Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum

Fascinating local coast guard history and an extensive collection of nautical artifacts await at this museum on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is dedicated to the long and intriguing history of the coast guard in beach-loving Ocean City. Housed within the heritage life-saving station, the museum has an interesting collection of exhibits that focus on the cultural heritage and maritime history of the area. Learn about the city’s rich waterways, devastating storms and coastal ecology. Kids will love seeing the underwater creatures at the museum’s saltwater tanks.

Admire the late 19th-century architecture of the old timber life-saving station from the Ocean City Boardwalk. Situated on the Ocean City Inlet, the station looks out toward Assateague Island and the Atlantic Ocean. Check out the building’s accompanying surveillance tower.

In the museum, find a series of exhibits, including a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions. Pick up a self-guided tour booklet and begin your discovery of Ocean City’s maritime history. Learn about the evolution of the much-loved Ocean City Boardwalk, from its humble beginnings to the gorgeous 3-mile (4.8 kilometer) waterfront attraction it is today. See sands from all over the globe at the Sands of the World exhibit. Examine vintage surfing memorabilia and a collection of fascinating salvaged items from East Coast shipwrecks.

At the Aquarium Room, observe a selection of sea creatures from the local waters of Ocean City, swimming in large saltwater tanks. Stop by the gift shop to pick up souvenirs and nautical-themed books.

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is located at the Ocean City Inlet on the southern end of the Ocean City Boardwalk. There is a small admission cost. The museum is open daily in the warmer months, but only on weekends between December and March. Parking is available in the lot next door. Combine your museum visit with a stroll along the waterfront and boardwalk where there are shops, restaurants and arcades.