When most people refer to Ocean City, they are referring to Ocean City, Maryland. Fewer people are aware that New Jersey also has a seaside town known as Ocean City. Located near the southern tip of New Jersey, this island town is as great a vacation spot as its Maryland counterpart, just not as advertised. If you are looking for a nice beach town to spend a weekend, or even a week, here are five reasons to consider Ocean City, New Jersey.
Boardwalk Biking – Nearly 2/3rds of the eastern shore line of this island is covered with by the boardwalk. While you can easily spend your entire vacation perusing the shops, eating at the restaurants, and enjoying the entertainment on the boardwalk, one of the best activities are morning bike rides. Town law allows biking on the boardwalk in the early morning in designated areas and there are multiple cheap bike rental shops. A leisurely bike ride is a great way to enjoy the morning ocean breezes.
Atlantic City – Ocean City is just south of the popular gambling town, Atlantic City. The relative obscurity of Ocean City makes it a great place for family and to enjoy the beaches, but if you’d like to gamble, Atlantic City is only a few miles away. Any time you are in the mood to gamble or go to a high class restaurant, it is a quick car trip, but the rest of the time you can avoid the crowds.
Mack & Mancos – Few pizzerias are so good as to be worth visiting a town simply to eat at. Mack & Mancos is an exception. This pizza joint has about half a dozen restaurants sprinkled throughout the main entertainment and shopping sections of the boardwalk. Mack & Mancos serves primarily by the slice and the pizza is outstanding. Prices are inflated, due to being a seasonal place, but these cheesy meals are worth every penny.
Blue Laws – Normally blue laws are an inconvenience that makes a place less appealing. The important blue law that affects Ocean City isn’t. The pertinent blue law in Ocean City is that alcohol can’t be sold on the island. This law prevents the island from being besieged by college students and high school graduates. Instead, it remains a quiet and great for family vacations.
Miniature Golf – The Ocean City boardwalk is famous for its miniature golf and rightfully so. There are over a dozen miniature golf courses on the boardwalk, featuring some of the most impressive holes in the country. Each miniature gold course is colorful and often exotic and prices are reasonable for the hour and a half of amusement you will get.
From Memorial Day until Labor Day, Ocean City provides some of the best beach activities on the eastern seaboard. The northern climate keeps it from getting too hot and the beaches are clean and rarely crowded. The boardwalk features carnival rides, arcades, exotic caramel popcorn, fine dining, a water park, and nearly every type of shopping imaginable. This beautiful island is simply a great place to spend a summer vacation.
