Each year numerous news outlets and critics rank family beaches and Ocean City is proud to say that our resort town frequently ranks as the one of the best in the country. Vacationers flock to OCNJ every summer to relax on the shore, walk the Boardwalk or explore the natural habitats of the bay side of the island. Thousands return year after year; for some, a vacation to Ocean City is a family tradition that has been passed down for decades. When you visit us in OCNJ, you will quickly see why our beach is the perfect family beach for you and your kids.
Ocean City is a barrier island located in southern New Jersey, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Great Egg Harbor Bay to the northwest. The beach is eight miles of white sand and rolling surf, with sand dunes scattered up and down the island. In the south, Corson’s Inlet State Park sets a serene atmosphere where rare shore birds and great fishing spots can be found all year round. Boating and sailing are popular on the bay side of the island, and several marinas offer charter boat services and boat rentals.
Lifeguards fully staff the shore by the third week in June, while several spots are guarded beginning Memorial Day weekend. Through Labor Day, lifeguards remain on duty from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm during the week. On holidays and weekends, the lifeguards’ hours extend to 5:30pm. Beach-goers should only swim at guarded beaches when lifeguards are on duty. First aid and emergency personnel are always nearby, as well. Restrooms and changing rooms can be found in comfort stations located at intervals along the shore.
Several beaches are reserved for surfing; these include Waverly Boulevard, 7th Street, and 16th Street. Vacationers in wheelchairs can access every beach with the city’s free Surf Chair program. These specially-designed chairs can be used in the sand. These chairs can be reserved ahead of time on a daily or weekly basis.
Alcohol-Free Family BeachesSome beach resorts cater more to young adults by featuring plenty of bars, nightclubs and casinos. As a result, they don’t always offer a great environment for family vacationing. OCNJ provides a family-friendly alternative to all the rowdiness and congestion. Being a family beach, Ocean City is a dry city, meaning no alcohol is sold on the island and drinking on the beach or Boardwalk is prohibited. OCNJ is one of the few dry resort towns on the Jersey Shore, an element many of our vacationing families appreciate.
The Ocean City Boardwalk is one of the top boardwalks in the nation. Hundreds of thousands of vacationers and travelers make a point to stop at the OCNJ Boardwalk throughout the year to enjoy the mind-boggling diversity of shops, stores, amusements, activities and entertainment. The two-and-a-half mile Boardwalk is always bustling with beach-goers, shoppers, and families taking advantage of the great prices and welcoming atmosphere. A free family-friendly feature you’ll find on the Boardwalk every Thursday during July and August is “Family Night,” offering plenty of free activities like face painting, karaoke, and even a strolling barbershop quartet.
An important aspect to being known as one of the best family beaches is offering an assortment of activities that are tailored for kids. When you choose OCNJ as your family vacation destination, one thing you’ll never hear your kids say is, “I can’t find anything to do.”
The range of kids’ activities includes amusement parks, arts and crafts, morning sports, museums, and libraries featuring storytelling and movie showings. There are also plenty of special events throughout the summer that kids are sure to love. For those occasional times when the clouds roll in, there is no shortage of indoor activities to brighten a rainy day.
Unlike many family vacation destinations, a visit to OCNJ won’t break the family budget. You’ll find plenty of affordable accommodations located right along the beach or in more secluded areas offering maximum privacy. You’ll be pleased to discover how inexpensive the food, shopping, and activities are as well. The low cost of having fun is a big reason why families keep coming back to OCNJ year after year!
On your next vacation, visit Ocean City, New Jersey to find out why our island is home to the nation’s top family beach and Boardwalk. Begin planning your family trip to OCNJ today. We hope to see you soon!
The Ocean City Visitor’s Guide provides information on Ocean City accommodations, dining, activities and events.
