Ocean City, Maryland, isn’t just about sandy beaches and boardwalk fun—it’s also a fantastic place to explore through its vibrant food scene. Thanks to its rich maritime roots, lively restaurant culture, and scenic waterfront, OC offers several engaging food tours that reveal the local flavor beyond just the shoreline. We love the Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour for its leisurely pace and insider stories, and the OC Bay Hopper – Foodie Tour By Boat for a unique waterfront dining experience. Whether you’re a local food enthusiast or a visitor looking to taste the best of the coast, these tours provide authentic bites and a deeper understanding of Ocean City’s culinary heritage.
If you’re trying to decide which tour suits your interests, this guide breaks down the top options, highlighting what makes each one special and helping you choose the perfect way to enjoy OC’s culinary scene.
Quick Overview
Our list features three standout food tours in Ocean City, each offering a different way to taste the town’s local flavor. The Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour (link) is perfect for those who want a relaxed walk through several restaurants with plenty of history and fun facts. The Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour (link) explores the historic heart of OC, including its iconic boardwalk and the town’s fishing origins. And for a truly memorable experience, the OC Bay Hopper – Foodie Tour By Boat (link) offers a three-hour cruise visiting waterfront eateries with delicious food and cocktails. Now, let’s look at each tour in detail.
1. Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour
At number one, the Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour is a top pick for its relaxed, walking pace and rich storytelling. This tour includes visits to six local eateries over approximately three hours—enough to satisfy your curiosity about OC’s dining scene and leave you full. The tour guide, Paulette, receives rave reviews for her engaging storytelling and knowledge of the area’s history and families who shaped OC’s restaurant scene. The tour combines tastings, history, and local lore, making it a well-rounded experience for food lovers who appreciate context along with their bites.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local family-owned restaurants in the midtown area, giving you an authentic taste of Ocean City’s community. The tour is leisurely, suitable for all ages, and includes stops at some of the area’s best-kept secrets. Past guests mention how much they enjoyed revisiting restaurants during their vacation, thanks to the tour’s timing and depth of insight. For $110, you get a comprehensive experience that combines food, fun facts, and a walk through OC’s lively restaurant scene. The reviews speak to its quality, with a perfect 5-star rating from 32 reviews.
Bottom Line: If you want a relaxed, informative walk through Ocean City’s local dining gems with friendly guides and delicious tastings, this tour is a perfect choice.
2. Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour
Next, the Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour offers a deep dive into Ocean City’s historic edge and iconic boardwalk. Priced at $110 per person and lasting about three hours, this tour uncovers the roots of OC’s fishing and maritime industry, starting at the original Ocean City restaurant, the Angler. You’ll walk about a mile and a quarter through the historic district, with stops at the famous 1902 boardwalk, which has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the top ten in the U.S., and by Travel + Leisure as the best for food.
This tour is rich in stories—how the inlet was formed, the growth of the fishing industry, and notable landmarks like the firefighter memorial and pieces of the World Trade Center. Visitors get to sample food from several top spots along the way, experiencing OC’s culinary history firsthand. Past reviews highlight how this tour’s mix of history, local stories, and tastings makes it a satisfying and educational outing. It’s especially well-suited for history buffs and those interested in Ocean City’s maritime heritage.
Bottom Line: If you want to explore OC’s historic district and boardwalk while tasting some of the best local fare, this tour delivers a rich cultural and culinary experience.
3. OC Bay Hopper – Foodie Tour By Boat
Last but not least, the OC Bay Hopper – Foodie Tour By Boat offers a completely different perspective—a three-hour cruise visiting three waterfront restaurants, with plenty of delicious food and cocktails along the way. For $195 per person, you’ll meet at Ocean City’s Coastal Highway and hop onto a boat guided by OC aficionado Sandy Gillis. The tour combines scenic views of the bay with stops at popular seafood spots like Tailchasers, Fager’s Island, and others, depending on the day.
This tour is ideal for anyone who loves food with a view and wants a relaxed, social atmosphere. Guests rave about the combination of boat ride, waterfront scenery, and tasty bites. It’s perfect for special occasions or those who want to experience OC’s waterfront scene without the hassle of planning individual outings. Keep in mind, capacity is limited, and the tour is best suited for travelers comfortable with boat rides and casual strolling between stops.
Bottom Line: If you’re seeking a memorable, scenic way to enjoy Ocean City’s seafood and waterfront atmosphere, this boat tour is a fun, unique experience.
$195.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Ocean City
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and what kind of experience you want. If you prefer a laid-back walk with historical stories and local flavors, the Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour is a great choice. For those interested in Ocean City’s maritime roots and iconic boardwalk, the Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour offers a rich, educational walk. And if you’re after a special experience combining food, scenery, and socializing on the water, the OC Bay Hopper provides a memorable, scenic cruise.
Think about your budget, how much walking you’re comfortable with, and whether you want to focus more on history, waterfront views, or local eateries. It’s wise to book early, especially for the boat tour, as spots are limited.
Final Thoughts
Ocean City offers a variety of food tours that showcase its rich maritime traditions, historic sites, and local culinary talent. The Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour stands out for its relaxed pace and authentic local flavors, while the Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour provides a rich mix of history and top-tier food along OC’s iconic waterfront. For a fun, scenic adventure, the OC Bay Hopper – Foodie Tour By Boat combines water views with delicious bites.
No matter which you choose, these tours promise a flavorful glimpse into OC’s coastal character—and a chance to enjoy some of the best food the town has to offer. To make the most of your trip, consider booking early, especially for the boat experience, and prepare to walk, taste, and learn your way through Ocean City’s lively food scene.