Top 10 Beaches in Ocean City NJ

Everyone who visits Ocean City NJ has their favorite beach. Some first timers may be looking for a beach to call their own so we compiled this list of the top 10 best beaches! Did your favorite make the list?

1.) 9th Street

This beach is Ocean City’s central location. Heading on to the island from the 9th Street Bridge, the street ends at this gorgeous beach that’s truly in the heart of all the action. Although it’s typically one of the most crowded beaches during the summer, it’s also one of the most fun. With quick and easy access to all the excitement of the boardwalk, snacks, treats, dining, and amusements, the 9th Street Beach is also right next to the famous Ocean City Music Pier.

2.) Waverly Surfing Beach

The local surfing community treasures this ideal beach. It’s a bit off the beaten path on the north end of the island and features an incredible view of the Atlantic City skyline. Surfers gather on this beach which is designated for the sport, to enjoy some of the best waves the ocean has to offer. If you’re looking to find a less-crowded, more isolated spot to spend the day on the beach, Waverly is it. And it’s especially perfect for watching surfers.

3.) 59th Street

Not too long ago, a pier once stretched out into the sea along this quaint beach at the far south end of Ocean City. After a storm destroyed most of the pier, pilings stood as a remnant of what once was and became an Ocean City trademark. Now, the pilings have been removed, but the 59th Street Beach still remains one of the island’s best. Parking can be tough within a couple block radius of this area during the season’s prime, but it’s definitely worth beaching here for an escape from the boardwalk madness, and some spectacular views. Food and ice cream are available on nearby 55th Street, as well as a bathroom. Beach-goers can also enjoy a walk south into Corson’s Inlet State Park.

4.) 34th Street

If you’re taking the 34th Street Bridge onto the island from Marmora, just keep going until you reach the sea. This beach is close to the dining and shopping that’s available on 34th and Asbury and West, and it’s a central location for vacationers who live and rent in the center of Ocean City. With quick and easy access to the mainland grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping, 34th Street Beach is a perfect place to spend the day without having to travel far for anything else.

5.) Corson’s Inlet State Park

This beach is truly a gem, and on the 4th of July Weekend, when Ocean City is as packed as it gets, you can expect this beautiful beach to be (mostly) void of human activity. There are two ways to get here, either from walking south along the shoreline from 59th Street Beach or taking the road toward Strathmere and Sea Isle City from 55th Street and parking in the lot to the left of the bridge. From there, you can walk the bay’s shore until it wraps around and reaches the ocean, or you can trek through trees and dunes along a sandy path that will empty out at the sea. Be sure to pack a cooler because there isn’t anything around. If you’re not one to walk or prefer the supervision of lifeguards, Corson’s Inlet might not be for you. However, for everyone else, this place is one of the best-kept secrets in Ocean City.

6.) 14th Street

Home to the Ocean City Fishing Pier, this beach is “off-the-beaten-path” of the boardwalk, on the far south end of the stores and restaurants. If you’re coming from the southern end of the boardwalk, this is where the stores and restaurants begin. 14th Street Beach provides shade from the blazing sun with the Fishing Pier, which is also an ideal place to take photos underneath. It’s less crowded than 9th Street and the other beaches toward the center of the boardwalk, but still extremely close to everything the boardwalk has to offer.

7.) 23rd Street

This is where the boardwalk ends or begins, depending on how you look at it. Far from all of the restaurants, shops, and amusements, this peaceful and quaint beach features massive dunes and seagrass. It’s a perfect beach to escape the crowds and kick back with a book or magazine. 23rd Street Beach is perfect for someone who seeks to spend the whole day on the shore without getting up to go anywhere else.

8.) 1st Street

At the far north end of Ocean City, just before the island rounds and connects with the bay, the 1st Street Beach is also where the boardwalk ends or begins, depending on your perspective. Brown’s Family Restaurant is just one block away along the boardwalk, serving up incredible breakfast, lunch, and homemade donuts. A really cute baby fox has also been spotted in the dunes and underneath the boardwalk in this area. If you meet it, don’t feed it any donuts.

9.) Aberdeen Road Beach

This quiet and quaint bay beach faces Somers Point. The waves are tiny and the feeling is much different from the ocean beaches just a few blocks away. If you’re looking for a different feel and the opportunity to watch some of the greatest sunsets on the East Coast, Aberdeen Road Beach is the place to be. It’s located at the far northwest end of the island, just a few steps away from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge.

10.) 7th Street

Ocean City’s most famous surfing beach hosts surfing competitions and lessons for anyone who wants to learn, see, or be a part of the surfing community. The Seventh Street Surf Shop, located on the boardwalk at this beach, as well as a few blocks inland on 7th and Asbury Avenue, provides a surf camp and lessons for kids and adults, as well as surfboard rentals.  This is also the best beach to spend the day if you plan on going to Gillian’s Wonderland Pier or Waterpark.

What are your favorite beaches in Ocean City? Share this post and comment below!

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