This may be my favorite article to write because Ocean City, New Jersey, is my favorite place in the world. From childhood memories on the boardwalk, to making new traditions with my own children, OCNJ has a way of bringing people together and creating moments that last a lifetime. 

From Breakfast to Bedtime: A Day Well Spent in Ocean City

Whether you’re planning a week-long vacation at the Jersey Shore or a quick day trip, this guide highlights some of the best ways to enjoy everything “America’s Greatest Family Resort” has to offer.

A Shore-ly Delicious Breakfast

We would be remiss not to suggest kicking off a trip to OCNJ off with a stack of pancakes, or another gloriously indulgent, grilled breakfast. Consider it a rite of passage.

Browns

110 Boardwalk

Brown’s offers classic breakfast favorites but is best known for its legendary “almost famous” donuts, served warm and made fresh throughout the morning. Visitors line up before the doors open to get a taste of this beloved Ocean City tradition.

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House

2112 Asbury Avenue and 4001 West Avenue

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House has been an Ocean City breakfast favorite for decades. You’ll find them all over the Jersey Shore with two locations right in OCNJ. The staff is wonderful and the atmosphere is warm and beach-y.

Varsity Inn

605 E 8th Street

Varsity Inn is a longtime Ocean City favorite known for its classic diner breakfasts and generous portions. It’s especially loved for its breakfast sandwiches, scrapple and eggs, crispy home fries, and the friendly faces that keep guests coming back year after year.

Bike and Surrey Rentals

After breakfast, rent a surrey or bike and take a ride on the boardwalk. Keep in mind these are only morning activities. The OC boardwalk closes for cyclists at 10 am, when it becomes pedestrian only. 

• Bob’s Bike & Surrey Rentals – 1368 Boardwalk, C7
• 13th Street Bikes – 700-798 13th Street
• Ocean City Bicycle Center – 740 Atlantic Avenue 

On the Beach

Pick a spot on the beach and relax — or don’t. The north end of the island tends to have more hustle and bustle. Streets seventh through 14th give you quick boardwalk access. If you’re looking for something a little less crowded, visit the mid-island (15th through 40th streets) or south end (40th street or higher) beaches. 

For Lessons & Equipment Rentals

Local surf shops provide lessons, board rentals, and all the gear you need for a fun day at the beach.

• Heritage Surf & Sport – 740 West Avenue
• 7th Street Surf Shop – 720 Asbury Avenue

Beach Umbrella & Chair Rental

Skip the hassle of packing bulky beach gear and rent everything you need once you arrive. Rental services make it easy to settle in and enjoy a relaxing day on the sand.

• Bert’s Beach Rentals – Several locations along the beach
• Swift’s Beach Service – 12th Street & the beach

Playgrounds

Need a break from the beach? OCNJ playgrounds are scattered throughout the island. These family-friendly spots offer climbing structures, swings, and more.

• Sandcastle Park – 34th & West Avenue
• Oak & 15th Street Playground – 1425 Bay Avenue
• 52nd & Haven Playground – 5201 Haven Avenue
• 8th & Haven – 719 Haven Avenue

Mini Golf

No trip to Ocean City is complete without a round of mini golf. With creative themes, fun obstacles, and friendly competition, it’s a classic shore activity the whole family can enjoy.

• Pirate Island Golf Ocean City – 112 E. 9th Street
• Congo Falls Adventure Golf – 1132 Boardwalk
• Golden Galleon Golf – 1124 Boardwalk
• Haunted Golf – 842 Boardwalk
• Goofy Golf – 920 Boardwalk
• Sandcastle Putt Club – 3360 Asbury Avenue

Lunch and Dinner

Manco & Manco Pizza

9th and 12th Streets on the Boardwalk

Manco & Manco is the boardwalk pizza experience in Ocean City. The thin-crust slices, fresh cheese, and boardwalk energy make it a must. You haven’t really done OC until you’ve eaten a slice on the boards. When you tell someone you visited, they’ll most certainly ask if you stopped here.

Jon & Patty’s

637 Asbury Avenue

Jon & Patty’s Coffee Bar & Bistro is one of those spots that feels like a neighborhood secret even though it’s right in the heart of town. It’s known for fresh breakfast, strong coffee, sandwiches and specials. It’s small, casual, and consistently one of the most loved “local” food spots in town.

Spadafora’s Restaurant & Clam Bar

11th Street & Haven Avenue

It’s a  seafood staple. Spadafora’s is great  for fried platters, crab cakes, and no-frills shore dinners. It’s not fancy (after all, that’s not what this shore town is really about), but it’s exactly what Ocean City seafood should feel like — fresh, casual, and classic.

