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Ocean City, New Jersey is one of the premier destinations for a beach vacation at the Jersey shore. Ocean City has found its niche among South Jersey shore points as a family-friendly place for fun in the sun. In contrast to nearby Atlantic City’s casinos and active nightlife, Ocean City is a dry (alcohol-free) town focusing on entertainment that the whole family can enjoy together.

In addition to miles and miles of beautiful sand beaches, Ocean City also has a 2.5-mile boardwalk full of souvenir shops, restaurants, and entertainment such as amusements, concerts, arcades, miniature golf, and more.

Downtown, the city of Ocean City offers many points of interest and rainy-day activities for the whole family. It is also a short drive to other nearby shore points where visitors can enjoy many unique tourist attractions.

Read on to learn more about the best ways to enjoy a fun-filled family vacation in beautiful Ocean City, New Jersey!

Top Beaches of Ocean City

1. Ocean City Beach

• When to go: Anytime the weather is suitable for a beach visit!
• Where: 8 miles of coastline in Ocean City. Multiple access points are available.
• Cost: Beach tags are required during the summer season for all beachgoers (ages 12+). Seasonal tags are $25 per person, weekly tags are $10 per person, and daily tags are $5 per person

The barrier island of Ocean City is lined with 8 miles of sandy beaches. There are multiple access points off Wesley Avenue, which is the main road that runs closest to the coast. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer season at regular intervals.

There are also 11 different locations that have lifeguards on duty during the shoulder seasons. The stretch of beach between 6th Street and 14th Street also has Ocean City’s 2.5-mile boardwalk, making this northern end of the beach much more popular with beachgoers.

2. Peck Beach

• When to go: Anytime the weather is suitable for a beach visit!
• Where: Southern end of Ocean City Beach, between 36th and 37th Streets (map)
• Cost: Beach tags are required during the summer season for all beachgoers (ages 12+). Seasonal tags are $25 per person, weekly tags are $10 per person, and daily tags are $5 per person.

Peck Beach is a part of Ocean City Beach that is distinctive for its size. The beach is approximately 100 yards wide in this section, and it is guarded during the summer season.

This stretch of beach is more than 10 blocks south of the end of the boardwalk, so it is often more peaceful and less crowded than other Ocean City beaches. It is an easy walk from North Street Park. Note that finding parking for Peck Beach can be a challenge.

3. Waverly Surfing Beach

• When to go: Anytime the weather is suitable for a beach visit!
• Where: Near the intersection of Beach Road and East Atlantic Boulevard (map)
• Cost: Beach tags are required during the summer season for all beachgoers (ages 12+). Seasonal tags are $25 per person, weekly tags are $10 per person, and daily tags are $5 per person.
• Website: https://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Waverly

Located on the northern end of Ocean City island, Waverly Beach is specifically designated for surfing. This spot boasts the best waves on the island and offers a beautiful view of the Atlantic City skyline.

Whether you are ready to ride the waves or simply want a quiet beach where you can watch the waves and the surfers, head to Waverly Surfing beach. Lifeguards on duty during the peak season.

4. Surf Road Beach

• When to go: Anytime the weather is suitable for a beach visit!
• Where: Near the intersection of Surf Road and East Atlantic Boulevard (map)
• Cost: Beach tags are required during the summer season for all beachgoers (ages 12+). Seasonal tags are $25 per person, weekly tags are $10 per person, and daily tags are $5 per person.

Surf Road Beach is Ocean City’s best beach for accessibility. Ramps over the dunes help people with mobility challenges get across the sand. The ramps lead to within 100 feet of the waterline (depending on tides) which gives improved access not only to the beach but also to the ocean itself.

This is a smaller patch of beach located on the northern end of the island, away from the bustle of the boardwalk and many of Ocean City’s main tourist attractions. Lifeguards on duty during the peak season.

5. Corson’s Inlet State Park

• When to go: Park is open during daylight hours. Note that the beach is inaccessible at high tide due to beach erosion and hurricane damage. Check the tide schedules before going.
• Where: County Highway 619, Ocean City (map)
• Cost: Free. Boat launch fees may apply.
• Website: https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/corsons.html

If you’re looking for a patch of undeveloped beach in Ocean City, look no further than Corson’s Inlet State Park. This beautiful park offers hiking trails and boating access and permits fishing and crabbing. Or you can just relax on the beach enjoying the sun and the sounds of the crashing waves.

Note that swimming is not permitted at Corson’s Inlet State Park. This is a beautiful place to enjoy a natural beach environment and the wildlife that lives there.

