The Chesapeake & Potomac Regional Convention of Narcotics Anonymous XL (CPRCNA XL) is scheduled for April 9–11, 2027, in Ocean City, Maryland. The official Chesapeake & Potomac Region identifies the theme as “Brought Forward from Darkness to Light” and confirms the convention at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842. CPRNA
Ocean City makes this a particularly easy convention to turn into a coastal weekend. The convention center sits in Midtown along Coastal Highway, with the Atlantic beach only a short distance away, the Boardwalk farther south, and Assateague Island close enough for a pre- or post-convention outing.
Getting to Ocean City
Ocean City is primarily a driving destination, particularly for travelers coming from Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
For those flying, Salisbury Regional Airport is the closest commercial airport listed by the convention center, while ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis and shuttle services. Oceanside Maryland
Once you're in Ocean City, the town's long, narrow geography makes navigation relatively simple: Coastal Highway runs north-south through most of the resort.
The Convention Center Is Easy to Reach
The Roland E. Powell Convention Center has more than 1,200 free on-site parking spaces, with accessible parking directly in front of the building. Oceanside Maryland
If you're staying elsewhere along Coastal Highway, Ocean City's municipal Beach Bus provides another option. For the 2026–27 winter schedule—which runs through April 11, 2027—the bus operates from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m., generally about every 30 minutes. That schedule covers the entire CPRCNA XL weekend. Ocean City, MD
That means you may be able to leave the car parked and use the bus for trips between your lodging, the convention and downtown.
Walk the Ocean City Boardwalk
If you have a larger opening in the convention schedule, head south toward the Ocean City Boardwalk.
The nearly three-mile Boardwalk combines Atlantic Ocean views with restaurants, shops, arcades and classic beach-town attractions. It has been part of Ocean City's identity for more than a century. Oceanside Maryland
In April, the atmosphere will be quieter than peak summer. That can actually make it a good convention-weekend outing: walk for a while, grab something to eat, enjoy the ocean and head back without needing to devote an entire day to sightseeing.
Spend Some Time on the Beach
Ocean City has about 10 miles of Atlantic beach, so you don't need to be near the Boardwalk to experience the coast. Oceanside Maryland
April is unlikely to be swimming weather for most people, but that doesn't make the beach any less useful.
A morning walk, an hour near the water after convention sessions, or a quiet conversation with another member by the ocean can be one of the simplest ways to make the destination part of the trip.
Plan for Cool and Changeable April Weather
Early April on Maryland's coast can vary quite a bit.
National Weather Service data for Ocean City shows April weather ranging from chilly mornings in the 30s to considerably warmer afternoons, with wind and rain both possible. National Weather Service
Pack layers, a light rain jacket and comfortable shoes.
The ocean can make temperatures feel cooler than the thermometer suggests, especially in the evening or when the wind picks up. A sunny afternoon may feel like spring, while the next morning may still feel distinctly cold.
Make Seafood Part of the Trip
Ocean City is an easy place to build a meal into your sightseeing.
The town has more than 200 restaurants, ranging from casual carryout and Boardwalk food to seafood restaurants and larger sit-down spots. Oceanside Maryland
Maryland crab dishes and Atlantic seafood are natural choices if you want something connected to the coast, but the city's restaurant scene is broad enough that groups should have no trouble finding something that works for everyone.
For CPRCNA weekend, the easiest strategy is to eat wherever you're already exploring rather than driving across town solely for dinner.
Head to the Inlet and Southern End of the Boardwalk
If you walk or ride south toward the end of the Boardwalk, you'll reach the Ocean City Inlet, where the bay meets the Atlantic.
The southern part of town has a different feel from Midtown around the convention center, with the Boardwalk, fishing activity, amusement areas and open views across the water.
It's a good choice when you have a few hours but don't want to commit to leaving Ocean City.
Consider Assateague Island if You Have Extra Time
If you've added time before or after CPRCNA, Assateague Island National Seashore is one of the strongest nearby excursions.
The Maryland entrance is about eight miles south of Ocean City. The National Park Service describes Assateague as a barrier island of sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forest and coastal bays, with wild horses among its best-known residents. National Park Service
Spring at Assateague is often cool and windy, with temperatures commonly ranging from lows in the 40s to highs in the 60s. National Park Service
Because there is no public transportation to Assateague, you'll need a vehicle or arranged transportation. National Park Service
For a convention trip, this is better as an extra-day outing than something squeezed into a short break.
Keep the Weekend Simple
Ocean City makes it easy to enjoy the destination without letting sightseeing take over.
You could attend CPRCNA, walk the beach, spend a couple of hours on the Boardwalk, eat some seafood and still have plenty of room for convention activities and fellowship.
That may be enough.
The point of extending the trip isn't to create another schedule to keep up with. It's to enjoy the place you're already visiting while keeping recovery at the center of the weekend.
If You Have an Extra Day
An extra day gives you several good options.
Assateague Island is the obvious nature-focused choice. You could also spend more time on the Boardwalk, explore the quieter sections of the beach, or simply stay near the ocean and let the trip slow down before heading home.
Ocean City is particularly well suited to that kind of trip because some of the best experiences require very little planning at all.
Find the Event and Plan Your Visit
View CPRCNA XL in our NA Event Directory
Official CPRCNA XL event information
Use the official CPRCNA source for the latest convention information as April 2027 approaches. The Chesapeake & Potomac Region currently confirms CPRCNA XL, “Brought Forward from Darkness to Light,” April 9–11, 2027, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. CPRNA
Photo credit: Photo by Prathyusha Mettupalle via Pexels.