Ocean City hit me fast. I crossed the bridge. I felt the breeze. I smiled. Simple as that.
OCMD does that to you. It’s a golf town. It’s a beach town. It’s a buddies‑trip town. It’s a “go ahead and laugh a little louder” town.
I felt it the whole trip.
This was another fun episode I was fortunate to host for Traveling Golfer. Watch it here.
You’ll see it’s a place I could bring just my wife, the whole family, a bunch of golfing couples, or just my guy buddies looking to let loose all over.
Golf That Shows You the Coast
OC Newport Bay set the tone. Wide fairways. Big sky. Bay views that stop you mid‑swing. Coastal golf in full color. I loved it.
Lighthouse Sound raised the stakes. Water everywhere. Drama everywhere. That par‑3 over the marsh is a postcard waiting to happen. You hit a shot. You grab your phone. You try to do both well. It’s unforgettable.
Lunch at Lighthouse Sound sealed the deal. Water. Skyline. Breeze. Fresh seafood. Great sandwiches. It’s the kind of place where you sit back and let the day sink in. I did exactly that.
Eagle’s Landing surprised me. Marsh. Wetlands. Quiet stretches where it’s just you and the breeze. Smart greens. Rolling fairways. Pure Eastern Shore. It’s the gem of Worcester County for a reason.
Rum Pointe and Glen Riddle round out the roster. Rum Pointe gives you Dye design and big bay views. Glen Riddle gives you history, swagger, and two bold tracks built on the grounds of Man o’ War and War Admiral. OCMD doesn’t do boring golf.
Food That Keeps the Fun Rolling
Ocean City feeds you well. Really well.
Coastal Salt became home base. Dinner. Breakfast. Ocean views. Fresh seafood. Great cocktails. Easy vibes. You could spend half your trip here and never regret it. I almost did.
Bai Tee Bakery stopped me in my tracks. Pistachio cherry tart. Croque monsieur with gruyère. Lamb kebab pita. Every bite felt handcrafted. Every flavor felt personal. It’s pastry heaven with coastal charm.
Breakfast in OCMD is a sport. Barn 34 is the champ. Captain Crunch French toast. Crabby eggs. A Bloody Mary with Old Bay and shrimp. This place doesn’t miss.
Bayside Skillet brings bright pink energy and portions built for hungry golfers. Giant omelets. Fresh fruit crêpes. Fast. Fun. A must‑hit.
If you want lighter, Pablos Bowls and Playa Bowls deliver fresh açaí, smoothies, and clean eats that taste like summer.
Lunch or dinner? OCMD has range.
Spain Wine Bar sits high above the ocean with tapas, paella, and wine that turns a meal into a getaway.
Hooked brings upscale New American dishes with creativity and polish.
Longboard Café is pure surf‑themed fun — big flavors, big cocktails, big smiles.
Harborside is the home of the original Orange Crush. They still do it best. Waterfront views. Great seafood. Classic OCMD energy.
The craft scene is rolling too.
Sinepuxent Brewery sits on a 17‑acre farm with beer and views. Dry 85 OC brings bourbon bar swagger.
The Original Greene Turtle is the sports bar staple. Forgotten 50 Distilling offers small‑batch spirits in a tasting room that feels like a secret.
And yes — you shop.
Malibu’s is the boutique standout. Surf style. Coastal gear. OCMD attitude you take home.
Where I Stayed
The Courtyard by Marriott OCMD put me right in the heart of it. Boardwalk below. Ocean in front. Modern rooms. Friendly staff. Everything within steps — food, beach, golf, nightlife. It’s the perfect home base for any trip. I loved waking up here.
Why OCMD Sticks With You
Ocean City isn’t just a golf stop. It’s a coastal playground. You play. You eat. You explore. You relax. You smile. I did all of it. And I’d do it again tomorrow.
OCMD really is Somewhere to Smile About. I’m still smiling.
Real John Daly is Host and Producer for Traveling Golfer. He writes and produces for the TGD Newswire at www.thegolfdirector.com. He is a former player on the Celebrity Players Tour who still holds a single-digit handicap. He was the host of Real TV, the groundbreaking reality show in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He is currently the Co-Creator and Co-Host of Undercover Jetsetter with Susan Anzalone, a show on travel, food, wine, mixology and, of course, golf. They show you how to jet set the world and at home. They also co-authored the book, The TV Studio In Your Hand: How to Shoot, Edit & Deliver the Easy Way on Your iPhone.
