Are you looking for the perfect place to spend your next family vacation? Year after year, Ocean City, NJ is named one of the nation’s top family vacation spots. OCNJ is known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort” by many of our vacationers who flock into town by the hundreds of thousands every summer. Whether you visit for a day, a weekend, a week, or longer, you and your family won’t run out of great activities and events in Ocean City.
The beach in Ocean City stretches for eight miles with beautiful, clean white sand and rolling surf. During the summer months, the beaches are fully staffed with lifeguard posts standing at regular intervals along the shore. These guarded beaches are open from the end of June until the end of summer, although several are open before the start of the peak season. First aid stations and emergency personnel are on hand to make sure everyone has a safe, enjoyable time when they go to the beach.
New Jersey’s finest, the Ocean City Boardwalk has a historical reputation as a place to find great shopping, restaurants, live music & entertainment, and classic amusement parks. The Boardwalk is especially lively throughout the summer when vacationers and even visitors from nearby towns and cities come to Ocean City just to experience the Boardwalk. The affordable shops and stores make a trip to the Boardwalk a great value for the whole family. Additionally, free live entertainment can be found on the Boardwalk throughout the summer.
As a family vacation spot, there are plenty of activities in Ocean City specifically for kids. Outdoor activities, such as fishing and boating, are popular on the bay side of the island where a thriving ecosystem supports a diverse population of birds, fish, plants and wildlife. Rental equipment for fishing, boating, or kayaking can be found at several marinas and rental shops.
On the Boardwalk you can find several miniature golf courses, each with a unique theme. Kids love to spend the day at the Boardwalk’s water park, complete with slides, pools, and a relaxing river for the adults. The roller coasters and classic amusement park rides provide endless entertainment for kids and parents alike.
In the Downtown area you can find delicious restaurants, year-round shopping and enjoyable galleries. From everyday items like hardware and fine furnishings to novelty gifts and beach finds, a trip down “the avenue” in the Downtown shopping district lets you discover over 100 unique stores and shops. You can also find a mid-day meal or satisfying snack at one of the restaurants lining Asbury Avenue to keep your energy and spirits high.
The range of options for lodging is another aspect of Ocean City, NJ that makes it one of the top family vacation spots. Hotels, motels, rental houses, campgrounds – no matter how long you plan to stay or what your budget is, you can find the perfect accommodations for you and your family. Staying on the Boardwalk puts you within feet of the beach, which convenient for families carrying chairs, bags, umbrellas, and everything else needed for a day at the shore. Boardwalk hotels and motels are also excellent for those who enjoy early morning jogs or bike rides.
For some, Ocean City has been their family vacation spot for generations. Traditions revolve around everything from a small ice cream shop on the Boardwalk to a particular spot on the beach. Traditions which were started decades ago live on through the families who come to Ocean City summer after summer.
Visit Ocean City on your family’s next vacation and find out what makes our island one of the top family vacation spots in the country.
Official 2024
Visitor’s Guide
The Ocean City Visitor’s Guide provides information on Ocean City accommodations, dining, activities and events.