Ocean City, NJ Weekend Guide: A Family-friendly 2-day Itinerary

Ocean City, NJ, is known for being America’s Greatest Family Resort, and it lives up to its name! This NJ shore town has miles of the cleanest, nicest beaches, a boardwalk full of rides, shops, games, and places to eat, beautiful parks, and bayside businesses offering a variety of watersport activities.

This is a dry town, so if you’re looking to drink and party, this is not the place, but tons of nearby towns do have bars and offer fun nightlife. Safety is the number one priority in Ocean City, which is what makes it the best spot for a family vacation.  

So, without further ado, here’s exactly how I would spend one weekend in Ocean City, NJ. It’s the perfect 2-day itinerary in my not-so-biased opinion.

how to spend one weekend ocean city new jersey pin for pinterest.

Quick note! This Ocean City weekend itinerary was curated and written by Bree, a South Jersey local. This way, you can ensure you are reading the best and most accurate guide (from an actual human who has experienced it!) You can read more about Bree at the end of this post!

Ocean City, NJ Quick Itinerary

Before we get into all the details, here’s a quick snapshot of what your time in OCNJ would look like. If it sounds like your kind of trip, stick around to hear all about my favorite spots and the best things to do! Most people come to the Jersey Shore for a week’s vacation, but you can easily make a day or weekend trip out of it!

Day 1: Beach, Boards & the Boardwalk

  • Breakfast by the beach at Doozie’s Place
  • Beach morning at Surf Beach (The Gardens, north end)
  • Beach lunch delivered from Express Pizza & Subs
  • Afternoon watersports on Bay Ave (or a surf lesson!)
  • Evening on the Ocean City Boardwalk

Day 2: Downtown, Parks & Hidden Gems

  • Breakfast at Uncle Bill’s or a hidden-gem cafe
  • Shopping + activities on Asbury Ave
  • Story Walk at Lake Memorial Park
  • Sand Castle Park + Hoy’s 5 & 10
  • One more boardwalk treat (or a back-bay sunset cruise)

How to Get to OCNJ

Ocean City, is located in southern New Jersey, at the northern tip of Cape May County. It is a little over an hour drive from the Philadelphia Airport and just 30 minutes from the Atlantic City Airport.

Traffic heading toward the shore on Friday nights and Saturday mornings can be backed up. Traffic heading away from the shore on Saturday mornings and Sundays can also be tough. Going/leaving very early or very late is always your safest bet to avoid traffic, so plan accordingly.

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry also transports you between Cape May and Lewes, Delaware, making Ocean City a quick 45-minute ferry ride from Delaware and Maryland, and a quick ride up the Garden State Parkway! There are also NJ Transit buses that run from all over the state and even from Philadelphia and NYC.

 When is the Best Time to Visit the Jersey Shore (OCNJ)

bike in front of ocean city mural in new jersey

You would assume that the best time to visit the Jersey Shore would be in the summer, but that’s not always the case. Fall and spring are excellent times to visit to avoid the summer crowds and heat. There are festivals here year-round, but summer is the time of year when the boardwalk is completely open, lifeguards are on duty, and services are in full swing.

Ocean City has a convention center at the Music Pier, located right on the boardwalk, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Popular annual events in town include Miss New Jersey Competition and Nights in Venice. The city has everything from beach walks and beach yoga, fireworks and drone shows, car shows, farmers markets, concert series, art shows, pageants, organized walks/races and fishing competitions. Check out the 2026 OCNJ events calendar for the full list! 

Where to Stay in Ocean City

Directionally, Ocean City is talked about by the street numbers, and the busier sections are based around the two main bridges entering the town. The 9th street bridge takes you into the busiest section of OC, where the grocery stores, Asbury Ave shops, Bay Ave watersport businesses, and the boardwalk is! The 34th Street bridge brings you into a section where there are also some shops, restaurants and a grocery store, but this is the quieter end of the island. 

