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Vacation in Ocean City - New Jersey
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Jump to:
Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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Area Overview
A Relaxing Vacation Getaway
With a population of less than 12,000, Ocean City, New Jersey is like a breath of fresh sea air, providing a welcome change of pace from those congested vacation resorts. This makes Ocean City the family beach resort of choice for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And with nearly eight miles of pristine beachfront available, there’s plenty of room for exploring, wandering, or simply finding a peaceful spot to watch the tide roll in. It’s been that way since Ocean City’s incorporation in the late 19th century.
A Family Beach Resort for Children of All Ages
Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, you’ll quickly discover that Ocean City is designed with everyone’s “inner child” in mind. You’ll find no shortage of fun family places and activities, like miniature golf courses, amusement and water parks, camps, and kid-themed programs. Since Ocean City is a true family beach resort, you’ll be pleased to discover how affordably priced an OCNJ vacation can be. A great example is our “Family Night” event held on the boardwalk every Thursday night in July and August. Family Night features lots of fun activities like face painting, karaoke, and music. Best of all, it’s all free!
Plenty of Affordable Accommodations
When you plan a family vacation in Ocean City, New Jersey, there are plenty of answers to the question, “But where can we stay?” You’ll find accommodations ranging from hotels located just a few feet from the beach to a wide selection of motels and rental homes interspersed throughout the island. The sheer volume of accommodations makes finding a place suitable for the size of your brood without breaking your vacation budget as easy as a gentle ocean breeze! Don’t put off planning your next great family location another minute.
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Things to Do |
Recreation & Fitness
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Ocean City, New Jersey is one of the country’s finest year-round resort islands with eight miles of beautiful beaches and bay for sunbathing, boating, fishing, jet skis and kayaking; 2.5 miles of boardwalk complete with two amusement parks, a water park, go-carts, bike rentals and miniature golf; fine dining restaurants and a downtown shopping district with many unique specialty shops and stores.
Whether visiting for a week, a month, the summer or a lifetime, Ocean City, NJ offers a variety of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, condo and home rentals to fit every guests needs. Visit one of our many real estate offices for all your sales and rental inquiries.
The city's unique historical background can be traced as far back as 1700, when whalers used the island as a waypoint in their travels. In the late 19th century, Ocean City was officially founded as a camp and resort town. Many historical landmarks can still be found around the island, including the tree under which the Ocean City Association was formerly incorporated. Over time, the barrier island of Ocean City, New Jersey, began to attract both residential and commercial interests to its shores.
Ocean City, New Jersey is “America’s Greatest Family Resort”, and because of that, it is a wonderful place for family reunions, group outings and of course, beach weddings! Our beaches, boardwalk, bay, Ferris wheels and amusement rides make beautiful backdrops for all your family photos.
The camps and programs around Ocean City will keep your kids busy enjoying their favorite activities. Institutions like the Ocean City Arts Center, the Bayside Center and the Ocean City Music Pier offer a wide variety of fun and educational events for kids of all ages. Sports programs, lessons, clinics and camps for basketball, tennis and watersports give kids the opportunity to enjoy their favorite activities while in Ocean City.
Throughout the year, OCNJ hosts numerous free family events all listed in our events calendar. From First Night to Night in Venice and the Farmers Market to Evenings on Asbury Avenue, Ocean City NJ is the place to be for family fun. Activities include those tailored to your kids, including camps and sports leagues.
Ocean City is also an excellent location to hold your next business meeting or organizational retreat. With many professional services located across the island, planning a meeting is painless, regardless of the number of guests in your group. Ocean City, NJ, is a business-friendly atmosphere that welcomes groups of all sizes to our island.
Ocean City New Jersey is located in close proximity to Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore and is less than a tank away for most in the tri-state area. Island information, Directions to Ocean City and Maps are all available on this site.
Ocean City, NJ employment, specials, business directory, free Ocean City Visitors Guide, free relocation guides, weather and tide information is all here. From Beach Tags to Bike Rentals, we will lead you through it all to make your visit to Ocean City, NJ “America’s Greatest Family Resort” the best it can be!
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Cultural Activities
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The Ocean City Arts Center offers many types of visual arts and performing arts classes to all ages. On premises we also have an Art Gallery and a Gift Shop, offering one-of-a-kind items made by local artists. We believe that OCAC is where the community comes together to celebrate art, to try something new, or even make dreams become reality!
