Ocean City NJ makes an excellent home base for exploring southern New Jersey and beyond. Within an hour’s drive, you can visit Victorian Cape May, try your luck in Atlantic City, explore nature preserves, or discover charming small towns. Here are the best day trips from Ocean City.
Cape May (30 minutes south)
The crown jewel of Jersey Shore day trips. Cape May offers everything OCNJ does not—wine, cocktails, Victorian architecture, and upscale dining.
What to Do
- Washington Street Mall: Three blocks of pedestrian shopping, restaurants, and cafes
- Wine tasting: Cape May Winery, Willow Creek, Hawk Haven
- Victorian tours: Trolley tours and walking tours of historic homes
- Cape May Lighthouse: Climb 199 steps for panoramic views
- Whale watching: Cape May Whale Watcher boats depart daily
- Fine dining: The Ebbitt Room, Peter Shields Inn, The Lobster House
Why Go
Wine and cocktails (OCNJ is dry), sophisticated dining, different vibe from the family boardwalk scene.
Atlantic City (20 minutes north)
Casinos, shows, shopping, and nightlife—Atlantic City delivers adult entertainment.
What to Do
- Casinos: Borgata, Hard Rock, Ocean, Tropicana, and more
- Shows: Major concerts at Hard Rock Live and Borgata
- Dining: Celebrity chef restaurants throughout
- Shopping: Tanger Outlets for discount brand shopping
- Steel Pier: Rides and amusements on the AC boardwalk
Why Go
Nightlife, gambling, concerts, bars—everything OCNJ is not.
Wildwood (15 minutes south)
Free beaches and massive amusement piers make Wildwood popular with families.
What to Do
- Morey’s Piers: Three piers with bigger coasters than OCNJ
- Free beaches: No beach tags required
- Doo Wop architecture: Mid-century motels and signs
- Boardwalk: Different vibe than OCNJ, more carnival atmosphere
Why Go
Bigger thrill rides, free beaches, nostalgic Doo Wop vibe.
Historic Smithville (40 minutes north)
Colonial-era village turned shopping and dining destination.
What to Do
- Over 60 shops in historic buildings
- Train rides around the village
- Restaurants and cafes
- Paddleboats on the lake
- Good for browsing and light shopping
Why Go
Change of pace, nice for shopping, family-friendly without beach crowds.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (30 minutes)
World-class birding and nature experience.
What to Do
- 8-mile wildlife drive through salt marshes
- Bird watching (350+ species recorded)
- Walking trails
- Photography opportunities
- Visitor center with exhibits
Why Go
Nature lovers, bird watchers, photography enthusiasts, anyone wanting quiet.
Stone Harbor and Avalon (15-20 minutes south)
Upscale beach towns with quality dining and shopping.
What to Do
- Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary: Free nature preserve
- 96th Street shops: Boutiques and restaurants
- Beaches: Beautiful and less crowded than OCNJ
- Dining: Excellent restaurant scene
Why Go
More upscale vibe, great dining, beautiful beaches.
Philadelphia (70 minutes)
For a true city day trip, Philly offers endless options.
What to Do
- Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
- Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rocky steps)
- Reading Terminal Market
- Cheesesteak pilgrimage (Pat’s vs. Geno’s)
- Sports (Phillies, Eagles, 76ers depending on season)
Why Go
History, museums, sports, authentic cheesesteaks.
Wetlands Institute (20 minutes)
Environmental education center focused on coastal ecosystems.
What to Do
- Exhibits on coastal wildlife
- Touch tanks for kids
- Marsh trails
- Terrapin rescue programs
- Educational programs
Why Go
Educational, good for kids interested in nature, different from beach activities.
Renault Winery (25 minutes)
One of America’s oldest wineries with golf, dining, and tours.
What to Do
- Wine tasting and tours
- On-site restaurant
- Golf course
- Events and concerts
Why Go
Adults-only afternoon, wine tasting, escape from beach crowds.
Planning Your Day Trip
Best Days for Day Trips
- Rainy days: Museums, shopping, casinos do not need sun
- Mid-week: Less traffic, easier parking at destinations
- Rest days: Take a break from beach routine
Combining Destinations
- Cape May + wine tasting = full day
- Atlantic City outlets + casino dinner = afternoon/evening
- Smithville + Forsythe Wildlife Refuge = nature day
- Wildwood rides + pizza = different boardwalk experience
The OCNJ Advantage
Ocean City’s central location on the Jersey Shore makes it ideal for day tripping. You can explore different destinations while returning to your family-friendly home base each evening. Best of both worlds—adventure during the day, peaceful OCNJ nights.
Pick a destination, hit the road, and expand your OCNJ vacation beyond the beach.