The north end by 9th Street is in closer proximity to everything, which is convenient, but can make parking more difficult. Where on the island you choose to book your accommodations depends on your purpose for coming to the island. If you want to be within walking distance of the beach or the shops on Asbury, then booking a stay between 14th and 6th streets is your best bet.

I personally prefer staying on the south end of the island, where things are a bit more quiet and not as busy. The beaches here are less crowded than those by the boardwalk, and you can find free parking much easier. Food options here are limited, but most restaurants are willing to deliver anywhere on the island.

Staying on the south end does mean that you’ll have to drive to the boardwalk and find parking, which can be pricey if you choose to park close, but free parking is available if you’re willing to walk a few blocks. 

Hotel and Rental recommendations

Most people who vacation in OCNJ book a house for a full week. Weekly rentals typically go from Saturday-Saturday, with a morning check-out and afternoon check-in. The majority of these weekly rentals are through Realty agencies, which I’ve linked for you below.

The best rentals book out months in advance, so you often need to plan this trip far ahead of time. If you’re only looking to do a weekend or shorter-term rental, you can find Airbnbs, VRBOs, and hotels/motels to book more last minute

Top Rental Realtors (if staying in the OC longer than a weekend)

Hotel options:

Ocean City, NJ Weekend Itinerary

Growing up just 30 minutes from Ocean City, I still consider myself a “local”, and I can guarantee you I know all the best things to do here! Lucky for you, I’m willing to share all of my favorite spots and exactly how to spend one weekend in OCNJ.

Day 1: Beach, Boards & the Boardwalk

Day one is the classic shore day. We’re talking sunrise breakfast, a long lazy beach morning, an adrenaline hit on the bay in the afternoon, and a boardwalk evening that’ll have you eating your way down the planks. Let’s go.

Morning: Breakfast Down the Shore

doozies place.

Breakfast down the shore just hits different. I love waking up early to enjoy some delicious breakfast food by the beach. One of the newer spots on the north end, which happens to be my favorite, is Doozie’s Place. Both their breakfast and lunch options are to die for. Mouth-watering, finger-licking good!

Late Morning: Hit the Beach at Surf Beach

When I go to the beach in Ocean City, I prefer going to the north end, known as The Gardens, at Surf Beach. The beaches here are longer, so there’s more room, and it’s less crowded.

There are usually people surfing and riding eFoil boards, which is fun to watch, and you get a nice view of the Atlantic City skyline in the distance!

Parking is relatively easy to find, and there are fountains to rinse the sand off when you’re leaving the beach.

When the midday hunger hits, here’s a little local hack: Express Pizza & Subs is right nearby and has delicious pizza plus a ton of other great options. They even offer free delivery right to your beach entrance. Lunch on the sand without lifting a finger? Yes please.

Afternoon: Watersports on Bay Ave

Once you’ve had your fill of sun, it’s time to head to the other side of the island. The north end is also home to the watersport businesses, all clustered on Bay Ave. Quick local vocab lesson: the “Bay” (or “back bay”) is the body of water between the barrier islands and the mainland. So when you hear someone say “back bay,” now you’re in the know.

My two favorite outfitters are Totally Tubular and OCNJ Watersports. Between the two of them you can do water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, banana boating, sunset boat cruises, tiki boat rides, fishing charters, and even an aquapark.

 I also enjoy taking surf lessons from 7th Street Surf Shop, where you just show up and they provide you with a wetsuit, a board, and an instructor to guide you!

These are the perfect activities for a family fun day, a date, or a special event like a birthday or a bachelorette/bachelor party. Just remember to book in advance to lock in your spot!

Evening: The Ocean City Boardwalk

ocnj boardwalk

And now… the most important part of OCNJ. The Boardwalk. This is the epitome of the Jersey Shore. Children laughing, parents enjoying themselves, young couples holding hands, grandparents soaking it all in. Seagulls swooping, waves crashing, a cool sea breeze, the smell of fresh popcorn and fries, amusement rides lit up and buzzing. Whether it’s your hundredth time or your very first, it never gets old.

