Ocean City offers three very different ways to spend a few hours: two walking food tours and one bay lunch cruise. The options differ by neighborhood, pace, and whether you want to stay on foot or spend time on the water.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching things to do in Ocean City. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and USA tours and experiences.
Quick comparison of things to do in Ocean City
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Midtown tasting walk | Travelers who want a slower food-focused walk with local history along the midtown dining district. | ★ 5.0/5 | 37 reviews | Approx. 3 hr | About three hours of easy-paced exploring | View on Viator |
 Boardwalk tasting walk | Travelers who want a food tour with a stronger boardwalk and downtown feel plus more route-specific storytelling. | ★ 5.0/5 | 23 reviews | Approx. 3 hr | About three hours with a walking format | View on Viator |
 Bay lunch cruise | Travelers who want a shorter experience on the water with a meal order handled separately and a BYOB format. | ★ 4.9/5 | 7 reviews | Approx. 2 hr 30 min | Shortest of the three listed experiences | View on Viator |
What each Ocean City option includes
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Midtown dining district focus
Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour
Best for: Travelers who want a slower food-focused walk with local history along the midtown dining district.
This experience is built around a relaxed walk through Ocean City’s midtown dining district. You move from stop to stop on foot, sampling food at local eateries while the guide shares history, local lore, and other facts about the town. The supplied details confirm tastings at six eateries, and the rotating menus mean the exact bites can change from tour to tour. It is a good fit if you want a straightforward daytime outing centered on tasting and conversation rather than transportation or a large sightseeing route.
What to expect on the Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour
- About three hours of easy-paced exploring
- Includes tastings at six local eateries
- Combines food stops with local history and lore
Downtown and boardwalk route
Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour
Best for: Travelers who want a food tour with a stronger boardwalk and downtown feel plus more route-specific storytelling.
This tour follows a downtown and boardwalk route with food stops woven into the walk. The supplied notes indicate roughly a mile and a quarter of total walking, so it is a more route-driven option than a simple sit-down meal outing. Along the way, the guide shares Ocean City stories and points out places tied to local history and public art. Menus rotate, so the tasting lineup can change, but the experience is clearly centered on walking between several local places while learning about the area.
What to expect on the Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour
- About three hours with a walking format
- Covers roughly a mile and a quarter of walking
- Includes several route-specific landmarks and stories
Assawoman Bay cruise format
Ocean City Bay Hopper – Greene Turtle Lunch Cruise
Best for: Travelers who want a shorter experience on the water with a meal order handled separately and a BYOB format.
This experience takes place on the water rather than on foot. You board a Bay Hopper boat with an experienced captain, cruise to the Greene Turtle on Assawoman Bay, and pick up lunch there before continuing the outing. The food order is separate from the trip fee, and you are contacted before departure to place that order. It is also a BYOB cruise, and a cooler with ice is provided. This option works well if you want a scenic, boat-centered outing and do not want a walking food tour.
What to expect on the Ocean City Bay Hopper – Greene Turtle Lunch Cruise
- Shortest of the three listed experiences
- Includes a Bay Hopper boat and experienced captain
- Allows you to bring your own beverages
Choosing an Ocean City itinerary style
If you want to stay on land and sample local food, choose one of the two walking tours based on whether you prefer midtown or the downtown/boardwalk area. If you want a different pace and a water setting, the bay lunch cruise is the clearest change of format.
Walking tasting route
A leisurely on-foot route through the midtown dining area with multiple tasting stops.
Walking route with landmarks
A downtown and boardwalk walk with several tasting stops and commentary on local sites.
Boat cruise route
A boat outing from the pier to the Greene Turtle on Assawoman Bay, then back out on the water.
Before you book in Ocean City
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Ocean City booking checklist
- Menus and tasting items can rotate, so the exact food selection may vary by departure.
- The cruise includes the boat and captain, but food is purchased separately and drinks are BYOB.
- Private transportation is not included for the walking tours, and the downtown/boardwalk tour notes that parking may require attention to street signs.
Questions travelers ask about things to do in Ocean City
Which option is the most walking-intensive?
The downtown/boardwalk food tour includes about a mile and a quarter of walking, so it is the clearest choice if you want a route-based stroll.
Which experience is the only boat outing?
The Ocean City Bay Hopper – Greene Turtle Lunch Cruise is the water-based option, with a boat, captain, and a lunch pickup stop.
Do these experiences include the same food every time?
No. The walking tours note rotating menus, and the cruise states that lunch is ordered separately before departure, so the exact items can vary.