The Ocean City Pops plays a wide variety of music and programs for all ages. An evening with the Pops can include anything from a fully staged Broadway musical to opera, jazz, theme nights, movie scores, or a Children’s Lollipop concert. Check our Performance Schedule to find the programs that fit your schedule and interests.
The vision of the Ocean City Historical Museum, Inc. is to be an inviting, informative and innovative community resource that is recognized and respected as the place for exploring and celebrating the rich history and heritage of Ocean City, New Jersey.
The mission of the Ocean City Historical Museum, Inc. is to delight, inspire and educate the public about the story of Ocean City, New Jersey and to collect, preserve and promote items relevant to its heritage, traditions and memories.
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Attractions
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In Ocean City, our fine white sand, the shimmering water and our brilliant sunshine take center stage and for good reason! Ocean City offers 8 miles of pristine white sand, ample space for beautiful sand castles, and plenty of coastline to enjoy swimming in the waves.
Bring the family down to the Shore and discover why generation after generation returns to Ocean City again and again. Take surfing lessons, buy a skim board, find out what the paddle boarding craze is all about or simply relax with a good book. Watch the sun come up over the water and remind yourself why Ocean City is America’s favorite resort town destination!
Summer Season Guarded Beaches
Enjoying the ocean and its myriad activities begins with respect, and that’s why Ocean city provides lifeguard supervision at most of its beaches. You can relax in the knowledge that our lifeguarding staff has the expertise necessary to protect swimmers and water sports enthusiasts in sometimes-rough waters.
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Transportation |
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Getting to our Island
Because of its close proximity to three major US cities (Philadelphia, New York, and Washington DC), Ocean City is easily accessible by car, train, plane, and bus. By Land
Directions from Philadelphia
Take the Atlantic City Expressway east to Exit 7S, Garden State Parkway south. Parkway Exit 30 serves 9th Street and Exit 25 serves 34th Street.
Directions from Points South
Take Interstate 95 north to Interstate 295 north. From 295, take Rt. 40 east to Rt.55 south to Rt. 49 east. Turn right on Rt. 50 south. From Rt. 50 turn left on County Route 631 and follow signs to Ocean City.
New Jersey Transit serves Ocean City via the Transportation Center at 10th Street & Haven Avenue • 973-275-5555; 800-772-2287 for TTY or njtransit.com.
By Sea
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry links Cape May with the DelMarVa peninsula. From the Cape May Ferry Terminal, follow signs for the Garden State Parkway. Take the Parkway north to Exit 25. • 1-800-64-FERRY or capemaylewesferry.com.
By Air
The closest commercial airports are Atlantic City International (ACY) in Pomona and Philadelphia International (PHL). The Ocean City Municipal Airport serves general aviation traffic at 26th Street & Bay Avenue • 609-525-9223.
Four Bridge Connections
1. On the north end of town, the Ocean Drive/Longport Bridge leads to Longport and northern Somers Point. Accessible via Wesley Avenue.
2. In the heart of town, the Howard Stainton Memorial Causeway (9th Street) takes Route 52 to Somers Point and Garden State Parkway Exit 30. Accessible via 9th Street. This is a walkable bridge with a pedestrian lane and a fishing pier. Vacationers and locals enjoy “walking the bridge” as they take in the gorgeous water views.
3. At 34th Street, the Roosevelt Boulevard bridge leads to Marmora, Upper Township and Garden State Parkway Exit 25.
4. On the southern end of town, the Ocean Drive spans Corson’s Inlet and Strathmere Bay, towards Strathmere and Sea Isle City.
Getting Around our Island
At a bit of over eight miles in length, Ocean City is easily traveled via car and bike. Its avenues run north-to-south and streets run east-to-west. West, Asbury and Central Avenues run the entire length of the island. The street numbers begin with 1st Street near the northern tip and end at 59th Street at the southern border.