If you’re a local or a returning visitor, you probably know the best spots, but I will share with you all of my favorite places on the boardwalk.

For the sweet tooth:

For the savory cravings (here come my unpopular opinions):

  • I’ll say it… I actually don’t love Manco and Manco Pizza. It just does nothing for me! When I want boardwalk pizza, you’ll find me at Three Brothers.
  • I’m also not a fan of the Frenchy’s or Jilly’s style of fries, so if I’m craving fries I’m heading to Curly’s or Chickie’s & Pete’s.

For the fun:

mini golf during a weekend in ocean city, new jersey.
  • Take a nostalgic lap through the Surf Mall. If you’re a millennial, you know. This was THE spot as a teenager: cool outfits, shell necklaces, the oxygen bar, band tees and posters, and that mysterious dark-light room in the back corner you somehow thought was the coolest thing ever.
  • Ride the rides at Playland’s Castaway Cove. (If you’re an OC die-hard, pour one out for the iconic Wonderland Pier. We’re still healing.)
  • And you have to play a round of mini golf. There are courses all along the boardwalk and around the island, so take your pick!

Day 2: Downtown, Parks & Hidden Gems

Day one was all sun and sugar, so day two we’re slowing it down and exploring the parts of the island a lot of visitors breeze right past. Downtown shopping, charming parks, and the little nostalgic spots that make OC, OC.

Morning: Breakfast + (Maybe) the Farmers Market

farmers market in ocean city new jersey.

Today’s the day to give Uncle Bill’s Pancake House its due if you want those classic breakfast basics (it’s by far the most popular breakfast restaurant on the Jersey Shore), or wander over to one of the cute hidden-gem cafes around Asbury and 9th.

If your “weekend” happens to fall on a Wednesday, start at the Ocean City farmers market on the Tabernacle Grounds at 6th Street, running 8am to noon. My favorite vendor is Candace’s Canvasses, who makes the most adorable Jersey Shore and Philly designs.

Can’t make the market? You can shop her stuff online or at Stainton’s, with locations on both Asbury and the boardwalk.

Late Morning: Shop & Play on Asbury Ave

Asbury Ave is where the downtown shopping magic happens, with beautiful boutiques, unique shops, cafes, and restaurants all lined up and waiting. It’s also where the annual spring and fall block parties take over the street each May and October, so check the calendar before you go!

While you’re downtown, two of my favorite activities are right here:

the yard in ocean city new jersey.
  • The Yard — home to a huge aerial park play space and a sports simulator. They host fun events for kids and parents all summer long. Perfect for burning off some energy.
  • Glazed Over Studio — my go-to if I’m feeling artsy or need a rainy-day activity. Paint some pottery and make a souvenir you’ll actually keep.

Midday: Story Walk at Lake Memorial Park

Not far from the Tabernacle Grounds is Lake Memorial Park, run by the library, home to a sweet little Story Walk. You stroll around the park and read the pages of a children’s book printed on plaques along the path as you go. It’s such a wholesome, low-key way to spend part of the morning, especially with little ones.

Afternoon: Sand Castle Park + Hoy’s 5 & 10

In my humble opinion, the best park on the island is Sand Castle Park on 34th Street. The playground is massive and so much fun, and there are basketball, pickleball, and tennis courts so the adults can play too.

While you’re there, pop next door to Hoy’s 5 & 10. As a kid I loved digging through all the cool beach toys and games in here. Hoy’s is pure nostalgia and always a fun browse, whether you’re buying or just reminiscing.

Optional Detour: The Welcome Center + Spring Rookery

bird at rookery in ocnj.

If you’re driving onto the island (or want a quieter nature moment), the OCNJ Welcome Center on the 9th Street bridge is a great stop. They’ve got pamphlets and coupon books with discounts at a ton of local businesses, so it can genuinely save you money.

