Need a classic beach day or a family-friendly weekend on the Jersey Shore? Head to Ocean City! Known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” Ocean City combines beautiful beaches, an iconic boardwalk, and wholesome coastal charm. Whether you’re biking, sunbathing, or playing mini golf, it’s the perfect destination for summer fun.
Ocean City, NJ Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Surf or paddle at the beach – Catch waves, rent a kayak, or enjoy stand-up paddleboarding on the ocean.
- For History Buffs: Explore the Ocean City Historical Museum – Learn about the town’s founding, shipwrecks, and early 1900s beach life.
- For Shoppers: Stroll the Asbury Avenue Shopping District – Find coastal fashion, souvenirs, art, and locally made goods.
- For Couples: Bike the Boardwalk at sunrise – Enjoy a peaceful ride with ocean views before the crowds arrive.
- For Families: Spend the day at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier – Ride classic amusements, play games, and snack on boardwalk treats.
When I like to visit Ocean City, NJ
The best time to visit Ocean City is from late spring through early fall (May to September). July and August offer prime beach days and boardwalk fun, while June and September provide smaller crowds with mild weather.
Tips for getting to Ocean City, NJ
- If you are traveling by car: Ocean City is accessible via the Garden State Parkway and Route 52, about 1 hour from Philadelphia and 2.5 hours from New York City.
- By Bus: NJ Transit and private bus lines offer seasonal service from major cities to the Ocean City Transportation Center.
- By Air: Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) is 20 miles away, with rental car options and connections to major hubs.
Where I like to stay in Ocean City, NJ
- Recommended for Families: The Flanders Hotel – Historic beachfront hotel with suites, a pool, and direct access to the boardwalk.
- For Couples: Scarborough Inn – Elegant Victorian-style B&B with cozy charm and a quiet atmosphere near downtown.
- For a Budget Stay: Ocean 7 Hotel – Affordable and fun, located steps from the beach.
Best Things to Do in Ocean City, NJ
1. Ride, Spin, and Play at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier
Gillian's Wonderland Pier is home to more than thirty attractions and rides for guests to choose from and has been around for over seventy years at the Boardwalk. At "America's Greatest Family Resort," there is excitement and fun in abundance. The both indoor and outdoor amusement park can be easily found by tourists not familiar with the Ocean City. Just look for the Giant Wheel, which has become a landmark of the city and towers more than 140 feet high. Gillian's Wonderland Pier is a “pay-as-you-go” park, requiring a certain amount of tickets for each attraction or ride.
601 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226, Phone: 609-399-7082
2. Hike, Fish, and Explore Nature at Corson’s Inlet State Park
Established in 1969 and encompassing a little over 340 acres, Corson's Inlet State Park was put in place to preserve and protect one of the New Jersey oceanfront’s last undeveloped areas of land. The natural habitats throughout the state park are home to a rich wildlife diversity and features both primary and secondary systems of sand dunes, upland areas, marine estuaries, and shoreline overwash. Corson's Inlet State Park is also a popular outdoor recreation spot, offering opportunities for crabbing, boating, saltwater fishing, hiking, kayaking, sunbathing, and more. There are several natural trails, overlook points, and the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail.
Bay Ave, Strathmere, NJ 08270, Phone: 609-861-2404
3. Step Into the Story of Ocean City at the Historical Museum
The Ocean City Historical Museum is housed inside the Ocean City Community Center and showcases numerous treasures that date back to before the city was founded in 1879, as well as items from the more recent past of Ocean City, New Jersey. From entrepreneurial spirit to religious piety, from princesses to shipwrecks, from the famous boardwalk to marshes and wildlife, the story of the city contains a lot of variety and interesting details. The history museum is dedicated to building upon its long history of the preservation of "America’s Greatest Family Resort,” providing displays of an extensive collection of memorabilia and artifacts.
1735 Simpson Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226, Phone: 609-399-1801
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
4. Discover Maritime Rescue History at U.S. Life Saving Station 30
The U.S. Life Saving Station 30 welcomes visitors to step back in time to experience what life was like for the many brave surfmen who risked their own lives to respond to the shipwrecks near the Jersey shore and any other people on the ocean waters who were in need. Also known as the United States Coast Guard Station No. 126 and the United States Life Saving Station 30, the Ocean City Life Saving Station is the only life saving station of its kind of design that still remains in existence in New Jersey today and six in the nation.
