Ocean City, founded in 1879 on a barrier island in Cape May, has long held the title of “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” The town remains “dry” — alcohol is not sold here — but visitors can enjoy 8 miles of guarded beaches and a classic 2.5-mile boardwalk lined with cafes, amusements, and numbered markers every quarter mile, perfect for walking and bike rides. In 2025, USA Today ranked the resort among the top three best beach towns for young people, and during peak season, millions of vacationers flock here.
So grab a bike at dawn, chase dolphins from a paddleboard by noon, and enjoy Ocean City, NJ, with quick vacation cash that lets you say “yes” to every mini-golf rematch and sunset coaster ride.
The heart of Ocean City, New Jersey, is its boardwalk, a 2.5-mile-long wooden promenade running along the ocean. It’s packed with classic Shore attractions.
Families and thrill-seekers can spend weekends on the boardwalk, enjoying the amusement attractions. At 10th Street on the boardwalk, Playland's Castaway Cove is a family favorite. This classic amusement park features 32 rides for all ages and is packed with fun. Just a few blocks away is Boardwalk Adventures (formerly OC Waterpark), a water park with slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers—perfect for cooling off on hot afternoons.
Nearby, Jilly’s Arcade offers mini-golf, go-karts, escape rooms, claw machines, and more indoor activities. There’s something for everyone: at the north end of the boardwalk, Gillian's Wonderland Pier reopened in 2023. It’s a nostalgic park with classic rides and a giant Ferris wheel.
Beyond the sandcastle contests, there’s plenty to do for those who love outdoor activities. You can take boat tours or go fishing: launch a paddleboard or kayak from the bay side, or book a charter boat from the marina on Great Egg Harbor. Fishing is especially popular here—the town even hosts an annual Tuna Tournament each fall, attracting anglers from all over to fish in the Atlantic.
Nature lovers can visit Corsons Inlet State Park, located south of town. Admission is free, and it’s completely untouched by development. Be sure to rent a bicycle—Ocean City has marked bike paths that run along the beach and out to Bayfront Havens Road. In winter, the famous Sunset Beach is famous for its historic World War II watchtower and daily flag-lowering ceremony using vintage cannons.
Ocean City is also famous for its beach and ocean activities. The city offers 8 miles of soft, clean sand on the Atlantic Ocean. Lifeguards patrol the most popular beaches from late May through early September so swimmers can feel safe. The warm Atlantic surf is perfect for ocean fun. Beginners can borrow boogie boards or sign up for stand-up paddleboarding in the calmer bays. Surfers often hit the waves around 7th Street Beach and Waverly Avenue Beach.
For active fun on the water, Ocean City has plenty of options. Adventurous visitors try parasailing over the bay. Jet ski rentals and kiteboarding lessons are also available at marinas. Anglers can fish right off the famous fishing pier at 9th Street. Charter boats depart from the bay and oceanside for deep-sea fishing trips or dolphin-watching cruises. One popular tour is the "Sea Screamer" speedboat that races out of the bay to watch dolphins play off the coast.
In addition to the rides on the boardwalk, there are family amusement parks and mini-golf courses off the main strip. Miniature golf is big here, too. You'll find several themed 18-hole mini-golf courses. Two favorites are Medieval Fantasy Mini Golf and Pirate Island Mini Golf. These courses are sprinkled around the city. Golf carts and broomsticks are available, making it a relaxing evening activity.
For more family game time, head to Jilly's Arcade on the boardwalk. It features old-school skeeball and video games, as well as mini golf, go-karts (for little kids), escape rooms, and a mirror maze, all under one roof. Families also enjoy an evening at the Strand Movie Theater to catch a film under the air conditioning.
Ocean City hosts a variety of events throughout the year, so there's always something special happening. One highlight is the Ocean City Music Pier, a historic concert hall right on the boardwalk. Since the 1920s, it has hosted live shows under the stars. In summer, you can hear tribute bands and local orchestras there – big names like The Beach Boys and classic rock cover bands often play on the pier.
Each spring, Ocean City stages the whimsical Do Dah Parade in April. This 30-year tradition features silly floats, costumed riders, and lots of humor. The parade ends at the Music Pier and is a fan favorite. In summer, there is a Night in Venice boat parade on the bay, where decorated boats cruise by, and locals watch from balconies or back porches.
Moreover, Sunfest, held each October, features arts and crafts vendors on the beach, and Springfest in April brings an outdoor carnival and concerts. Every Tuesday in summer, the tiny Sunset Park at 6th Street hosts free family concerts. And for a lively beachside concert scene, the Ocean City Pops Orchestra often performs free outdoor concerts.
The fun isn't limited to the beach and boardwalk – there are many outdoor escapes to enjoy. Just a short drive or bike ride from downtown is Corson's Inlet State Park, which is free to enter and has undeveloped beaches, dunes, and salt marsh. It's a great spot for hiking nature trails, fishing from the inlet rocks, or watching birds.
The Howard Stainton Wildlife Refuge features a nature boardwalk through wetlands, where you can observe local ducks, herons, and other waterfowl. From there, the Crook Horn Creek Nature Trail offers a peaceful hike with views of the bay. Fitness and sports fans can stay active, too. There are tennis courts, as well as public pickleball courts, where visitors can play friendly matches.
Don't miss downtown Ocean City for a quieter side of town. The atmosphere here is friendly and local. Shoppers will enjoy the mix of small, family-owned businesses, including surf shops with local designer swimwear, antique stores, bakeries offering homemade treats, and small fashion boutiques. Cafés and coffee shops dot the streets, perfect for a mid-morning break. If you're visiting in late November or December, downtown is also beautifully decorated for the winter holidays.
By night, the mood of Ocean City changes to a laid-back evening beach town. Street musicians sometimes play on the boardwalk. A boardwalk tram or a rented bike is a lovely way to watch the sunset ride. And in summer, fireworks are set off on the beach nearly every Saturday night – a festive end to a summer day. Wherever you go in Ocean City, people are often out walking or jogging even after dark. It’s a safe and welcoming place!
Millions of tourists are drawn each year to the shopping areas and restaurants of Ocean City. Foodies will find everything from casual pizza to seafood and sweet treats. Along the boardwalk and downtown, you can sample famous Jersey Shore eats. Besides Manco's pizza and Johnson's popcorn, try a custard cone at Kohr's Frozen Custard. Another Jersey Shore staple is Dolle's saltwater taffy and fudge.
Seafood lovers can walk a short distance off the boardwalk to restaurants with bay views. Many places serve fresh local fish, crab cakes, and clams. Some iconic spots on the bay or oceanfront offer waterfront dining, like the Angler or the Boil Company. For a casual shore lunch, stop by a fried fish sandwich stand or grab Italian ice from a storefront. Don't overlook breakfast joints and cafés: a popular choice is grabbing pancakes or omelets at the diners on Asbury Avenue.
Shopping in Ocean City goes well beyond souvenirs. Downtown Asbury Avenue is lined with boutiques, surf shops, gift stores, and galleries. For example, We Make It Personal on Asbury will engrave names on all kinds of novelty gifts. The boardwalk itself has many small shops selling clothing, beach gear, and classic candy.
Ocean City, NJ, truly offers something for everyone. From its famous boardwalk and wide beaches to nature parks, kid-friendly parks, and fun dining, there's almost too much to do in one visit. Whether your group loves action-packed rides, water adventures, or just relaxing by the ocean, Ocean City delivers an unforgettable mix of activities.
