Dogs and every other animal are banned from the beach and the Boardwalk from May 1 through September 30, leashed or not. From October 1 through April 30 they are permitted and must be leashed around town. Owners must clean up and remove waste.
Drinking alcohol or holding an open container is unlawful on the public beach, the Boardwalk, streets, sidewalks, municipal parking lots and in vehicles in those places, all year. Municipally permitted special events are the exception.
No fire of any kind is allowed on the beach without a special permit from the Ocean City fire marshal. That covers bonfires and every sort of grill, from charcoal and gas to hibachis and propane stoves.
Tents, meaning any structure with sides, are banned. Baby tents up to 3ft each way are allowed, and so are canopies open on all four sides, set behind the lifeguard stand, 3 feet clear of the next canopy, anchored inside their own footprint and not left unattended before 10am. The ordinance caps a canopy at 10ft by 10ft while the town's summary page currently says 15ft by 15ft, so use 10ft by 10ft.
Glass of any kind is banned on the beach all year, including bottles, jars and cups.
The Boardwalk, beach access ways, the beach and the dune crossings are smoke free, as are town parks and covered bus shelters. You may smoke only in a designated smoking area on the beach, within 15 feet of the waste receptacle. The rule covers cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vapes and any other tobacco product.
Surf fishing is unlawful on the public beaches from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through September 30, between 10am and 5:30pm, within 50 yards of swimmers or of anyone on the beach. Outside those dates and hours it is allowed. Chumming from the beach or within 600 feet of it is unlawful year round, as is sending a baited hook out by propulsion or by boat. A Maryland saltwater licence is required.
Not verified here
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
We have not verified this rule for this beach yet. Check with the city before you rely on it.
Source: Town of Ocean City, Maryland, Town Ordinances · checked 2026-09-09. Rules change by ordinance and by season. When it matters, confirm with the posted signs.
Dogs at Ocean City: Dogs and every other animal are banned from the beach and the Boardwalk from May 1 through September 30, leashed or not. From October 1 through April 30 they are permitted and must be leashed around town. Owners must clean up and remove waste. Not allowed at Ocean City: alcohol, glass, tents & shade. Allowed only in places or at certain times: dogs, fires & grills, smoking, fishing. Checked against Town of Ocean City, Maryland, Town Ordinances on 2026-09-09. Rules we have not verified for Ocean City are marked as such rather than guessed on the beach rules page.