11 Best Things to Do in Ocean City, NJ

Ocean City, New Jersey, is often referred to as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” with dozens of fun and family-friendly activities to enjoy. In this post, I uncover 11 of the best things to do in Ocean City, NJ.

Ocean City is an island just off the coast of mainland New Jersey that’s only about 8 miles in length. 

The island is home to around 11,000 residents year-round, but the population explodes in the summer when hundreds of families come to rent a beach house for a week or more.

11 Things to Do in Ocean City, NJ

Whether you’re coming to Ocean City, NJ for a day, a weekend, or an entire week, you won’t run out of things to see and do (and some things you will likely want to repeat!).

Here is a narrowed-down list of the 11 best things to do in Ocean City:

1. Walk or bike the boardwalk

The Ocean City boardwalk is the most popular attraction on the island. It’s where everyone seems to congregate at some point during the day.

The boardwalk is 2.5 miles long, with dozens of stores and entertainment venues on one side and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

Most shops and restaurants don’t open until 9 a.m., but you’ll still find lots of people who go there early in the morning to watch the sunrise or take a walk or bike ride.

You are welcome to ride a bike or surrey on the boardwalk from 5 a.m. to noon during the summer months. During the off-season, you can generally ride at any time. There are bike and surrey rental places in several areas along the boardwalk.

The boardwalk really comes alive at night after the beach closes and people enjoy exploring the shops, playing at one of the amusement parks, or grabbing an evening ice cream cone.

2. Catch some rays on Ocean City Beach

A day at Ocean City, NJ is not complete without spending at least some time on Ocean City Beach, an eight-mile stretch of sand along the Atlantic Ocean.

The boardwalk runs right along the beach, so you can easily go there to grab lunch or snacks before heading back to the sand and waves.

You might be surprised to hear that the waves at Ocean City are decently sized, and you’ll often see surfers out in the water. If you don’t know how to surf, give boogie boarding a try! If you don’t have your own boogie board, there are lots of shops on the boardwalk that sell them.

Ocean City Beach has some of the cleanest and softest sand you can find. It’s perfect for building sand castles — or laying down for a nap with the waves as your soundtrack. Ahh.

Note that you’ll need to purchase a daily ($10) or weekly ($20) beach pass to enter Ocean City Beach. Many rental homes come with complimentary passes, but you can also purchase them from several shops around the island.

3. Wander through Corsen’s Inlet State Park

Experience Ocean City’s natural preserve, Corson’s Inlet State Park, which covers 341 acres of land and water. This is a great place to go if you want to escape the crowds near the beach and look for wildlife.

Corson’s Inlet is a birdwatcher’s paradise. You may spot a variety of birds, including ospreys, herons, egrets, and sandpipers. 

There are many hiking trails inside the park, with one of the most popular being the 0.8-mile out-and-back Corson’s Inlet Trail.

4. Eat at Jon & Patty’s Coffee Bar & Bistro

Asbury Avenue is another popular area of Ocean City for shopping and dining, and Jon & Patty’s is one of the best places along this street.

This family restaurant serves delicious food, especially for breakfast, but they are probably most known for their specialty coffee drinks, each with a unique name. 

Try The Elvis latte if you like peanut butter and banana, the Lazy Hazy Days latte if you’re craving hazelnut and vanilla, or the Johnson’s Popcorn latte for butter pecan and salted caramel. YUM.

5. Enjoy the rides at Playland’s Castaway Cove

There are several amusement parks along the boardwalk, and Castaway Cove is one of the best ones. This family-friendly place has more than 30 rides that are fun for all ages.

Here you’ll find a train, a spinning helicopter ride, a carousel, roller coasters, bumper cars, and much more.

You have the option to purchase individual tickets for $1 each or buy a book of 60 tickets for $50. They also have larger books for more money if you plan to go on LOTS of rides.

6. Play at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier

Gillian’s Wonderland Pier is a more nostalgic amusement park at Ocean City that’s been in operation since 1929. The park has been run by the Gillian family ever since its founding. You’ll be able to spot the Wonderland Pier from far away with its iconic castle entrance.

There are several longtime favorite rides that are still running, including the Crazy Submarine, MonoRail, Canyon Falls Log Flume, and Tilt-a-Whirl.

Note that this amusement park is more expensive than Castaway Cove but worth a visit if you want to experience one of Ocean City’s biggest gems.

7. Tour the Ocean City Historical Museum

If you’re a history buff, you might enjoy touring the Ocean City Historical Museum, which goes into depth about the city’s past since its founding in 1879.

Here you’ll find a collection of documents, photos, and other artifacts that describe the Native American heritage of the region, the religious beliefs of early settlers, and the history of the boardwalk. 

You’ll also get to learn some of the more unique facts about Ocean City’s history, including the Sindia shipwreck of 1901. Apparently the ship is still under the sand near the 17th Street beach!

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be found inside the Ocean City Community Center. Bonus: There is no admission fee to enter!

8. Grab famous frozen custard from Kohr Brothers

People who know Ocean City well will tell you that you have to try Kohr Brothers’ frozen custard at least once.

Frozen custard is a special kind of soft-serve ice cream with a creamier texture that the Kohr brothers, Archie and Elton Kohr, first pioneered in 1919.

Today, the custard comes in several different flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and orange cream. Make sure to ask them to dip your cone in “jimmies” (sprinkles)!

There are several Kohr Brothers stands along the boardwalk to tempt you.

Pro Tip: If you’re a sweet tooth, you should also try a signature coconut macaroon from George’s Candies, another beloved sweets shop on the boardwalk. These melt-in-your-mouth pastries will have you coming back for seconds, thirds…and tenths.

