and a relaxed first dinner.
Day 2: Boardwalk or Park Day
If visiting between October 1 and April 30, start with a leashed walk on the beach and boardwalk. In warmer months, substitute a longer walk at Northside Park.
Grab lunch at Longboard Cafe or Fish Tales, then stop by Doggie Style Canine Cafe for treats and travel goodies.
Wind down with dinner at Tailchasers or Dead Freddies on the patio, where your dog can stay with you outdoors.
Day 3: Nature Side Trip
Take a short drive toward Berlin for a nearby nature outing and review Assateague pet rules before entering, since dogs are limited to specific Maryland areas.
Return through West Ocean City for a leashed stroll at Homer Gudelsky Park and a casual lunch stop before checkout.
Pick up an early dinner or one last patio meal, then head home before traffic builds.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Bethany Beach, DE
~15 milesA quieter Delaware beach town that pairs well with an Ocean City trip for a calmer coastal day out.
Lewes, DE
~35 milesHistoric, relaxed, and popular for dog-friendly coastal getaways on the Delaware shore.
Rehoboth Beach, DE
~30 milesA lively beach destination with more dining and shopping options if you want to extend your Mid-Atlantic dog-friendly road trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland?
Yes, but only seasonally. In Ocean City, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach and boardwalk from October 1 through April 30. From May 1 through September 30, dogs are not permitted on the beach or boardwalk.
Is there an off-leash dog park in Ocean City?
Yes. The Ocean City Dog Playground at 94th Street bayside is the town’s designated off-leash dog area. It requires advance registration and a pass issued through Northside Park.
Can I bring my dog to restaurants in Ocean City?
Many Ocean City restaurants allow dogs in outdoor seating areas, especially on bayside patios and decks. Policies vary by business and seating area, so it is smart to call ahead before you go.
What is the average pet fee at Ocean City hotels?
Published hotel pet fees in Ocean City commonly fall between about $50 and $150 per stay, though some hotels charge by night and a few, like Aloft Ocean City, advertise pets stay free.
Are dogs allowed in Ocean City parks?
Yes. Town parks welcome dogs as long as they remain on leash, and owners are expected to clean up after them. The main off-leash exception is the registered Dog Playground.
Can dogs go to Assateague near Ocean City?
Dogs are allowed only in certain areas of the Maryland portion of Assateague Island National Seashore and must stay on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They are not allowed on nature trails, lifeguarded beaches, or north of Assateague State Park toward the Ocean City Inlet.
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