Answer
Leave early morning to reduce Route 50 and Coastal Highway delays, especially on Saturdays and event weekends. Return before late-afternoon beach traffic rebuilds. Navigation apps help, but buffer time beats aggressive ETAs.
Sources: MDOT SHA · Visit Ocean City
Editorial visitor guidance for Ocean City, Maryland. Confirm current Town of Ocean City, Maryland DNR, NPS Assateague, and NWS rules when regulations or safety apply.