801 E 4th St, Ocean City, NJ 08226, Phone: 609-398-5553
5. Catch a High-Energy Show with the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company
The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company in Ocean City, New Jersey is committed to bringing a variety of professional theatre productions to the Ocean City community and the surrounding areas as a non-profit arts organization. In addition to the theatrical performances, the theatre company also provides educational theatre opportunities for residents in Ocean City and the greater Delaware Valley region. The Greater Ocean City Theatre Company was established to offer a professional theatre experience to the Jersey Shore and past productions include Tis The Season and collaboration with the OC Pops for shows like The Wizard of Oz and 42nd Street.
1501 West Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226, Phone: 609-398-1118
Where to Eat:
6. Taste Island Vibes and Fresh Flavors at Hula Grill
For locals and tourists alike looking for good, authentic Hawaiian cuisine, the Hula Grill in Ocean City, New Jersey is widely considered to be the place to go. In fact, the restaurant is the only eatery serving Hawaiin fare in the entire Cape May County. OFfering both outdoor and indoor seating, the Hula Grill features a menu with Hawaiian dishes, American classic, and extremely fresh seafood for both lunch and dinner seven days a week. Popular seafood options on the menu include the jumbo oysters, the fried coconut shrimp, the cooked-to-order ahi filet, and the crab cake burger.
940 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226, Phone: 609-399-2400
7. Fuel Your Beach Day with Classics from Oves Beach Grill
The Oves Beach Grill proudly serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner to the community of Ocean City, New Jersey, as well as beach rentals, surrey and bike rentals, and space for private parties. Open every day of the week between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the restaurant was originally opened by Tom Oves Sr. after people would ask him where they should eat breakfast after renting a bike in the morning. In 1968, he moved his bike rental business over to the beach and opened up a small grill. Over the years, the beach stand expanded to become the Oves Beach Grill.
4th Street & Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226, Phone: 609-398-3712
8. If You Crave Hearty Breakfasts, Start Your Day at Bob’s Grill
Bob's Grill serves an extensive food menu with a variety of dishes, including an assortment of fresh salads with homemade dressings, the quarter-pound Black Angus burger, homemade Maryland Crab Cakes, and the New England Lobster Roll. The eatery originally began as a beach stand at 17th Street opened by Bob Sr., however, Bob Jr. realized the more popular beach spot in the city was at 14th Street and moved the business there. Located on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Bob’s Grill today offers a place where people can eat regardless of the weather and is famous in the area for its breakfast.
1368 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226, Phone: 609-399-3438
9. Pick Up the Freshest Catch at Spadafora’s Seafood Market
Spadafora's Seafood Market has been a part of the Ocean City, New Jersey community for more than forty years, providing one of the freshest and largest selections of shellfish and fish in the region. There are two locations where locals and visitors alike can grab a bite to eat: the full-service Seafood Market and the Restaurant and Clam Bar. The restaurant serves seafood sourced fresh every day from the Seafood Market and the menu also includes a variety of salads, soups, and desserts that are all made from scratch on-site. The hand-breaded fried seafood is particularly popular among Spadafora's customers.
932 Haven Ave, Ocean City, NJ 08226, Phone: 609-398-6703
My favorite local events:
- For Families: Night in Venice (July) – Colorful boat parade and waterfront celebration with live music and fireworks.
- For Patriotic Fun: Fourth of July Fireworks – Celebrate with boardwalk entertainment and a dazzling fireworks show.
- For Holiday Fans: Christmas in July – Enjoy off-season cheer with beachside Santas, music, and themed parades.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Ocean City, NJ:
- For Nature Lovers: Corson’s Inlet State Park (10 min) – Hike dunes, spot birds, and kayak in a peaceful coastal preserve.
- For Thrill Seekers: Atlantic City (30 min) – Hit the casinos, shop outlets, or enjoy nightlife along the boardwalk.
- For Couples: Cape May (30 min) – Victorian seaside charm, wineries, and romantic beaches await to the south.
- For History Buffs: Somers Point (10–15 min) – Visit bayside taverns, catch live music, and learn about colonial roots.
- For Animal Lovers: Cape May County Park & Zoo (25 min) – Free zoo with giraffes, big cats, and a lush park setting.
- For Bay Adventures: Sea Isle City (20 min) – Paddle, fish, or dine along the bayfront in this neighboring beach town.
Plan Your Trip