9. See a show at the Music Pier

The Music Pier is one of Ocean City’s most notable buildings, jutting out from the boardwalk with stunning ocean views all around. 

This historic pier was first built in 1929 and has been hosting special musical performances, concerts, and other events ever since.

The Music Pier is also home to the Ocean City Pops Orchestra, and you can catch their performances during the summer.

See the Music Pier Showpass website for the most current list of events.

10. Go birdwatching at Stainton Wildlife Refuge

Another great place to go birdwatching is Howard Stainton Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll find ospreys, hawks, black ducks, kingfishers, and more.

Even if you’re not interested in looking for birds, this refuge has lots of trails for walking, as well as a paved bike trail that goes around the perimeter of the refuge. 

This is the perfect place to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, away from the noise of busier parts of the island.

11. Grab a fresh brew from Ocean City Coffee Company

Are you a coffee lover? Be sure to check out Ocean City Coffee Company, which has three locations around the island:

• 9th and Boardwalk
• 10th and Boardwalk
• 917 Asbury Avenue

They serve an array of coffee with the motto “Roasted on the Beach.” Their iced coffee is an especially refreshing choice during the summer.

If you’re not into coffee, Ocean City Coffee Company also has a nice selection of teas.

Free Things to Do in Ocean City, NJ

Want to explore Ocean City without breaking the bank? The good news is most of the things mentioned in this post cost little to no money. 

Here are some of the best FREE activities at Ocean City:

• Explore the Ocean City boardwalk
• Tour Ocean City Historical Museum
• Walk the trails at Corson’s Inlet State Park
• Bike the paved trail at Stainton Wildlife Refuge
• Go window shopping along Asbury Street (though maybe spend a few dollars on a coffee at Ocean City Coffee Company)

FAQs About Ocean City NJ

Here are answers to common questions about Ocean City, NJ.

What is Ocean City known for?

Ocean City is known as a family-friendly vacation destination. Many families are loyal Ocean City visitors who love to plan summer vacations here.

Ocean City is very safe and is a place where parents typically feel comfortable letting older kids wander around on their own, especially along the beach and boardwalk.

Ocean City also has a reputation as a “dry island,” meaning no alcohol can be purchased on the island — another likely reason why it has the label “American’s Greatest Family Resort.”

What’s the best way to spend one day at Ocean City?

If you only have one day at Ocean City, you should spend it at the beach and boardwalk. 

Ocean City Beach is one of the most pristine New Jersey beaches with large waves and soft sand.

The boardwalk will also entertain you for hours with its many shops, restaurants, and amusement parks.

For lunch, grab a slice or two from the beloved Manco and Manco’s Pizza, or order a fresh acai bowl from Playa Bowls — both places are on the boardwalk.

Is the Ocean City beach clean?

Yes! Ocean City has a reputation for having one of the cleanest beaches in New Jersey. You won’t find much litter anywhere. The city does a great job keeping the beach well-maintained and safe for walking.

What are things to do in Ocean City during the off season?

While Ocean City is most popular for tourists in the summer, many people call the island home year-round, so you’ll find most shops and restaurants are still open, even along the boardwalk.

You may not want to swim in the ocean during the cooler months, but you can still enjoy a long walk on the beach or boardwalk in brisker temperatures. The off-season is especially nice for this if you want to avoid large crowds.

What are unique things to do in Ocean City?

Here are a few extra-special things to do during your time in Ocean City:

• Grab a sandwich and smoothie from Positively 4th Street at 400 Atlantic Avenue. The inside of the cafe is decorated with fun colors, guitars, and other artwork on the walls. It’s a hole-in-the-wall place that seems to be more frequented by locals, and it’s so good.
• Ride the MonoRail at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, even if you don’t have kids. This ride has been around for a long time and is such a fun and nostalgic thing to do on the boardwalk.
• Indulge in an ice cream sandwich from Famous Cookie Creamery towards the south end of the boardwalk and don’t ask about the calorie count.
• Rent a surrey for a more unique, vintage way to experience the boardwalk.

What are the best things to do in Ocean City for adults?

Even though Ocean City prides itself as America’s Greatest Family Resort, the island is a popular destination for adults, too — even without kids.

All of the things to do that are mentioned in this post could be fun for adults, whether it’s spending time on the beach, exploring the boardwalk, going on amusement park rides, eating ice cream, or seeing a show at the Music Pier. Ocean City is jam-packed with fun for all ages.

What are things to do in Ocean City when it rains?

Some of the best things to do in Ocean City when the weather won’t cooperate include:

• Cozying up at your rental property and playing board games or watching a movie
• Seeing a show at the Music Pier
• Touring the Ocean City Historical Museum
• Grabbing food and lattes from Jon & Patty’s

What are romantic things to do in Ocean City?

By far, one of the most romantic things to do in Ocean City is walk along the beach, especially at sunrise or sunset. The eight-mile stretch of sand offers the most stunning ocean views and is the perfect way to spend time together.

Couples also enjoy walking along the boardwalk and eating at one of its many restaurants or ice cream shops. You can also rent a small surrey for a peaceful morning ride before the boardwalk gets too crowded.

For panoramic views of the ocean from up high, go for a ride on the Big Wheel at Gillian’s Wonderland Pier.

Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Ocean City, NJ

Ocean City, NJ is an amazing place with a family-friendly atmosphere and endless activities to entertain all ages. 

Whether you’re hoping to soak up the sun at the beach, explore the excitement of the boardwalk, or venture into less-crowded areas of the island, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Have fun planning your trip to this gem on the Jersey Shore!

About the Author

Amanda Ghanbarpour is a travel blogger based in Boston. Her site, My Vintage Map, focuses on destinations in New England and beyond. She grew up spending many summer vacations in Ocean City, NJ, so it’s a place that’s near and dear to her heart.

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