Looking for things to do in Ocean City NJ? You have come to the right place. This 8-mile barrier island packs more activities into its sandy shores than most beach towns twice its size. From the iconic 2.5-mile boardwalk to world-class fishing to peaceful nature preserves, OCNJ delivers something for every type of visitor. Here is your complete guide to what to do in Ocean City.

Hit the Beach

Let us start with the obvious—Ocean City has 8 miles of pristine beaches, and they are the main attraction. The sand is clean, the lifeguards are vigilant, and the water is perfect for swimming from late June through September.

Beach tags are required from mid-June through Labor Day. Season passes run about $30, daily tags are $10, and weekly passes are available. Purchase at City Hall (9th and Asbury), the Welcome Center (12th and Boardwalk), or from beach tag checkers on the sand.

Best beaches by vibe: Downtown beaches (6th-12th Streets) are busiest and closest to the action. Central beaches (20th-34th Streets) offer more space. South end beaches near Corson’s Inlet are the most peaceful, perfect for long walks and shelling.

Walk the Boardwalk

The Ocean City boardwalk runs 2.5 miles from 23rd Street to St. Charles Place. It is the heart of summer life here—a parade of families, couples, joggers, and everyone in between.

What You Will Find

• Gillian’s Wonderland Pier (6th Street): Classic family rides including the iconic Giant Wheel
• Playland’s Castaway Cove (10th Street): Thrill rides including the Python coaster and log flume
• Music Pier (8th Street): Free summer concerts, community events, and stunning ocean views
• Arcades: Jilly’s, Playland’s arcade, and classic games throughout
• Food vendors: Pizza, fudge, ice cream, funnel cakes, Johnson’s Popcorn
• Shops: T-shirts, beach gear, souvenirs, jewelry

Pro tip: The boardwalk is open for biking every day before noon during summer. Rent a bike or bring your own—it is the best way to cover all 2.5 miles.

Ride the Rides

Ocean City’s two amusement piers offer distinctly different experiences.

Gillian’s Wonderland Pier

The family-friendly pier at 6th Street features classic rides perfect for younger kids. The Giant Wheel offers stunning views of the ocean and boardwalk. There are also bumper cars, a carousel, kiddie rides, and the Canyon Falls log flume. Ride tickets or unlimited wristbands available.

Playland’s Castaway Cove

For bigger thrills, head to 10th Street. The Python roller coaster, Gale Force (one of the fastest coasters on the East Coast), log flume, and spinning rides cater to older kids and adults. They also have arcade games and a mini golf course.

Water Sports and Activities

The ocean and bay offer endless possibilities:

Surfing and Boogie Boarding

Several beaches allow surfing—check the posted beach rules as it varies by location. The water off OCNJ gets decent waves, especially in late summer and early fall. Heritage Surf and Sport on Asbury Avenue rents boards and offers lessons.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

The calm bay side is perfect for kayaking and SUP. Bayside Center on Bay Avenue rents kayaks, paddleboards, and offers guided eco-tours through the marshes. Morning paddles when the water is glassy are magical.

Jet Skiing and Parasailing

Several operators on the bay offer jet ski rentals and parasailing flights. Nothing beats seeing OCNJ from 500 feet up with the ocean on one side and the bay on the other.

Fishing

Ocean City is a fishing paradise. Options include surf fishing from the beach, fishing from the 9th Street Pier, charter boats for offshore trips (tuna, marlin, shark), and bay fishing for flounder and striped bass. The Miss Ocean City and other charter boats depart from the 9th Street marina.

Mini Golf

OCNJ takes mini golf seriously. Top courses include:

• Congo Falls Adventure Golf (10th Street): African safari theme with waterfalls
• Goofy Golf (12th Street): Classic oceanfront course, great for families
• Haunted Golf: Indoor blacklight course perfect for rainy days
• Tee Time Golf (West Avenue): 36 holes of well-maintained courses

Explore Nature

Corson’s Inlet State Park

At the southern tip of the island, this 341-acre nature preserve offers hiking trails, undeveloped beaches, birding, and a boat launch. It is a world away from the boardwalk crowds. Look for osprey, herons, and in fall, migrating monarch butterflies.

Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center

Indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and splash zones. Great for rainy days or when you want a break from salt water.

Rainy Day Activities

When the weather turns (and summer storms happen), head indoors:

• Frank Theatres (Shore Mall): First-run movies
• Arcades: Jilly’s and the boardwalk arcades stay open rain or shine
• Escape rooms: Test your puzzle skills
• Shopping: Asbury Avenue has boutiques and shops
• Ocean City Library: Kids programs, free WiFi, air conditioning

Family Activities

Ocean City earned its “America’s Greatest Family Resort” title honestly:

• Boardwalk games: Basketball, water gun races, ring toss, and prizes
• Miniature golf: Multiple courses for all skill levels
• Go-karts: Several tracks on the mainland side
• Playgrounds: City-maintained playgrounds throughout the island
• Library programs: Summer reading programs and events

Evening Entertainment

As a dry town, OCNJ nightlife is family-focused, which many visitors love:

• Boardwalk: Open until 10-11pm with rides, games, and treats
• Music Pier concerts: Free outdoor concerts several nights a week
• Movies on the Beach: Free screenings in summer
• Live music: Various restaurants feature acoustic performers
• Night in Venice: Annual September boat parade and celebration

For those seeking bars and nightlife, nearby Somers Point and Sea Isle City are just 5-10 minutes away and offer full bar scenes.

Day Trips

While you could easily spend your entire vacation in OCNJ, nearby destinations make great day trips:

• Cape May (30 min): Victorian architecture, wine tasting, upscale dining
• Atlantic City (20 min): Casinos, shows, outlet shopping
• Historic Smithville (40 min): Colonial village with shops and restaurants
• Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge (30 min): World-class birding

Free Things to Do

Not everything costs money in OCNJ:

• Walk or bike the boardwalk
• Watch the sunset from the bay side
• Beach bonfire (permit required but free)
• Music Pier concerts
• Corson’s Inlet nature trails
• Playground hopping
• People watching from a boardwalk bench
• Sunrise beach walks

Planning Your Activities

A typical OCNJ day: morning beach time, afternoon break for lunch and a nap, then evening boardwalk adventures. But part of the magic is the lack of pressure—do as much or as little as you want. The beach will be there tomorrow, the rides will wait, and the pizza is good any time of day.

Whatever brings you to Ocean City NJ, you will find plenty to fill your days. The harder question is deciding what to do first.