Break Up the Beach Drive: The Best Road Trip Stops on the Way to Ocean City MD

Plus a Free Ocean City Road Trip Spotify Playlist

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Planning a family trip to Ocean City Maryland? The drive from Annapolis or the Chesapeake Bay area can feel long, especially during summer traffic. Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or a full vacation, these fun and family-friendly road trip stops will help you break up the drive and start making memories before your toes even hit the sand.

Save this list of where to stop on the way to Ocean City MD.

TL,DR: Quick List of Road Trip Stops From Annapolis to Ocean City MD

• Public Restroom (Kent Island): Skip crowded gas stations, stretch your legs, refill your water bottle

• Idlewild Park (Easton, MD): Wooden playground, trails, public restrooms

• Adkins Arboretum (Queen Anne, MD): Easy hikes, nature center, pet-friendly

• Emily’s Produce (Cambridge, MD): Snacks, kids' play area, u-pick produce

• Downtown Berlin, MD: Shops, playground, ice cream stop, perfect last break before the beach

1. Kent Island Public Restroom

Location: About 40 minutes from Annapolis | Dog-friendly

Why stop here:Avoid the busy gas stations on Kent Island during weekends and summer travel. This public restroom is clean, air conditioned, and has a water bottle filling station. It is a quick and easy spot to take a break with pets and kids.

• Air conditioned

• Water bottle filling station

• Easy stop for dog owners

2. Idlewild Park in Easton, MD

Location: About 1 hour from Annapolis

Why stop here:Idlewild Park is a local favorite with an magical wooden playground that feels like a storybook castle. The park also offers shaded benches, walking trails, and a skate park for older kids. It is close to Easton’s charming downtown with several great options for lunch.

• Large wooden playground

• Skate park and walking trails

• Public restrooms

• Walkable to downtown Easton for food

3. Adkins Arboretum at Queen Anne, MD

Location: About 1 hour from Annapolis | Pet-friendly

Why stop here:Located within Tuckahoe State Park, Adkins Arboretum offers peaceful loop trails perfect for families with young kids or travelers with dogs. Stop in at the nature center and visit the aviary to see eagles and owls.

• Easy loop trails through the forest

• Nature center, gift shop, and benches

• Public restrooms

• Dogs welcome on leash

Alyssa picking blueberries at Emily's Produce

4. Emily’s Produce in Cambridge, MD

Location: About 1.5 hours from Annapolis

Why stop here:Emily’s Produce is a must for farm-fresh snacks, u-pick produce, and a fun outdoor play area for children. This family-run farm market is a great place to grab a sandwich or stock up on fresh fruit and road trip snacks.

• Farm stand with snacks and sandwiches

• U-pick strawberries and other produce (seasonal)

• Kids' "Fun Farm" play area

• Dogs allowed in outdoor areas

5. Downtown Berlin, MD

Location: 15 to 20 minutes from Ocean City, MD

Why stop here:Berlin, MD is a charming small town perfect for one last stop before you reach Ocean City. Walkable streets, pet-friendly shops, an old-school ice cream parlor, and a public playground make this a great place to stretch and refresh before hotel check-in.

• Walkable downtown with local shops

• Dog-friendly shops with water bowls outside

• Public playground for kids

• Ice cream and outdoor cafe seating

The Globe is a historical theatre that has been keeping entertainment alive for over 100 years.

Your Ocean City Vacation Starts on the Drive

Make the journey part of the fun. These road trip stops between Annapolis and Ocean City Maryland will help you avoid travel fatigue and create lasting memories along the way.

Do not forget to stream our Ocean City Road Trip Spotify Playlist to set the mood for your beach vacation.

Safe travels and enjoy your time in Ocean City!