Ocean City, Maryland, warmly welcomes every member of your family, including your beloved pets. This charming coastal destination understands that vacations are best enjoyed with all your loved ones, and that definitely includes those with four legs and wagging tails. Ocean City rolls out the welcome mat for pets, especially during the off-season when the beach and boardwalk become a haven for leashed companions. Even during the bustling spring and summer months, you’ll find a plethora of hotels and restaurants, particularly those boasting delightful outdoor seating areas, eager to accommodate you and your animal friends. Let’s explore the best options for lodging, dining, shopping, and fun activities you can enjoy with your pets in Ocean City.
Top Pet-Friendly Hotels in Ocean City, MD
It’s important to note that many hotels implement a pet fee and designate specific pet-friendly rooms. Always call ahead to confirm their pet policies and ensure the availability of suitable accommodations for you and your furry companion.
Exceptional Pet-Friendly Hotel Choices:
Hyatt Place Ocean City Oceanfront: Located directly on the iconic Boardwalk at 16th Street, the Hyatt Place is an excellent choice for pet owners. Imagine starting your day with a refreshing early morning stroll along the boardwalk with your dog. This hotel warmly welcomes up to two dogs per room, provided their combined weight doesn’t exceed 75 pounds. A pet fee applies, and it’s always best to check with the hotel directly if your pets exceed this weight limit.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Ocean City Bayside: Home2 Suites prides itself on creating a welcoming environment for pets. Your furry friends are not just allowed, but genuinely welcomed to relax and unwind in your room while you’re out enjoying the Ocean City sunshine. They go the extra mile by offering special amenities and thoughtful services designed to cater to their four-legged guests, making their stay as comfortable as yours.
Surf Villas: For a blend of resort amenities and apartment-style privacy, Surf Villas, situated in midtown Ocean City, is a fantastic pet-friendly option. They emphasize their pet-friendliness both indoors and outdoors, ensuring your pets have space to relax inside your villa and enjoy the fresh air in designated outdoor areas. This is perfect for pets who appreciate having a bit more space to stretch their legs.
Surf Inn: If you dream of oceanfront access for you and your pet, the Surf Inn & Suites on 71st Street is an ideal choice. This resort motel is just a stone’s throw from the beach and features a selection of fully-equipped efficiencies. Notably, they now offer newly designated pet-friendly rooms, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for you and your furry companion right by the ocean.
Howard Johnson Oceanfront Inn: Nestled near the southern end of the boardwalk on 24th Street, the Howard Johnson Oceanfront Inn has recently embraced pet-friendly accommodations. In addition to being pet-welcoming, their rooms have also been recently renovated, offering a fresh and comfortable stay for all guests. While your dog might not appreciate the renovations as much as you, you’ll both enjoy the convenient location and welcoming atmosphere. You can review their specific pet policy here.
Days Inn Oceanfront: Similar to its neighbor, the Howard Johnson, the Days Inn on 23rd Street is also a newly pet-friendly hotel on the boardwalk. Both hotels offer a limited number of rooms for pet owners, so it’s highly recommended to book your pet-friendly room well in advance to avoid disappointment. Familiarize yourself with their pet policy details here.
Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City: Located bayside on 61st Street, the Residence Inn warmly welcomes furry guests. They permit a maximum of two dogs per room. Please be aware that there is an additional $75 pet fee for the second dog. This hotel offers the comforts of home, extended stay amenities, and pet-friendly policies, making it a great option for longer vacations with your pets.
Fenwick Inn: Situated on 139th Street bayside, the Fenwick Inn offers a selection of pet-friendly rooms. Due to limited availability, it’s advisable to book a pet-friendly room directly through their website here or by calling 800-641-0011. A pet fee of $30 per night applies, and they allow a maximum of two pets per room. For more detailed information, visit their dedicated Pet-Friendly Section on their website.
Howard Johnson Oceanfront Plaza Hotel: Exciting news for pet owners planning future trips! The Howard Johnson Plaza on 11th Street and the Boardwalk will be welcoming pets starting in 2025. If you’re planning a trip in the future, this could be a great option. You can review their 2025 pet policies by clicking here to prepare for your upcoming pet-inclusive vacation.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Ocean City
Similar to hotels, it is always a good idea to call restaurants ahead of time to confirm pet-friendly seating availability, especially if you plan to dine during peak season or busy hours. Many pet-friendly restaurants offer outdoor seating, which may be seasonal. However, Ocean City’s pleasant climate often allows for outdoor dining even in the shoulder seasons.
