Where to Go Surfing Spots in Ocean City (And When to Catch the Best Waves)

STGN Official

May 25

2 min read

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Surfers ride waves at sunset with seagulls on rocky shore. The sky is orange and pink, adding a vibrant backdrop to the scene.

Don’t wait—plan your ultimate surf session now with the top surfing spots in Ocean City! Whether you’re a grom or an experienced rider, OCMD offers a rotating lineup of breaks, consistent swell windows, and dedicated surf zones to suit every skill level. Read on to discover where and when to paddle out for peak conditions.

Table of Contents

1. Inlet Jetty: Year‑Round Consistency

2. Downtown Surf Beaches (8th–27th Streets)

3. South End Surf Zone (30th–42nd Streets)

4. Assateague Island: The Long‑Runner’s Paradise

5. Optimal Tide, Wind & Swell Conditions

1. Inlet Jetty: Year‑Round Consistency

Surfers ride waves at sunset with vibrant orange sky. Seagulls stand on the shore in the foreground, creating a dynamic coastal scene.

The Inlet Jetty remains surfable throughout the year, provided swell and wind cooperate (BluVista Vacation Rentals). Situated at South Atlantic Avenue, this spot offers reliable sandbar peaks and protective jetties that funnel swells into clean, rideable waves (BluVista Vacation Rentals). Beginners favor its moderate breaks, while locals enjoy the more powerful sets when offshore winds prevail.

2. Downtown Surf Beaches (8th–27th Streets)

Crowded beach scene with surfers carrying colorful surfboards near the waves. Lifeguard towers in the background, with yellow flags flapping.

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, two designated surf beaches rotate daily from the Inlet to 27th Street (Ocean City, MD). These surfing spots are open 10 AM–5:30 PM under lifeguard supervision (OceanCity.com). The rotation system ensures fresh sandbars and fewer crowded lineups, making it easy to find cleaner waves almost every day (Two Crown Home Team). Look for rule‐marked yellow stands to locate the current zones.

3. South End Surf Zone (30th–42nd Streets)

Beach scene with people swimming and surfing. Yellow flags line the shore. Lifeguard tower in the background. Bright, sunny day.

Just south of the main rotation, the 30th–42nd Streets stretch provides mellower conditions favored by longboarders (Reddit). With a south‐facing bend in the coastline, northwesterly winds become offshore here, producing glassy waves ideal for carving (Ocean City Maryland). Low to mid‐tide typically yields the most gentle, roll‑in sets perfect for beginners.

4. Assateague Island: The Long‑Runner’s Paradise

Horses run along a beach at sunset, waves lapping at their hooves. Two surfers walk in the background, carrying their surfboards.

A 20‑minute drive south opens up miles of uncrowded coastline on Assateague Island National Seashore (Surfline). Here, open beachfront and consistent swells produce longer rides, drawing both long‑boarders and adventure‑seekers (DeepSwell). Keep in mind that Assateague has no lifeguards—surf with caution and respect local wildlife.

5. Optimal Tide, Wind & Swell Conditions

Beach scene with tide information and wind rose overlay. Blue sky, clouds, ocean, sand, and seashells. Text includes tide and wind data.

Success in Ocean City’s surfing spots hinges on timing:

Condition	Best Timing	Why It Works
Tide	Low to Mid Tide	Exposes sandbars for peeling, rideable waves (DeepSwell)
Wind	West–Northwest (Offshore)	Cleans up wave faces, reducing chop (Surf Forecast)
Swell	NE & SE Swells	Aligns with coastline orientation for optimal wave formation (Surf Forecast)

Summer—particularly July and August—offers the most consistent surfable conditions, though hurricane and frontal activity in late summer/fall can bring head‑high swells for advanced riders (Surf Forecast).

Ready to ride? Book your OCMD surf adventure and discover these amazing surfing spots today!