GPS Address and Coordinates
Ocean City Welcome Center
300 W. 9th Street
Ocean City, NJ 08226
39 16’ 44” N
74 34’ 33” W
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Climate |
Monthly Temperatures / Rainfall
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Low
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Avg
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High
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Rain |
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January
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29.0
F°
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35.2
F°
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41.4
F°
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3.4
"
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February
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30.6
F°
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36.9
F°
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43.2
F°
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2.9
"
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March
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37.0
F°
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43.3
F°
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49.5
F°
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3.8
"
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April
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45.2
F°
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51.4
F°
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57.5
F°
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3.3
"
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May
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54.8
F°
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60.5
F°
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66.1
F°
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3.2
"
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June
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63.9
F°
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69.3
F°
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74.8
F°
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2.5
"
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July
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69.8
F°
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75.2
F°
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80.6
F°
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3.4
"
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August
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69.7
F°
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74.8
F°
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79.8
F°
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4.2
"
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September
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63.6
F°
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68.8
F°
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74.1
F°
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3.0
"
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October
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52.5
F°
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58.5
F°
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64.5
F°
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2.7
"
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November
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42.9
F°
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49.0
F°
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55.0
F°
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3.0
"
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December
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34.0
F°
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40.1
F°
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46.3
F°
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3.2
"
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Best Time To Go:
Summer and fall.
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Ocean City's weather is in a word... temperate. Thanks to being surrounded on all sides by water, the island stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the big cities nearby. Pack as you would for any island stay depending on the month of your visit, but keep in mind the Boardwalk and beach can be cooler than expected when the sun goes down.
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Accommodations |
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OCNJ is home to a wide choice of accommodations, from romantic and luxurious bed and breakfasts to sprawling family resorts. Explore your options in OCNJ, and plan the vacation of a lifetime!
Homes, Condos and Apartments
For families and large groups who need plenty of space, a full kitchen, pet accommodations and options for privacy, renting a home, condo, guest house or apartment in OCNJ is a great option. Amenities range from basic to luxurious, private residences sleep up to 10 or more people, and pets are sometimes allowed for an extra fee. Choose among oceanfront residences, downtown apartments and bayside homes, depending on your needs and preferences. Rentals are available in a range of prices and dates; seasonal and yearly rentals are also available.
Hotels, Motels and Resorts
When doing your own cooking and cleaning lacks appeal, explore OCNJ’s hotels, motels and resorts. Choices range from cozy efficiencies to sprawling suites that can sleep multiple guests. Choose your amenities and location based on your own requirements — from an oceanfront hotel with restaurants and bars on-site to a quiet bayside motel with charm and convenience, the options are yours to decide.
Bed and Breakfasts
OCNJ visitors seeking a personal and relaxed but still luxurious experience will appreciate our bed and breakfast properties. Often exquisitely-decorated and sometimes featuring delicious morning and afternoon light fare, bed and breakfasts offer guests the opportunity to explore Ocean City from a home-like base. Reserve early, as availability is limited.
Camping
You’ve camped in the mountains and maybe your backyard, but have you ever camped at the beach? Now is your opportunity to discover how fun camping in OCNJ can be. Visit the beach and Boardwalk, bike and hike to your heart’s content, and come back to an open fire and the sounds of nature.
Lodging in Ocean City New Jersey
Researching a visit to Ocean City, New Jersey? Then you’ll no doubt discover enjoying the sights, tastes and attractions of our seaside town will take more than a few hours. Why not stay for several days and find out for yourself why OCNJ is America’s favorite seaside resort community?
Lodging in Ocean City
For generations, visitors to OCNJ have enjoyed the charm of our many lodging options. From the array of amenities provided at large resort hotels to the quieter, more personal experience of the inn and motel, there is lodging in Ocean City perfect for you and your vacation plans
For generations, visitors to OCNJ have enjoyed the charm of our many lodging options. From the array of amenities provided at large resort hotels to the quieter, more personal experience of the inn and motel, there is lodging in Ocean City perfect for you and your vacation plans
Which Location Is Right for You?
When your visit to OCNJ is all about the beach, the beach and nothing but the beach, use our directory to investigate the variety of oceanfront lodging choices our seaside town offers. Stay right on OCNJ’s world-famous Boardwalk and sample for yourself the sights, sounds and smells of America’s favorite beachside resort town.
Alternatively, stay off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems scattered among the quieter bay side of Ocean City, where the only thing more peaceful than the evening sunset is the morning sunrise. Either way, there is Ocean City lodging perfect for you!
The Seaside Vacation Community America Loves Best
OCNJ is more than the beach. We offer fine and casual dining, natural beauty and an array of activities and attractions that extend beyond the sand and surf. Bring your golf clubs and your bikes, because there is a lot to see and do in OCNJ that you won’t want to miss!
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Costs |
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Additional Information
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Visitor Information
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Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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