Featured Pet-Welcoming Restaurants and Bars:
The Angler Restaurant: Located just off the Route 50 bridge on Talbot Street, The Angler boasts a spacious outdoor deck with beautiful views of the bridge and the bay. During summer evenings, you can often enjoy live music while you dine. The Angler warmly welcomes dogs on their side deck. For a special treat, choose something from their dedicated “Doggie Menu,” designed specifically for canine palates. All doggie menu items are thoughtfully prepared in bite-sized pieces and come with a tasty treat for dessert.
Longboard Cafe: Up on 67th Street, Longboard Cafe provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for you and your pup. Your dog can join you on their front patio while you savor delicious burgers, tacos, crabcakes, specialty cocktails, or a combination of your favorites. It’s a perfect spot for a casual and enjoyable meal with your furry friend.
Anthony’s Liquors: While pets aren’t permitted inside the store, Anthony’s Liquors, located in a convenient spot, offers outdoor seating where you can relax with your dog. Enjoy one of their delicious Boars Head deli sandwiches while your pet enjoys the fresh air by your side. The quality of the deli meats might make it tempting to share a little with your dog, and we won’t judge if you do!
*(Please note that pet-friendly areas in restaurants are generally limited to outdoor seating. Always call the restaurants directly to confirm their specific pet policies and seating arrangements.)
Pet Stores, Groomers, and Veterinary Services in Ocean City
Pet Supplies and Accessories: Paws & Claws, situated in West Ocean City at 11934 Ocean Gateway, is a fantastic resource for organic pet foods and treats. They also offer a wide selection of clothing, collars, beds, and toys – everything you might need if your dog’s luggage is a little light. Pet Threadz, also in West OC, specializes in handmade and custom-fitted pet clothing, ensuring your pup stays stylish throughout your vacation. For familiar chain options, you’ll find a Petco in the White Marlin Mall and a PetSmart in Berlin. Doggie Style K9 Cafe, located in the Inlet Village on the Boardwalk, offers pet supplies and accessories, along with freshly baked dog treats and unique breed-specific gifts.
Pet Grooming Services: OC Pet Spa in West OC is a professional grooming company offering a full range of services, including boarding and doggie daycare. Del-Mar-Va Pet Grooming in Berlin is another reputable professional groomer in the area. For a quick freshen-up, Sandy Paws on Coastal Highway is a pet supply store that also features a convenient self-service dog wash.
Veterinary Care: While we hope for a healthy and happy vacation, it’s always wise to be prepared. Precious Paws in West OC is a full-service animal hospital providing emergency care as well as routine medical, surgical, and dental services. Berlin Animal Hospital on Old Ocean City Blvd. and Pet’s ER in Salisbury also offer both emergency and routine veterinary care. VCA Delmarva Animal Hospital in Berlin provides comprehensive, lifelong medical care for pets, along with boarding and grooming services.
Other Pet-Friendly Activities and Locations in Ocean City
Ocean City Beach and Boardwalk: From October 1st to April 30th, the beautiful Ocean City beach and iconic boardwalk become pet-friendly! Remember to keep your pets leashed and always clean up after them, as these rules apply throughout Ocean City.
Stinky Beach (Homer Gudelsky Park): Don’t let the informal name fool you! Stinky Beach, officially known as Homer Gudelsky Park, is a charming small beach located at the end of Old Bridge Road in West Ocean City. Dogs are welcome on this beach year-round, making it a great anytime destination.
Northside Park: Ocean City’s largest and most popular park, Northside Park, offers 58 acres of space perfect for leisurely walks and outdoor activities with your dog. Enjoy the open green spaces and scenic views together.
Ocean City Dog Playground: Located within Little Salisbury Park on the bayside of 94th Street, the Ocean City Dog Playground is the only designated off-leash dog park in town. Here, dogs can run and play freely in a safe and enclosed environment. Passes are required, and you can find more information about obtaining them here.
Assateague Island National Seashore: For a wider outdoor adventure, Assateague Island National Seashore welcomes dogs year-round (excluding State Park beaches within Assateague). Take your dog camping, hiking, or simply enjoy a scenic run along the oceanfront. It’s a fantastic place to experience nature with your four-legged companion.
The main image of this article features OceanCity.com’s mascot, Marley, and rest assured, she was safely leashed throughout her boardwalk adventure.
