Biking is one of the best ways to experience Ocean City NJ. The flat terrain, dedicated bike paths, and that 2.5-mile boardwalk open for cycling make OCNJ a pedaler’s paradise. Whether you want to cruise the boardwalk at dawn, explore neighborhood streets, or ride to Corson’s Inlet, this guide covers everything you need to know about bike rentals in Ocean City.
Where to Rent Bikes
Boardwalk Bike Rentals
Several rental stands operate directly on the boardwalk, making pickup and drop-off convenient:
Boardwalk Bikes (various locations): Multiple stands along the boardwalk rent beach cruisers, tandems, and surreys. Walk up, pay, and start riding.
Off-Boardwalk Shops
Shore Brake Cyclery (8th Street): Full-service bike shop with rentals, repairs, and sales. Higher quality bikes than boardwalk rentals, plus expert advice.
Heritage Surf and Sport (Asbury Avenue): Rents bikes alongside surfboards and beach gear.
What is Available
- Beach cruisers: Classic single-speed bikes, comfortable and easy ($15-25/day)
- Multi-speed bikes: Gears for longer rides ($20-35/day)
- Tandem bikes: Two-seaters for couples ($30-50/day)
- Surreys: Four-person pedal cars, great for families ($40-60/hour)
- Kids’ bikes: Various sizes for young riders ($10-20/day)
- Tag-alongs: Attachments for kids who can pedal but not steer ($15-25/day)
- Child seats and trailers: Available at some locations
Boardwalk Biking Rules
The Ocean City boardwalk is open for biking, but with important restrictions:
Hours
- Summer (Memorial Day – Labor Day): Biking allowed before 12pm (noon) only
- Off-season: Biking typically allowed all day
After noon in summer, the boardwalk is too crowded for bikes. Police will stop you if you’re riding during restricted hours.
Rules
- Ride at a reasonable speed
- Yield to pedestrians always
- Stay to the right
- No weaving through crowds
- Helmets recommended (required for kids under 17)
Where to Ride
The Boardwalk
The 2.5-mile boardwalk is the signature OCNJ bike ride. Starting from the north end and riding to the south (or vice versa) takes about 20-30 minutes at a leisurely pace. In morning light, it is magical—the ocean on one side, quiet shops on the other, and that classic boardwalk feel.
Bay Avenue
For a different experience, ride along Bay Avenue on the west side of the island. Flatter and less crowded than the boardwalk, with nice bay views. You can ride the full length of the island.
Residential Streets
The tree-lined streets of Ocean City are pleasant for casual cruising. Low traffic, beautiful homes, and easy riding. Streets like Wesley Avenue and Asbury Avenue have less car traffic.
Corson’s Inlet
For a longer adventure, bike to Corson’s Inlet State Park at the south end. Park paths and natural scenery reward the extra distance. About 4 miles from downtown.
9th Street Bridge to Somers Point
The bike lane on the 9th Street causeway connects Ocean City to Somers Point. Ride over for lunch at a Somers Point restaurant (with full bar—something OCNJ does not have), then ride back.
Family Biking
Ocean City is excellent for family bike outings:
Options for Kids
- Child seats: For babies and toddlers (up to 40 lbs)
- Trailers: Enclosed carts for 1-2 kids
- Tag-alongs: Half-bikes that attach to adult bikes
- Kids’ bikes: Range of sizes available
- Surreys: Four-person pedal cars with canopy
Family Ride Tips
- Start early when boardwalk is open for bikes
- Choose flat routes (everywhere is flat, so this is easy)
- Bring snacks and water
- Plan rest stops (playgrounds, ice cream shops)
- Keep a slow pace
- Helmets for everyone
Rental Tips
What to Know
- Reserve ahead for peak weekends: Surreys especially book up
- Hourly vs daily: Daily rates often make more sense for vacationers
- Weekly rates: Best value for week-long stays
- Test before you leave: Check brakes, seat height, tires
- Ask about locks: Some rentals include them
- Credit card hold: Expect a security deposit
What to Bring
- Valid ID (required for rental)
- Sunscreen (you will be in the sun)
- Water bottle
- Phone holder or bag
- Camera for those boardwalk views
Bringing Your Own Bike
Many visitors bring bikes from home or have them at rental properties:
Storage
- Most vacation rentals have garage or outdoor storage
- Hotels may have bike storage—ask
- Public bike racks available on boardwalk and downtown
Security
- Bring a quality lock
- Lock through frame and wheel
- Do not leave bikes unlocked even briefly
- Record serial numbers in case of theft
Bike Repairs
If something breaks:
Shore Brake Cyclery: Full repair services, tubes, tires, adjustments
Rental shops: Many will swap out rental bikes if issues arise
E-Bikes
Electric bikes are becoming more common in OCNJ:
- Some rental shops now offer e-bikes
- Rules for e-bikes on boardwalk vary—check current policies
- Great for longer rides or hills (though OCNJ is flat)
- Pedal-assist e-bikes are generally treated like regular bikes
Sample Rides
Morning Boardwalk Cruise
Start at 7am, ride the full 2.5-mile boardwalk, stop for coffee at Jon and Patty’s, ride back. Total: 5 miles, 45 minutes.
Island Loop
Ride Bay Avenue south, cut over to the beach side, ride back north. Total: 8-10 miles, 1.5 hours.
Corson’s Inlet Adventure
Ride from downtown to Corson’s Inlet State Park, explore nature trails, ride back. Total: 10-12 miles, 2-3 hours including exploration.
Somers Point Lunch Ride
Cross the 9th Street bridge, lunch at Gregory’s or Crab Trap, ride back. Total: 5-6 miles plus lunch time.
Why Biking in OCNJ Works
Biking in Ocean City just makes sense:
- Flat terrain: Zero hills to climb
- Compact island: Everything is reachable by bike
- Dedicated paths: Boardwalk and bike lanes available
- Beach cruiser culture: Everyone bikes here
- Parking alternative: Skip the car hassle
- Exercise: Earn that ice cream
Many regular OCNJ families park their car on arrival and barely move it all week, biking everywhere instead.
Ride the Island
Whether you are cruising the boardwalk at sunrise, exploring bayside streets, or pedaling to the inlet, biking adds something special to an Ocean City vacation. It slows things down, connects you to the island, and reminds you that the best way to experience a beach town is at two-wheel pace.
Rent a bike, strap on a helmet, and start pedaling. Ocean City looks even better from the saddle.