What gives a city or town that “it” factor? Writers at The Discoverer Blog looked at culture, history and lifestyle to determine the coolest cities across the country and Ocean City was their top pick for New Jersey, and we totally get why. With beach days and boardwalk strolls on our minds as we count down to summer, we’re revisiting why we love this Jersey Shore gem.
There are 8 miles of beautiful beaches in this southern Jersey Shore city, which are even wider between 5th and 14th streets. In the summer, lifeguards are on duty until 8 pm at the beaches off 8th, 9th, 12th and 34th streets.
The city has a smartphone mapping tool so you can find parking in real time, a huge bonus for families who have to lug their beach chairs, wagon and cooler to find their perfect spot on the sand.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier closed in 2024, but there are plans to revamp the area as a hotel with the iconic Ferris wheel and carousel nearby. You can still hit up Playland’s Castaway Cove, OC’s oldest amusement park with 32 rides; and Sandcastle Putt Club mini golf.
A saltwater taffy from Shriver’s, a historical landmark, is a must, as is Johnson’s Popcorn. Express Pizza & Subs is a go-to for its buffalo chicken cheesesteak or Island Square. Head to Asbury Kitchen for sweet crepes, avocado toast and flavored lattes. Jon & Patty’s Coffee Bar & Bistro has vegan and gluten-free options. JiLLy’s French Fry Factory and Manco & Manco Pizza are institutions, too.
Most hotels and motels in Ocean City have easy access to the beach and boardwalk. The Beach Club Hotel is family-friendly, and the Ocean City Mansion is a B&B that welcomes dogs. The Coral Sands Motel has weekly rental units.
Ocean City has lots happening all year, not just in the summer. Kick off the new year during First Night, which is an NYE celebration with family-friendly activities. Come back on New Year’s Day for the Polar Plunge. The city’s downtown is packed with shops and restaurants.
Other activities during the year include hermit crab races, cabarets, vendor markets, sand sculpting contests, farmers markets, beach walks, and holiday happenings during Easter, Memorial Day and the Christmas season. The Music Pier is the place to be for outdoor summer concerts.
The upcoming events schedule includes:
- March 14-15: Market Madness shopping event
- March 28-29, April 4-5: Meet & Greet with The Easter Bunny
- March 28, April 4: The Great Egg Hunt
- April 5: Easter Sunrise Service
- April 5: Dueling Pianos Show
- April 10-12: Girls Weekend
- April 11-12: OC Con Comic Book & Memorabilia Show; Saturday is also the OC Con Super Hero Run and 1 Mile & Kids Super Hero Obstacle Dash
- April 18: Doo Dah Parade for basset hounds
- April 25-26: Sports Memorabilia Show and Merchant Discount Days
Get the latest on the best things to do with your family in and around New Jersey by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram!
Read More:
Things to Do in Ocean City
NJ is Home to One of the Best Pop Culture Museums in the Country
Here’s How to Visit 6 Jersey Shore Towns Like a Local
![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.njfamily.com/this-jersey-shore-hotspot-is-the-coolest-city-to-visit-in-nj-according-to-the-discoverer/&media=https://njfamily-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/JiLLYs-Stores-Ocean-City-New-Jersey-Boardwalk.jpg&description=The writers at The Discoverer named Ocean City as the "coolest" city in New Jersey.){kind=link}