Ocean City, New Jersey – a Model for Wholesome Family Fun

Ocean City is a Jersey Shore beach resort that sets itself apart from other beachfront towns in going all out to insure that its reputation as “America’s Greatest Family Resort” is true to its motto. Its heritage is deep rooted in Christian values. Alcohol sales are prohibited and there are no bars or nightclubs. The attractions along the boardwalk are controlled by the city to insure they are safe, secure, and provide wholesome family fun, at a modest cost.

Located 65 miles from Philadelphia, and 125 miles from New York City, it attracts family vacationers from the tri-sate area looking for a family destination with lots of wholesome fun.

This family resort destination has many attractions and accommodations that are family oriented and reasonably priced. Lodging including motels, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and vacation home rentals; family oriented restaurants, both sit in and take-out; shopping, including clothing, t-shirts, souvenirs, and antiques; and of course its beautiful beach and fun filled boardwalk.

The boardwalk -- 50 feet in width, 2 1/2 miles long, has many eateries, taffy and fudge shops, and a large amusement pier, Gillian's Wonderland Pier, with a 140 foot Ferris wheel, kiddie cars, roller coasters, a miniature golf course and a water park.

In the early morning, the boardwalk is frequented by joggers and bikers, and as afternoon approaches, they begin to attract many teenagers, and by evening, the families dominate.

Ocean City has a long history of music and summer concerts with the Music Pier, a noted landmark on the boardwalk, being the venue of distinction. In the summer, the Music Pier is the home of the Ocean City Pops orchestra providing quality entertainment with many soloist artists appearing from the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.

The beach is eight miles long, well-maintained and safely monitored; Beach fees and badges are required.

On rainy days you have a choice of things to do. You can visit the Bayside Center to see a museum and models of ships. With three floors of bay view front porches, it’s a great place to view the sunset. Or you can take in a movie at the Strand theatre on the where they show G, PG and PG-13 movies.

Looking for a cultural alternative to the boardwalk? Visit the Ocean City Arts Center , they have arts classes, exhibitions, crafts shows, and other events.

There are also has many annual family events including the century old Baby Parade, the popular A Night in Venice, and the Miss New Jersey Pageant.

Being a family destination, it is not surprising taht there is a wide variety of moderately priced family restaurants that are child friendly. Most restaurants are found along the boardwalk and on Asbury Avenue. However, if you are looking for a fine dining experience, you are not likely to find it in Ocean City. For gourmet food, you can hop on the parkway north about 20 minutes to Atlantic City or south about 30 minutes to Cape May for a wide choice of fine dining restaurants.

Interested in Ocean City history? Take a walk through the historic district and visit the brick Tabernacle on Wesley Ave. It’s the location of Ocean city’s first house of worship, a wooden tabernacle that was destroyed by a hurricane in 1944. Take a walk along the 300 block of Central Avenue and see the large 100 year old Victorian style homes, or the New Brighton Inn circa 1882, on Fifth St, home of one of the city founders Rev. William Burrell. It is known as the "marrying house" because of the many weddings he performed there.