10 Things to Do in Ocean City, NJ This Summer

There’s a reason Ocean City is known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” It’s because some of the absolute best under-the-sun family fun on the East Coast happens here. Really, it does! And although there are soooo many wows to choose from, we did our best to select ten we think you’re shore to enjoy.

  1. Get on Board– Voted the “Best Boardwalk in New Jersey in 2022” by NJ Monthly Magazine, the OC “boards” deliver nearly 2.5 miles of superior strolling. Enjoy tasty legendary restaurants, seaside boutiques, iconic boardwalk treats – cotton candy, fried Oreos, potato tornadoes, water ice and more. Oh, and all the sea breezes and surf-side views you could ask for. Dive in and discover more about the Ocean City boardwalk and other amazing boardwalks along the famous Jersey Shore.
     

    Ocean City Boardwalk

  1. Go For a Ride– Gillian’s Wonderland Pier is your ticket to excitement – from the log flume to the classic carousel built in 1926, sky-scraping swings super fun slides, the Giant Wheel, and other thrill-a-minute rides. But that’s not all. Look for the pirate ship to find a treasure of rides at Playland’s Castaway Cove too. Boasting more than 30 sensational rides including 10 adrenalin-pumping thrill rides, 3 mini-golf courses, go-karts and oh-so-much more. Love soaring on high-flyin’ rides? Take NJ’s 3-day Amusement Park Road Trip for a spin.
     

    Gillian’s Wonderland Pier

  1. Make Waves– Surf and sun fun is yours along Ocean City’s eight miles of pristine beach. Rent (or bring) a chair, pop open an umbrella, build sandcastles, collect shells or just kick back and sink your toes in the sand. That’s everyone’s favorite pastime, isn’t it? OC is also known as a great place to bodyboard, parasail or even learn to surf – the choices are endless. Get to know more about all the surfing hotspots where you can catch a wave in New Jersey (including outstanding Ocean City) here.
     

    Ocean City Beach

  1. Get Salty– The oldest business on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Shriver’s Saltwater Taffy also happens to be one of the tastiest. In fact, when it comes to iconic Jersey Shore tastes, this place is simply legendary. Pop in for a box of your favorite taffy, fudge, macaroons, chocolates and more sugary treats. Hungry for more? Check out our essential NJ outdoor dining guide featuring alfresco eateries up and down the Garden State.

  2. Pedal Away– Ocean breezes, stunning views and plenty of places to stop along the way make Ocean City an excellent place to bike. Rent a cruiser bike (or bring your own) and ride the boards from 5 am to noon during the summer season. Team up with a friend on a tandem bike or rent a surrey for a fun family Get all the details on biking and more in OC here. Also, NJ has plenty of other places to bike when you feel like taking your two-wheels for a whirl.
     

    Ocean City Biking on Boardwalk

  3. Hello History– This summer, go back in time at the Ocean City Historical Museum. Learn about the town’s remarkable history from before its founding in 1879 to recent events. Explore heirlooms and memorabilia and hear stories of a princess and shipwrecks filled with treasure. And if history is your thing, you won’t want to miss these off-the-beaten-path historical sites in New Jersey.

    Ocean City skyline

  4. Do The Twist– You know, two of your favorite soft-serve ice cream flavors twisted together. Or maybe it’s soft-serve on a waffle cone, a banana boat, a milkshake, or good old-fashioned scooped ice cream – with jimmies (or sprinkles!), of course. Places to try include: Kohr Brothers, oc GELATO, and Georges Ice Cream. Be inspired by more essential summer experiences throughout the state here.
     
  5. Tune In– Take a listen and enjoy an exciting lineup of happenings on the boardwalk at the Music Pier. From crowd-pleasing concerts to amazing art shows, coastal photo ops and one-of-a-kind events, there’s always something new to see and do. Take a peek at these outdoor concert venues in NJ for entertaining ideas that’ll be music to your ears.

  6. Be Reel– Saltwater anglers, get ready. There’s an ocean of off-shore and close-to-shore fishing and crabbing hot spots in this seaside town. Head out to one of the most popular locales, Corson’s Inlet State Park, to catch sea bass, bluefish, striper, launch your boat, kayak, hike and more. But don’t stop there. There are more things to do. You’re sure to love these cool places to kayak and canoe in Jersey too!
     
  7. Get Showy– the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company delivers ovation-worthy live Broadway-style shows to summer audiences in Ocean City. And trust us, it’s a fun-for-the-entire-family experience you won’t want to miss. Click here for the current roster featuring everything from Grease to Charlotte’s Web - get showtimes too. See more fascinating performing arts taking center stage in New Jersey near you.


Grab your flip-flops and spend a week, a weekend or a day at amazing Ocean City. It’s one wow after another – from the breezy boards to the seaside amusements, seaside shops, iconic treats and more.

Be sure to check your destination’s website and social media pages before you go for the latest information. Explore more NJ Shore beaches here. Stay in the loop and get ready for your next Jersey journey with the free NJ travel guide and e-newsletter too!