Here’s the hidden gem part: in the spring, the marshland at the visitors center becomes a rookery — a nesting ground for coastal birds like herons, ibis, and egrets. It’s a stunning thing to witness, especially if you’re an avid birder or wildlife lover.

Bring your binoculars and a camera. (And if you want to fall down a beautiful rabbit hole of local nature, check out my favorite local photographer, @what.sue.seas. She tells the story of the Jersey Shore’s natural world like no one else and is available to book for family photo sessions.)

Evening: One More Boardwalk Lap or a Back-Bay Sunset

ocnj boardwalk sunset

Close out your weekend the way it deserves: one more stroll on the boardwalk for a treat you missed on Day 1, or book a sunset boat cruise on the back bay if you didn’t get to it earlier. Either way, you’ll be leaving with that warm, salty, sun-tired kind of happy.

Where to Go Out at Night (OC is Dry!)

As I mentioned, OC is a dry town, which is a huge part of why it’s such a safe, family-friendly destination. But don’t let that stop you from having a more grown-up evening!

You can easily drive or responsibly Uber to nearby bars in Somers Point, Margate, and Ventnor, or make a night of it up in Atlantic City or down in Sea Isle. These shore towns are full of bars with live music, nightclubs, beach bars, and great dining. Booking your stay in Ocean City doesn’t lock you onto the island at all — there are endless spots to explore within a 10 to 30-minute drive.

Things to do in Ocean City, New Jersey

ocean city beach.

Here’s a complete list of the best things to do in Ocean City. Many of which were included in the above weekend itinerary, but there are some extras in case you want to switch a few things around.

Restaurants

Nearby Towns with Nightlife

  • Somers Point
  • Margate/Vetnor
  • Atlantic City
  • Sea Isle

Other Tips to Know Before Visiting OCNJ:

  • Summertime traffic is not fun! “Local’s Summer” (May, September and early October) is the best time to visit. The beaches are also free and do not require a beach tag before Memorial Day or after Labor Day! Weekend traffic during the summer can be unbearable, so plan ahead accordingly. 
  • Parking can be tough. The streets and parking lots closest to the beach and boardwalk require payment through the park mobile app. It’s usually worth driving off the beaten path a few blocks to find free parking, rather than paying. Finding parking anywhere on Friday and Saturday nights can be tough, so once you’re parked, try to not have to move your car anywhere.
  • The beaches by the boardwalk get PACKED. If you want privacy on the beach, then stay far away from the boardwalk. The less busy beaches will be between 20-30th streets, or between 40-50th streets.
  • Beach tags !! Unfortunately, it does cost money to use the beaches in OCNJ, and basically any beach in NJ. Daily tags are $10, but there are weekly and annual passes also. There are beach taggers that walk the beach, or are sometimes stationed at the beach entrances that you can purchase tags from.
  • Boardwalk & Beach Curfew. Unsupervised minors cannot be on the boardwalk after 11pm or before 6am. The beach is closed for everyone from 10pm until 6am. Between May 15-September 15, backpacks are banned from all age groups on the boardwalk after 8pm. This is a safety precaution that most boardwalks have been recently enforcing.
  • OCNJ is a dry town! This means there is no alcohol served or sold on the entire island. You cannot publicly consume alcohol, but what you do inside a private residence is at your own discretion. 
  • The Jersey Shore is expensive. “Budget-friendly” doesn’t really exist here, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. There are still free and cheap things to be enjoyed! 

About the Author!

Hi! I’m Bree! I was born and raised in the heart of South Jersey, just 30 minutes from the shore. I’ve spent every summer of my childhood and adulthood exploring just about every inch of every southern New Jersey shore town. I love good eats and drinks, as well as outdoorsy adventures and wildlife. Basically, I am your go-to guide for any inland town and shore island from Brigantine down to Cape May! Come follow along on Instagram!

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