The Boardwalk and Piers

6. Ocean City Music Pier

• When to go: Concerts and performances are held several times each week during the summer season.
• Where: 825 Boardwalk (between 8th St. and 9th St.), Ocean City (map)
• Cost: Ticket prices vary by concert.

Let the crashing of waves and the calls of seagulls form the background accompaniment for a fun and diverse concert schedule on Ocean City’s Music Pier.

Many different artists include the Music Pier on their tour schedules, and in between the Ocean City, POPS keeps audiences entertained with various programs. A concert in this unique venue is sure to be an unforgettable evening on the boardwalk.

7. Gillian’s Wonderland Pier

• When to go: Open daily during the summer season, and on weekends with limited rides in the off-season. Hours vary, so check the website for more information.
• Where: 600 Boardwalk, Ocean City (map)
• Cost: Unlimited ride pass $39.95 for 4 hours. Pay-as-you-go tickets are $1 per credit (with discounts for buying bulk tickets). Rides range from 2-6 credits per ride.
• Website: http://www.gillians.com/

With a wide assortment of amusement rides for little ones up through adult thrills, Gillian’s Wonderland Pier has something for everyone. Some rides are inside, allowing you to escape the elements if necessary.

A trip to the top of the Giant Wheel offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Ocean City coastline, and miles beyond. Gillian’s offers hours of fun for all ages, right on the boardwalk.

8. Playland’s Castaway Cove

• When to go: Hours and season dates vary. See the website for more information.
• Where: 1020 Boardwalk (between 10th St. and 11th. St), Ocean City (map)
• Cost: $1 per ticket, with discounts for buying 50 or more tickets. Most rides require 2-6 tickets. Special pricing applies to go-karts and the GaleForce roller coaster.
• Website: https://oceancityfun.com/

For over 60 years, Playland’s Castaway Cove has been a landmark on the boardwalk, with more than 30 different amusement rides for guests of all ages.

Their newest coaster, the GaleForce, is 125 feet tall and features a 90-degree drop, reaching speeds of up to 65 mph. In addition to rides, they have miniature golf and go-karts, all with the same fun pirate theme. Generations of visitors to Ocean City agree: your OCNJ vacation isn’t complete without a visit to Castaway Cove.

9. OC Water Park

• When to go: Open during the summer season (June-Labor Day) from 9:30 AM-6:00 PM, weather permitting.
• Where: 728 Boardwalk (between Plymouth Pl. and 8th St.), Ocean City (map)
• Cost: All-day pass $37.95, 3-hour pass $32.95, 2-hour pass $29.95; All prices discounted by $5 for children under 48 inches tall.

Fun in the water is not limited to the ocean in Ocean City. From thrilling water slides to a relaxing lazy river, the OC Water Park is a fun and refreshing way to add a splash to your summer vacation.

There is a children’s play area called Lil Buc’s Bay, as well as a climbing wall and an adventure golf course. The whole family is sure to love spending the day at the OC Water Park!

10. Congo Falls Adventure Golf

• When to go: Open daily during the peak season, 8 AM-12 AM, and on weekends in the off-season. Hours vary, so check the website for specific times.
• Where: 1132 Boardwalk (between 11th St. and 12th St.), Ocean City (map)
• Cost: $8.50 per person
• Website: https://congofallsgolf.com/

You can’t miss the Congo Falls Adventure Golf course – just look for the giant King Kong towering over the boardwalk. Congo Falls has 3 separate, 18-hole miniature golf courses.

Congo Queen and Solomon’s Mine are both outside, while the Lost City course is indoors in a climate-controlled environment, making it the perfect rainy-day activity. There are lots of options for miniature golf courses in Ocean City, but Congo Falls is a hole-in-one!

11. Jilly’s Arcade

• When to go: Open daily, 24 hours during the summer season, and 10 AM-10 PM the rest of the year
• Where: 1168 Boardwalk (near 12th St.), Ocean City (map)
• Cost: Varies by game and activity. Skeeball is just 10 cents to play. In addition to coins, a JiLLy’s Fun Card can be loaded with a credit card and used to pay for games.

One of my fondest childhood memories on the boardwalk is playing skeeball with my grandparents. While many arcades might have a reputation for being dark places where gamers forget if it’s day or night, JiLLy’s has a much brighter and more family-friendly vibe.

The unique carousel dome is a historical landmark, and the bright and colorful interior is well-lit and inviting. Whether you love the nostalgia of classic retro games or the realistic thrill of more modern games, JiLLy’s has you covered. There’s also fun for the whole family to enjoy together, like air hockey, pool tables, and of course, skeeball. Create your lasting boardwalk memories today!

Source: Locally Guided