Blitz’s Market

2100 Asbury Avenue

Blitz’s is part deli, part grill, part neighborhood market. It’s one of those locals-only staples that tourists often walk right past without realizing how good it is. It’s known for big breakfast sandwiches, stacked hoagies, cheesesteaks, and quick grab-and-go beach food.

Amusements, Games, and Water Parks

From thrilling rides to classic boardwalk games, Ocean City’s amusement attractions are packed with fun for all ages.

Playland’s Castaway Cove

1020 Boardwalk

Since the iconic Wonderland Pier closed at the end of the 2024 season, Playland’s Castaway Cove is the last amusement pier remaining on the island.

JiLLly’s Arcade

1168 Boardwalk

Open daily year-round, JiLLY’s has everything from retro games like pinball machines, crane games, and sit-down driving games to air hockey, pool tables, and more. Kids (and adults) can play games like Pacman, Jurassic Park, Star Wars and more! 

OC Waterpark

728 Boardwalk

From exciting drop slides to a relaxing lady river, this waterpark is great for all ages. Younger kids can enjoy splashing around and riding smaller slides in Lil’ Buc’s Bay. Lockers and cabanas are available for rental. 

Aquapark OCNJ

228 Bay Avenue

Dive into an 8,500-square-foot inflatable water playground featuring slides, monkey bars, diving boards, and climbing challenges for all ages. Special time slots are also available for younger children to enjoy the fun with peers.

Ice Cream & Fudge

A sweet treat is a shore tradition — a rite of passage, if you will. Enjoy Kohr Bro’s soft serve ice cream after the beach, or grab homemade fudge to take home. Ocean City’s ice cream shops and candy stores never disappoint.

A La Mode OCNJ

301 E 55th Street

Homemade, creamy, and delicious is what you’ll find at this cute ice cream shop at the northern end of the island. Stop by the takeout window, or go in and sit down. This is an OC favorite.

Churn House Ice Cream & Cereal Bar

3255 Asbury Avenue

Looking for something outside the usual chocolate chips and sprinkles? At Churn House, you select from various cereals to mix in your ice cream.

Johnny B Goode

14th & Asbury Avenue and 34th Street & West Avenue

Johnny B Goode’s offers more than ice cream. Throughout the summer they also offer a weekly sock hop, karaoke night, and magic show. I remember singing, dancing, and hula-hooping the night away at JBG, and now I watch my children do the same. This place is special.

Kohr Bros Frozen Custard

7th, 10th and 12th Streets on the Boardwalk

Stop at one of the locations along the boardwalk in OC for a regional treat that’s been around since 1919. Their smooth, soft-serve custard comes in vanilla, chocolate, or an array of rotating flavor twists, like butterscotch, mint, strawberry, and more. For an extra special touch, get your cone dipped in chocolate or jimmies – rainbow or chocolate. 

Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy & Fudge

852 Boardwalk

Shriver’s is the oldest business on the OCNJ boardwalk, making it a must-stop. This is a great little shop to treat yourself, or to bring back goodies like homemade fudge or macaroons  for friends and family at home.

Shopping in Downtown

Asbury Avenue in OC  is where you’ll find a mix of boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stops all within a walkable, downtown strip. 

The Shoppes at the Asbury sits inside a restored historic bank building on the corner of 8th street and offers a collection of local boutiques, home décor, jewelry, and unique gifts.

A Few Rules to Know

Beach Tags
Beach tags are required for everyone age 12 and older from early June through Labor Day. Tags can be purchased daily, weekly, or seasonally online or at one of these locations. Many streets will allow visitors to buy day passes at the beach entrance, too.

Teen Curfew
One of the greatest aspects of OCNJ is it’s focus on being family-friendly. OC’s summer juvenile curfew is in effect from 11 pm to 6 am daily for anyone under 18. During those hours, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian unless they’re traveling to or from work or another permitted supervised activity. Families with teens should keep the curfew in mind when making evening plans on the boardwalk or around town.

Dry Town
Ocean City is a dry town, meaning the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited within city limits. Visitors looking to enjoy a drink with dinner or purchase alcohol for their stay can drive to neighboring Somers Point, just over the 9th Street bridge. Popular nearby options include Boulevard Liquors and Circle Liquors, both just minutes from Ocean City. From the south end of the island, you can find two liquor stores just over the 34th Street bridge in Marmora.

Your Turn to Make Ocean City, NJ Memories

Ocean City, New Jersey — I love it so much, I got married there. The hustle and bustle, yet relaxing twist makes it a magical place to visit. Whether it’s a sock hop at Johnny Be Goode, shopping on Asbury Avenue, or a beach day followed by mini golf, your heart and cup will be full. 

Lead photo courtesy of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Facebook page