Ocean City kicks off summer at the beach with new restaurants, wellness concepts, and boardwalk experiences.
New Things to Do
There’s a new way to get around Ocean City, beginning Memorial Day weekend. Pedicabs will be debuting on the boardwalk to replace the discontinued tram service. The cycle rickshaws will be available from 2 p.m. to midnight daily. Pricing ranges from $10 for a half-mile to $30 for the 2.2-mile length of the boardwalk. Twenty-five pedicabs should be operating by July 1, with 20 in operation and five on standby.
Also, the interactive gallery “Waterbird” has opened up at Ripleys Believe It or Not! Ocean City with ocean-inspired oddities, a secret room, and photo opps right on the boardwalk.
New Dining & Wellness
Brasa, a restaurant equally inspired by the cuisines and cooking philosophies of Argentina and Italy, is taking shape on 33rd Street to replace Guido’s Burritos. The “Argentalian” concept will make use of a wood-burning oven for authentic Neopolitan pies, wood-fired steaks with house chimichurri, fire-roasted chicken, and grilled seafood.
On the bay, Oyster and Scales, which opened in September 2025, will experience its first full Ocean City summer. The seafood-focused restaurant is inspired by the classic elegance of Cape Cod’s oyster houses. It was created by celebrated local restaurateur Peter Elias, the founder of Spain Wine Bar. The waterfront restaurant has a raw bar, craft cocktails, small plates, and entrees including steaks and scallops.
Elias also opened Bai-Tee Bakery & Cafe, a boardwalk bakery with Middle Eastern and French influences, at the end of last summer.
Fans of Surfin’ Betty’s Burger Bar now have a third location to enjoy its pasture-raised beef burgers, hand spun milkshakes, and beer with outdoor seating. It’s at 127th Street and Coastal Highway in the former Tony Luke’s spot.
The Core Club Studio X the Juice Club Cafe, a new wellness concept on 81st Street downtown, combines a heated sculpt and barre studio with a health-conscious cafe and juice bar. Guests can grab fresh juices, smoothies, acai, coffee, and nutritious bites before or after a workout.
Hospitality Updates
Ashore Oceanfront Hotel is putting the finishing touches on an extensive renovation to be completed for the season. The renovation includes 250 guest rooms and suites, event spaces, the fitness center, and cafe. The beachfront resort recently announced that it has joined the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, meaning guests can now earn and redeem points. The hotel is offering 3,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points, any day of the week, nightly, for stays through the end of the year. Also new for the summer are free monthly fitness socials in partnership with The Stoke (a yoga, Pilates, and strength-training studio). Also, an expanded nightly Summer Series features regular live entertainment. Plus, there’s a new low- and no-alcohol cocktail menu.
Feature image courtesy Ocean City Tourism/Photo by Rachel Smith Photo
