Mar 6, 2010
Guest post by Traci DePree
My husband went to Ocean City, New Jersey, for family vacations growing up. It was their tradition. So, when we decided to head east from our Minnesota home it was in part to relive his childhood memories. It also helped that Ocean City repeatedly wins the vote for having the “best beach” in New Jersey…
A Family-Friendly Beach Town
Ocean City is a barrier island on the East Coast, just south of Atlantic City. Unlike it’s gambling neighbor, Atlantic City, Ocean City is alcohol free (no alcohol sold on the island–you’ll have to cross the bridge) but it makes for a very family friendly atmosphere. We felt comfortable enough to let our teenage daughters head out alone without a worry. Every morning we’d get up, gather our beach gear and head out for the surf. The weather was perfect though the water was a bit cool. Beach umbrellas dotted the landscape. Airplanes with banners flew past advertising restaurants and local attractions. Parasails followed speed boats on the far side of the surf. One day dolphins made an appearance, frolicking in the waves just past my husband who was boogie boarding. It was idyllic! The kids played in the sand and waves while I soaked up sun and my husband did a little of everything. One morning he and my seventeen-year-old rented a surf board and tried their hand at it!
By early afternoon we’d head back to our condo–the third floor of a home, complete with plasma TV, balconies, air conditioning–to rest and read. Some days we’d head out to shop and sight see.
There’s an awesome FREE Cape May Zoo on the island with every kind of animal imaginable, and Cape May Lighthouse, as well as a seashell museum.
Shop the Boardwalk
We recommend eating along the 2.5 mile long boardwalk–great food and no better seafood on the island. The shopping was great on the boardwalk too. There were clothes–I love sundresses–at good prices, jewelry, books, the regular tourism stuff, as well as things to do. We mini-golfed, rode on some of the rides (which are a must on the boardwalk) and rented the surreys.
TIP: If you want to rent a surrey get to the boardwalk early; after noon there are no bikes on the boardwalk.
Because our vacation was over the 4th of July we got to watch fireworks over the ocean, set off from a barge at sea. It was amazing! Especially in the midst of an enthusiastic New Jersey crowd! The last day we headed to Shriver’s, an Ocean City essential, to stock up on the salt water taffy made right there. The place was in business when my husband went to Ocean City as a boy and it’s still going strong. The crowds get thick in the evening, but that’s part of the fun of the boardwalk! Our condo was only a few blocks from the beach so it was easy to walk back and forth. It was our best vacation ever, and we’ve been on some dandies.
Good to Know… You’ll need to buy a beach tag if you want to go on the beach. We bought the week long tags for $10 each. Most of the stores on the boardwalk take cash only. So don’t go expecting to use your credit card. (There are ATMs however so if you need quick cash, it’s not a problem.) And watch out for the seagulls—they’ll swarm you if they see that you have food and are willing to share!
Been to Ocean City? Add your tips/favorites in the comments below!
Posted on Saturday, March 6, 2010
In New Jersey, Trip Reports, USA
Tags: barrier island, best beach in New Jersey, boardwalk, Cape May lighthouse, East Coast, New Jersey, Ocean City, salt water taffy, seashell museum, Shriver's, travel with teens, USA
