Can you buy alcohol in Ocean City NJ?

No. Ocean City has been a dry town since 1879 and no alcohol is sold anywhere on the island. Restaurants cannot offer BYOB either, which is stricter than most dry towns. The single exception is Dockside Kitchen, a members-only dinner club. Somers Point, Sea Isle City and Strathmere are all 5 to 10 minutes away.

When is the best time to visit Ocean City NJ?

Late May through mid June, and late August through September. September is the standout: the ocean is still warm, crowds thin after Labor Day, beach tags are no longer required, and rates fall 20 to 40 percent. Peak season runs late June through mid August and is busiest around July 4th and the first two weeks of August.

Do you need beach tags in Ocean City NJ?

Only from mid June through Labor Day weekend, between 10am and 5pm, and only for ages 12 and up. The season typically starts the Saturday after Father's Day. The beach is free before mid June, after Labor Day, early in the morning, and after 5pm. Children 11 and under are always free.

How much are beach tags in Ocean City NJ?

A season tag is $30, a weekly tag is $15, and a daily tag is $10. Anything longer than a three day stay makes the season tag the better value. The fees fund lifeguards and beach maintenance.

How far is Ocean City NJ from Philadelphia?

About 1 hour 15 minutes by car, via the Atlantic City Expressway to Route 52 South. New York City is 2.5 to 3 hours via the Garden State Parkway to Exit 25, and Baltimore or Washington DC is 3 to 3.5 hours via Route 50 to Route 9.

Where should you stay in Ocean City NJ?

Downtown and the Gardens District, 1st to 12th Streets, if you want to walk to the boardwalk and never move the car. Central, 12th to 34th, for a balance of access and lower rates. The South End, 34th to 59th, for quieter beaches and Corson's Inlet State Park, accepting that you will drive or bike to the boardwalk.

How much does a week in Ocean City NJ cost?

Three-bedroom rental houses run $2,500 to $5,000 per week in peak summer and two-bedroom condos start around $1,500. Hotels range from about $150 a night at the Impala Island Inn to $450 at the Flanders in high season. Off-season rental rates drop 40 to 60 percent.

Is Ocean City NJ good for families?

It is built around it. The dry town rules keep the boardwalk calm at night, lifeguards work the designated beaches from 10am to 5pm, children under 12 never need a beach tag, and the two amusement piers plus the free beach cover most of a week without much planning.

When do you need to book an Ocean City NJ rental?

By February for peak summer weeks. Rentals run Saturday to Saturday in season and the best properties, especially beachfront homes, are taken well before spring. Hotels for prime weeks should be booked 3 to 6 months out.

🍽️ 🍽️ Dining

Best Burgers Ocean City NJ

Nothing pairs better with a beach day than a great burger. Ocean City NJ has…

Read Guide →

Get Local Tips in Your Inbox

Join 12,000+ OCNJ lovers and get our best guides, tips, and local secrets delivered weekly.

Local Guides

Amusement Rides Ocean City NJ

Arcades Ocean City NJ

Atlantic City from Ocean City NJ

Bachelor Bachelorette Party Ocean City NJ

Beach Tags Ocean City NJ

Beachfront Hotels Ocean City NJ

Best Bakeries Ocean City NJ

Best Beaches Ocean City NJ

Best Boardwalk Food Ocean City NJ

Best Breakfast Spots Ocean City NJ

Best Brunch Ocean City NJ

Best Burgers Ocean City NJ

Get Local Tips in Your Inbox

Wait! Don't miss out on OCNJ