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.
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.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier closed last year 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, once the season opens. The Sandcastle Putt Club mini golf that opens in the spring, too.
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.
Coming up this spring are Girls Weekend, the OC Con Comic Book & Memorabilia Show and Super Hero Run, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep volunteer event, Doo Dah Parade, Great Egg Hunt, a dueling pianos show, sports memorabilia show and Downtown Merchant Discount Days, all taking place on weekends in April.
May will feature Martin Z. Mollusk Day, a Spring Block Party, the Spring Cruisin’ car show, Ocean City Schools Art Showcase, the OCNJ triathlon and duathlon, Unlocking of the Ocean Plunge, Memorial Beach Challenge, and a Memorial Day service.
The city also 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.
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