Ocean City, New Jersey is known for being a great place for families to visit. There are many attractions that are designed to make the entire family’s vacation easier and more enjoyable. The waterfront in Ocean City is very beautiful and there is a pier with lots of activities. The beach is also very nice with lifeguards and soft sand.
The boardwalk is a fun place to walk and it’s not as noisy as other beach destinations. There are also amusement parks and good places to eat. If you venture beyond the popular downtown area, you can rent a bike, kayak, or take a scenic drive to discover less-developed coastlines and historical buildings.
11. Playland’s Castaway Cove
Playland’s Castaway Cove is a classic amusement park located along the waterfront. It has a famous Ferris wheel that has been lighting up the skyline for many years. With nearly 30 rides, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained for hours. There is a good mix of thrilling experiences and rides suitable for children.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try the GaleForce roller coaster, which is the fastest in the park. If you prefer something more relaxed, you can visit the arcade or play a round of mini golf at one of the two courses. Additionally, there is a go-kart track for some competitive fun.
10. Music Pier
The Music Pier is one of the highlights of the Ocean City Boardwalk. During the summer, there are many concerts and performances held there every week. It was first opened in 1929 and quickly became a popular attraction. At that time, the Municipal Orchestra gave 14 concerts per week and amazed the local audience.
Now, the Music Pier hosts a variety of musicians, both touring and local, as well as stand-up comedians. You can also enjoy the modern version of the orchestra through the Ocean City Pops concert series.
Once the show is over, there are many great places to eat, such as Manco & Manco Pizza, as well as mini golf and multiple amusement parks just a few steps away.
9. Totally Tubular Aqua Park
You don’t have to stay on land to experience theme parks in Ocean City. At Totally Tubular Aqua Park, you can have a unique and exciting time in the Atlantic Ocean. The main attraction of this park is an inflatable aqua park filled with obstacles that will make you slide and lose your balance.
Once you get the hang of it, you can challenge your friends and family to a race to see who can complete the obstacle course the fastest. If you manage to defeat all your opponents, there’s more to explore at Totally Tubular! The park also offers tubing and banana boat adventures that will take you further into the ocean.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try wakeboarding or water skiing. If you’re new to these activities, don’t worry, because they provide lessons for beginners.
8. Ocean City Beach
Ocean City is a barrier island with a beautiful eight-mile stretch of oceanfront. The most popular spot on the island is Ocean City Beach, which has the same length as the iconic boardwalk. This beach offers 2.5 miles of white sand, stunning ocean views, and easy access to nearby attractions, food, and shops.
Ocean City Beach is known for being family-friendly because alcohol, beach bonfires, and smoking are not allowed. Despite its popularity, the atmosphere on the beach remains calm. Lifeguards are present on the beach between Memorial Day and mid-September, ensuring the safety of beachgoers.
Restrooms are also available, and visitors can explore the coast by walking along the boardwalk.
7. Gillian’s Wonderland Pier
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier has been a popular spot for families and travelers since it opened in 1929. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is or what the weather is like, this place is always worth a visit. They have more than 30 different attractions, both indoor and outdoor, so there’s something exciting for everyone in the family to enjoy.
The pier is located on the Ocean City Boardwalk and you can easily spot it from far away because of its famous Giant Wheel. The best part is that Gillian’s Wonderland Pier operates on a pay-as-you-go system, so you only have to pay for the rides and experiences that interest you.
However, don’t miss out on riding the 140-foot tall wheel before trying out go karting or joining the Balloon Race.
6. Ocean City Boardwalk
The Ocean City Boardwalk is a popular spot that stretches for two and a half miles. Whether it’s day or night, there’s always something to do there. In the morning, you can have a nice cup of coffee and take a leisurely stroll along the oceanfront, enjoying the beautiful sunrise.
As you walk, you’ll notice the adjacent Ocean City Beach starting to fill up with various attractions and restaurants on the other side. The boardwalk has remained largely unchanged since it was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1927. Throughout the day, the atmosphere around the boardwalk becomes livelier.
You can easily access Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and be entertained by street performers and live music. In the summer, there are even regular concerts to enjoy. When night falls, the boardwalk lights up in a dazzling display of color and excitement. You can follow these lights to discover amazing restaurants and have fun playing Haunted Golf.
5. Rent a Jet Ski or Kayak
If you’re looking for more than just relaxing on the beach, Ocean City offers plenty of ways to explore the coastline. One option is kayaking, which can be arranged through DAKS Kayaks or Harbor Outfitters. They provide rentals for half or full days, and even a whole week if you’re up for it.
This is a fantastic way to discover the creeks and back bays in Ocean City. Alternatively, if you desire a faster and more thrilling experience, you can try jet skiing. There are multiple rental places in town, like Totally Tubular, where you can rent a jet ski and zoom around the waterfront at high speeds.
4. Play Mini Golf
Ocean City is known for having many mini golf courses all over the place. These courses are one of the reasons why this area is so great for families. It’s a fun activity for families, couples, and friends to enjoy together.
There are different courses available, like Congo Falls, Medieval Fantasy, and Haunted Golf, all located on the Ocean City Boardwalk. These courses provide a challenge and allow you to test your putting skills. It’s a great alternative to scary roller coasters and a way to bond with your loved ones.
You can play at any time of the day, but if you want a more exciting atmosphere, it’s better to play at night on the boardwalk.
3. Rent a Bike
Exploring Ocean City on a bike is not only enjoyable but also efficient. There are several bike rental companies scattered throughout the town, including three conveniently located on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Once you have your bike, you can ride along the 2.5-mile boardwalk and take in the beautiful sights and sounds of Ocean City.
However, the fun doesn’t stop there. Cyclists can also venture downtown and follow a trail that leads to the island’s incredible public art pieces on the Art Tour. Additionally, you can extend your ride and reach the southern tip of the island and Corson’s Inlet State Park by pedaling past Crook Horn Creek.
2. Trip To Cape May
If you travel around 40 minutes south of Ocean City, you will reach Cape May, which is the southernmost point of the New Jersey coast. If you’ve spent a few days in Ocean City, Cape May is a great place to visit as a day trip to explore a different part of the state.
One of the highlights of Cape May is its local lighthouse, which was constructed in 1859. During the summer months, the lighthouse is open every day, and visitors can enjoy incredible views from the top. However, be prepared to climb 199 steps to reach the top. Another must-visit place for families is the Cape May County Park and Zoo.
Here, you’ll get to see a diverse range of animals from various parts of the world, including giraffes, bears, monkeys, and lions.
1. Corson’s Inlet State Park
Corson’s Inlet State Park is a special place along the New Jersey coast that aims to protect a unique and undeveloped coastline. It offers a wide variety of plants and animals that are hard to find in this area. In addition, the park has different types of ecosystems.
If you’re tired of the boardwalk and theme parks, visiting Corson’s Inlet will provide a refreshing change of pace. The park has hiking trails that will lead you through beautiful scenery, including rolling dunes, estuaries, and maritime forests. One great trail to explore is the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail.
If you want to discover more of the park, kayaking and boating are popular options, especially for areas that can’t be accessed on foot. Fishing is also allowed in the park.
