Ocean City’s 2 Top Food Tours (With Prices)

Ocean City is famous for its long sandy beaches, lively boardwalk, and lively local food scene. Unlike some coastal towns where seafood is king, Ocean City offers a variety of culinary experiences that showcase its rich history and local charm. Food tours here provide a fantastic way to taste the town’s best bites while learning about its unique past. Whether you’re interested in strolling through the Midtown Dining District or exploring the historic beginnings of the boardwalk, this guide highlights the two top-rated food tours to help you pick the best experience for your visit.

In this article, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, including what’s included, what makes them stand out, and tips on who they’re best suited for. We’ll compare the leisurely Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour with the historic Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour, giving you the insights needed to decide which fits your taste and schedule. Expect authentic tastings, local lore, and an enjoyable way to see and taste Ocean City beyond the usual beach scenes.

Quick Overview

This guide covers two highly-rated food tours in Ocean City, both priced at $110 per person and lasting roughly three hours. The Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour focuses on sampling at six local eateries during a relaxed walk through OC’s popular restaurant and bar scene. The Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour dives into the town’s origins, visiting historic landmarks and tasting at several top spots along the iconic boardwalk. Both tours offer a mix of food, history, and local stories, but they cater to different interests and pacing preferences.

1. Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour

This leisurely stroll through Ocean City’s Midtown Dining District provides a perfect blend of food, history, and local color. For about three hours, you’ll visit six different eateries, tasting everything from small bites to full servings. The tour emphasizes a relaxed pace, so you can truly savor each dish and soak up the vibrant restaurant scene that makes OC special. The guide shares fascinating facts and stories, making the experience both delicious and educational.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local restaurants and bars, giving you a taste of the community’s culinary heartbeat. You’ll pass by some of the area’s most beloved spots, and the tour’s relaxed attitude means you can ask questions and enjoy the ambiance. With a 5.0/5 rating based on 32 reviews, it’s clear that taste and storytelling are both top-notch. Paulette, the guide, receives high praise for her engaging manner and knowledge.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a casual, in-depth look at Ocean City’s dining scene without feeling rushed. If you love sampling a variety of dishes while learning about local families and lore, this tour offers excellent value. The only potential downside could be its focus on midtown—if you’re more interested in historic sites or the lively boardwalk, another option might suit you better.

Bottom line: A friendly, comprehensive introduction to Ocean City’s local restaurants, ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a relaxed pace.

2. Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour

At $110, the Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour offers a deep dive into Ocean City’s historic core and seaside charm. The tour begins at The Angler, the town’s very first restaurant, which played a crucial role in shaping OC’s fishing and charter industry. From there, the walk extends about a mile and a quarter along the famous boardwalk, built in 1902 and voted one of the top 10 in the U.S. by National Geographic.

What makes this tour special is its mix of historic storytelling and food tastings. You’ll learn how the inlet was formed, creating Assateague Island, and hear snippets about Ocean City’s rise as the White Marlin Capital of the World. During the walk, you’ll visit notable sights like the inlet Brave, the oldest bar in town, and see public art, a firefighter memorial, and a piece of the World Trade Center. The tour’s emphasis on history enriches the tasting experience, which includes several local favorites.

Reviewers say the tour provides a lively, informative experience, with a guide who shares fun facts along the way. If you enjoy walking and uncovering a town’s backstory while sampling iconic foods—like hot dogs or seafood—this is an excellent choice. The mix of history and cuisine makes it appealing to travelers who want to understand Ocean City’s roots without sacrificing flavor.

Bottom line: An engaging blend of historic sites and top local eateries, perfect for those interested in Ocean City’s origins and its culinary evolution.

How to Choose

When deciding between these two excellent options, consider your interests and pace. The Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour (see details here) offers a relaxed, restaurant-focused experience suited for those who enjoy tasting multiple dishes without much walking. It’s ideal if you prefer to stay in one neighborhood and learn about local families and lore.

On the other hand, the Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour (more info here) combines history and food across a scenic route along the historic boardwalk. It suits travelers keen to learn about Ocean City’s origins while enjoying several tastings and sightseeing.

In terms of budget, both tours cost the same but vary in experience. The Midtown tour is perfect for those wanting a laid-back, food-focused walk, while the boardwalk tour is better suited for history buffs who like to walk and explore. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.

Final Thoughts

Both tours showcase Ocean City’s culinary diversity and local stories, but each appeals to different tastes. The Midtown Dining District Foodie Tour offers a more relaxed, restaurant-centric experience, ideal for those who want a broad taste of local eateries. Meanwhile, the Downtown/Boardwalk Foodie Tour combines history and food with scenic walking, perfect for those eager to connect the town’s past with its present.

If you’re short on time or prefer a gentle approach, the Midtown tour is a great pick. If you want a more immersive experience with historical context, the boardwalk tour delivers. To make the most of your trip, consider your interests and schedule, and book early—these popular tours fill up quickly during the busy months. Whichever you choose, Ocean City’s food scene is sure to leave a tasty impression.