Jolly Roger at the Pier

What is Jolly Roger at the Pier?

Jolly Roger at the Pier is the amusement pier at the southern end of the Ocean City Boardwalk, where rides and midway games extend out over the Atlantic. It is the larger and more thrill-oriented of the two Boardwalk ride operations, anchored by a Ferris wheel visible from most of downtown, and it runs on a seasonal calendar with ticket and wristband pricing. The same company operates additional attractions off the Boardwalk, including a water park and a go-kart complex uptown.

Also called: the Pier, pier rides, Jolly Roger.

What sets the pier apart

Location. Riding over open water at night, with the Boardwalk lights on one side and dark ocean on the other, is a specific experience that no inland midway reproduces. Height restrictions apply on the larger rides, so check them before selling the idea to a child who may not clear them.

The rest of the Jolly Roger operation

There is more of it uptown. A separate complex holds a water park, go-karts, mini golf, and additional rides. Those require a drive from downtown and function as a half-day plan rather than an evening stop. Ticketing between locations differs, so confirm what a given pass actually covers before buying it.

Keeping the midway from eating the budget

Midway spending escalates fast. Games layer on top of rides and the total moves quickly. Setting a per-person budget before walking on, and deciding in advance whether games are included in it, is the difference between a good night and an argument. Wristbands make sense only if the group will genuinely ride for hours.

Rides, games, or both

Current source: Visit Maryland Ocean City attractions. Fees, hours, posted rules: all of it moves without much notice, so confirm anything time-sensitive on the day you go.

Related terms in this glossary

Jolly Roger at the Pier rarely settles a plan on its own. These come up in the same decision, and each one has its own page, so open whichever part you're still unsure about.