Whether it’s your first time or you’ve already been to visit, OCNJ beaches and bays are always worth the trip. Bring the family down to the Shore and see why tourists of all ages return here again and again. Take surfing lessons at one of the Ocean City, NJ, surf beaches, test out paddle boarding or simply relax with a good book on the beach. Savor the tranquility of sunrises and discover why Ocean City is America’s favorite East Coast beach town.
Nothing spoils vacation fun more than accidents and injuries. To keep everyone safe and ensure you can continue with your Ocean City adventures without a hitch, we provide lifeguard supervision at most of our beaches. These beaches are guarded from June until Labor Day, so you can relax knowing that our lifeguards have the necessary experience to protect swimmers and water sports enthusiasts when the waters get too rough.
Enjoy a refreshing dip and don’t hesitate to test the waters at every one of our lifeguarded New Jersey beaches. Questions while you’re visiting? Ask our on-duty lifeguards for more details. The fully guarded beaches during the summer season are:
Sometimes, down at the Shore, our beaches are so tempting that only swimming in-season just isn’t possible. That’s why Ocean City provides a limited number of guarded beaches during the off-season.
Prior to the end of June, and at the end of the season, a limited number of beaches are guarded. These beaches are located on the following streets:
At Ocean City, there’s a spot for everyone. We offer different types of Jersey Shore beaches suitable for tourists of all ages and interests. Whether you’re spending a quick vacation with your kids or looking for thrilling water activities with your friends, there’s a place for you at OCNJ.
The Central Beaches are some of the best OCNJ beaches if you’re looking for a spot that offers open and easy access to the world-famous Boardwalk. They’re located between 6th and 18th Streets, with the Boardwalk running along the eastern edge and the bay on the western side.
OCNJ has plenty of family-friendly beaches, but we recommend the guarded beaches for groups traveling with kids. These beaches offer an extra layer of security for parents with trained lifeguards stationed at key areas of the beach. You can also check out Bay Beach at Beesley’s Point if you’d like a calmer environment. Take a break from water activities and enjoy birdwatching and picnics with the family, or head to the Boardwalk and visit nearby playgrounds and children’s attractions.
For a completely relaxed vibe, go straight to the North End and South End beaches. The North End extends from North Street all the way down to 6th Street and offers a quieter atmosphere while still being relatively close to the Boardwalk. This part of Ocean City is perfect for strolling on the beach and exploring the sand dunes. The South End spans from 34th Street to the southern tip, nearer the residential areas and Corson’s Inlet State Park. Here, you can bike around the neighborhood or go fishing and birdwatching.
Several OCNJ beaches are great surfing spots, but the three designated surfing beaches are Waverly Beach, 7th Street and 16th Street. Waverly Beach is known for its long-lasting, rideable waves. Meanwhile, 7th Street has a reef break for consistent surf, while 16th Street’s sandbar break and windy location create even waves for surfers.
Other locations for water activities include Great Egg Harbor Bay, which has calmer waters that are great for kayaking and paddleboarding, Corson’s Inlet State Park for fishing, and Margate Beach and Somers Point Beach for swimming. The Ocean City Beach itself is also an excellent spot for swimming and water sports, with lifeguards on duty.
Accidents happen, even at the beach. No worries — we’ve got your back! Our beaches are divided into zones, each with a first-aid station at the headquarters. You can find them at 59th, 34th, 12th and 1st Streets.
Contact the Ocean City Beach Patrol or a lifeguard immediately in the event of an emergency at the beach.
Beachgoers must purchase Ocean City beach tags to pay for services that keep our beaches clean, safe and fun for all. You can buy seasonal, weekly or daily beach tags.
Pre-season, which lasts until Memorial Day, offers discounted tags. You can purchase pre-season tags at:
Some of these locations have limited hours during the pre-season, so be sure to call before your visit.
In the summer season, you can buy Ocean City, NJ beach tags at the locations listed above and from Ocean City employees at the beach. Current pass fees are:
Everyone can enjoy the surf, sun and sand in Ocean City, and the surf chair program helps make that possible. The Surf Chair program provides beach-accessible wheelchairs for all ages and at no cost.
You can borrow the wheelchairs at the 46th Street welcome center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended.
For more information about this program, call (609) 554-0352. You can check out Ocean City’s accessibility page for the latest details.
Visitors love the island’s many bayside activities, like fishing and kayaking. From a dock, fishing pier or pavilion, you can angle for sea bass, flounder, bluefish, kingfish, weakfish and more. Remember to bring the kids — Ocean City has plenty of sports and fishing excursions for the whole family!
If you long for a quiet and peaceful nature encounter, rent a Hobie Cat sailboat or kayak. Explore Ocean City’s wildlife-rich bays and wetlands, taking in the coastal scenery. You’ll see many waterfowl and birds inhabiting the pristine ecosystem. If you visit during the fall and spring migrations, watch hundreds of birds feasting for their travels. Enjoy the thrill of watching large numbers of monarch butterflies feeding in the fall.
Plan your visit and discover why generations return to Ocean City, New Jersey, again and again.
Check out the Ocean City Visitor’s Guide for updated information on Ocean City beaches, dining establishments, accommodations, activities and events.
