55th Street Pier is a popular spot for surfers looking to catch some waves in Ocean City. This location features a shallow bar off the end of a somewhat worn-down pier, which gives it a unique character. There's a constant flow of sand being shifted around here, thanks to the pumping at Ocean City, which can affect how the waves break. The pier has been rumored to be getting rebuilt soon, but for now, it still draws in surfers all year round.

The best conditions for surfing at 55th Street Pier come when there’s a Northeast swell, but it also handles swells from the South. Generally, you want to aim for wave heights around 2ft (about 0.6 meters) to get the best ride. The waves break over sand, making it a bit gentler, and you can get some hollow, longer rides either to the left or right of the pier. To get the most out of your session, try to hit the waves on a low to mid tide, and if the wind is coming from the west, it can bump things up a bit.

It’s a consistent spot, though it can get crowded, especially during peak times. The surf here is generally clean, which is a plus. Plus, there’s year-round on-beach parking available, making it easier to get to your surf session without any hassle.