Ocean City, New Jersey, has so much beauty and adventure for tourists and residents alike. What better way to experience it than riding a bike? Biking is one of the most popular activities in Ocean City, and it’s a great way to spend time with family and friends while having fun and staying active.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced rider, there are trails suitable for everyone. From the beach to shopping centers and everywhere in between, this guide will direct you to some of the best Ocean City bike paths around.
A key component for biking is having a bike, and luckily, there are plenty of places to find bicycles in Ocean City. Wherever you wish to ride, there is bound to be a bike rental or sales shop nearby.
Keep in mind that prices for rentals will vary from shop to shop. However, bike rentals around the city are affordable, encouraging visitors to rent while they explore. Rental shops often include helmets, baskets and locks in the rental cost, maximizing your rental value. Add-ons such as baby seats, tag-along bikes and training wheels are sometimes available for an additional fee. Bike rentals allow you to pack light and explore the city from a unique perspective during your visit.
From biking along busy streets to cruising through scenic areas, there is a wide variety of bike routes to discover all the delights Ocean City has to offer.
Haven Avenue is a “share the road” trail. Opened back in the spring of 2008, this trail was the first in the area to help foster a more biking-friendly community. It runs from 9th St. to 34th St. and connects the Transportation Center and Cultural and Community Center.
It also provides access to many other attractions, including shopping, playgrounds, ball fields and more. For those who desire an easygoing Ocean City bike ride, this is the best North-South-bound route to take.
This is a longer version of the Haven Avenue path. The Ocean City Bike Path starts at 35th St. and runs parallel to Haven Ave. Once you get to East 9th St., turn left and cross the Stainton Memorial Causeway. The bridge has a separate path for bikers and walkers, letting you safely cross while you ride. The path is several miles long, giving you a perfect view of the water.
For a quicker journey that avoids traffic, bike the shorter route between 25th and 35th St. This family-friendly trail lets you bike without being on the road, making it perfect for groups with kids. You’ll travel next to Stainton Wildlife Refuge at the start and can turn off to explore more biking there if you want.
Boasting beautiful ocean views without vehicular traffic, the Boardwalk is a popular route for many cyclists. Stretching for 2.5 miles, distance markers are located every 1/4 mile to keep track of where you are. However, there is heavy pedestrian traffic, especially in the summertime when biking is limited to the hours between 5 a.m. and noon. To fully enjoy the Boardwalk bike route, go early in the day.
Fans of biking and wildlife can rejoice with this perfect bike route. Winding through 16 acres of natural preservation, the Howard Stainton Wildlife Refuge offers the chance to bike and enjoy nature. Relish the beautiful surroundings and the chance to see marshland birds and waterfowl in their natural habitats.
This bike route runs along with vehicular traffic and parked cars. Designed for more advanced bikers with experience riding among traffic, it runs from 12th St. to 55th St. If you choose to bike on this route, you need to take extra precautions. Bright clothing and the use of lights and reflectors are highly advised, especially at night. You should be alert at all times.
The short distance of this trail might make it seem easy at first glance. This steep trail over the Ocean City Longport Bridge at the north end can be a little challenging but a very rewarding ride. The route takes you to two wonderful locations — a popular fishing pier and the Dog Beach.
Cyclists can also travel from Longport Bridge to Russ Chattin Bridge, located at the south end of Ocean City. All bicycle lanes on these routes are marked clearly and well-protected from flowing traffic.
If you wish to enjoy the activities of monarch butterflies, ducks, geese and dolphins during your biking adventures, Corson’s Inlet State Park is the perfect place to go. Sitting on 341 acres of land and located at the southern tip of Ocean City, this is the best route for those who love nature and its inhabitants. You can access the park via the beach at 59th St. and Central Avenue, as well as the bay 1/2 mile south of 56th St. on Bay Ave.
Experience some of Ocean City’s most beautiful sunsets on this bike route. Offering a multitude of activities, including hiking and fishing, there is something for everyone. This trail can be found at 51st St. and Bay Ave.
Biking in and around OCNJ isn’t limited to summer — it’s a year-round activity for everyone. Whether you’re looking to experience lush fall foliage or bike along the beach, we have bike paths to enjoy.
Family-friendly biking is a great way to get everyone involved in a healthy activity. In between kids’ activities, try out one of our biking trails. Ocean City, NJ, bike paths are ideal for family biking. Look for wider, paved paths with mostly level travel. The smoother the ride, the easier it is for everyone to keep up and have fun.
Multi-use and all-ages trails are good signs for families. These labels indicate that the trail is meant for many people and abilities. The Ocean City Boardwalk is a great starting point for families looking to enjoy a leisurely bike ride together. Experience the beach and Boardwalk sights as you cruise around together.
If you have older kids who want a little more freedom, check trail difficulty ratings. Older children can usually handle slightly steeper routes and some traffic. Use well-marked trails and make sure your kids know to stay within sight.
Easier bike trails through natural parks or cities are opportunities for kids to push their skills while under supervision. Explore the Ocean City Bike Path with your older kids, or try out a nearby park or nature trail with your kids.
When biking solo, you might be interested in more advanced trails. While Ocean City offers casual biking opportunities, it’s close to several exciting solo routes, too. Bike trails in NJ offer plenty of challenge and views for solo visitors — whether you want paved, gravel or off-road adventures.
Dive into New Jersey’s gorgeous parks to find peaceful solo routes. Take a drive outside the city and visit Washington Crossing State Park for mountain biking trails. Ringwood State Park offers dozens of trails for biking and hiking, ensuring hours of entertainment.
Biking in OCNJ is a great time for bikers of all ages. Remember to stay safe while biking with these tips:
At Ocean City, New Jersey, there are plenty of trails and beautiful scenery to enjoy a scenic bike ride for both tourists and locals alike. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful ride on your own or bike with your entire family, you can do it all at Ocean City, New Jersey.
Start planning your visit today to enjoy a beautiful bike ride on our Boardwalk, trails or city streets.
