Bring the family down to the Shore and discover why generation after generation returns to Ocean City 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. Watch the sun rise over the water and savor the tranquility. Bring your loved ones down to the Shore and discover why Ocean City is America’s favorite East Coast beach town.
Enjoying the ocean and its many activities begins with respect, and that’s why Ocean City provides lifeguard supervision at most of its beaches. You can relax knowing that our lifeguards have the necessary experience to protect swimmers and water sports enthusiasts in sometimes-rough waters. Most beaches are guarded starting in June until Labor Day.
Don’t hesitate to test the waters at every one of our lifeguarded beaches and enjoy a refreshing dip. Questions while you’re visiting? Ask our on-duty lifeguards for more details.
Click here for the latest list of guarded Ocean City beaches!
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.
Accidents happen, even at the beach. No worries, we got your back! Our beaches are divided into zones, each with a first aid station at its headquarters. You’ll find first aid stations 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.
The Ocean City Visitor’s Guide provides information on Ocean City beaches, accommodations, dining, activities and events.
