Consider a Vacation in Ocean City, New Jersey

Approximately 20 miles south of Atlantic City, New Jersey lies the beautiful beach resort of Ocean City. Known by many as the "Family Resort", this dry town has much to offer individuals of all ages. The resort town has miles of lovely beaches and a boardwalk which runs along approximately 23 blocks of the beach. Walking along portions of the boardwalk you are met with visions of amusement rides, unique stores and numerous food concessions. If you choose to enjoy the scenery of the beach alone, portions of the boardwalk will accommodate your desire with blocks of quiet and unobstructed beach views where you can simply walk along and listen to the sound of the seagulls as they glide past you.

The first thing you most likely want to do when planning your vacation is to line up a place to stay. If you are looking for a motel type setting close to the beach, you should try the Tahiti Inn on 12th Street and Ocean Avenue. If a hotel type accommodation is more your speed, the Port O' Call located on 15th Street and Wesley Avenue will strike your fancy. Both of these places are located either directly on the beach or within one block thereof. The city also offers quaint bed and breakfast style accommodations and other motels which are located on the western side of the island near the bay.

The Ocean City area is home to a variety of restaurants serving up popular cuisines. If you are looking for a good Italian restaurant, Culinary Garden located on 8th Street and Central Avenue is a great choice. Their homemade breads and muffins are a wonderful accompaniment to any meal and their manicotti is a sure bet. When staying in Ocean City you simply have to go to a restaurant where seafood is the entrée of choice. Just across the 9th Street bridge, located halfway around the Somers Point Circle you will see the Crab Trap. There is usually a long wait (about a ½ hour to an hour) but it is worth it if you want to try some delicious seafood. Also, since you are now located outside of Ocean City you will be able to get a cocktail from the restaurant bar. Often on the weekends, the Crab Trap will have live music in the lounge area where you will be able to sit back (or often stand if it is the weekend) and listen to some good tunes.

Once you have filled your belly and are looking for some fun things to do with regard to nightlife, the Ocean City area will meet the needs of most individuals. The Ocean City boardwalk is alive at night with amusement rides for the family and entertainment for all. The Music Pier up on the boardwalk hosts many different live events including the Miss New Jersey Pageant which usually occurs in the month of June. Other events on the Music Pier include the Ocean City Pops Orchestra and other talented musical acts. If you are looking for more adult-like nightlife, Atlantic City is about a 30 minute drive away. Once you are there you have many gambling and nightlife arenas at your disposal.

As for daytime activities, Ocean City has, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Jersey Shore, if not the entire Mid-Atlantic region. There are lifeguard protected beaches where the lifeguards are on duty for most of the day throughout the summer so you can enjoy the sun and surf in a safe manner. If you are looking for a bit more adventurous activity, why not try renting a wave runner on the bay side of the island or taking a fishing trip out into the Atlantic Ocean. There are many activities available for the sunbather and sun adventurer alike.

One additional tip for the Ocean City vacationer is to be aware of the fact that certain establishments such as amusements and some of the boardwalk stores will close down after Labor Day while others will remain open through the end of October or even all year round. However, there is still plenty to do in Ocean City, New Jersey throughout all four seasons. If you are looking to spend your vacation at a shore resort on the East Coast then Ocean City, New Jersey is the place for you.