Located on Cape May, just twenty minutes from Atlantic City and an hour from Philadelphia, Ocean City is a popular family-oriented destination on the South New Jersey shore. Its population increases nearly ten-fold every summer, when visitors come from urban areas to enjoy the beaches and boardwalk. With a large shopping district, a two-mile pier, and sandy beaches, Ocean City offers attractions for adults and children of all ages. In the summer, numerous festivals and events provide further entertainment. While Ocean City is best known for its amusement parks and old-fashioned, wholesome atmosphere, the surrounding area is also an excellent location for hiking along the shore and viewing migrating birds. Whether you come to take in the sights and sounds of the boardwalk, swim and surf, or just enjoy the cool breezes of the Atlantic, Ocean City has a well-earned reputation as a top destination for beach vacations.

	Top rated hotels
	1. Watson's Regency Suites 901 Ocean Ave 4. Serendipity Bed & Breakfast 712 9th Street 2. Pavilion Motor Lodge 801 Atlantic Ave 5. Scarborough Inn 720 Ocean Avenue 3. Northwood Inn Bed & Breakfast 401 Wesley Avenue 6. Plymouth Inn 710 Atlantic Ave. View more Ocean City hotel info »«

	Top rated attractions
	In Ocean City 1. Get Wet at Gillian’s Island Water Theme Park Gillian’s has a full range of water slides for kids of all ages, from an eight-story body slide to a curving inner-tube chute. Younger children can enjoy the Lil’ Buc’s Bay playground, complete with a pirate’s fort and lighthouse. Families can rent private cabanas for the day, complete with lounge chairs, ceiling fans, lockers, and complimentary bottled water.  « hide 2. Get Back to Nature at Corson’s Inlet State Park Corson’s Inlet State Park was established in 1969 to protect the rich natural habitats along the New Jersey oceanfront. The Strathmere Natural Area spans across 98 acres and is home to numerous species of shorebirds and waterfowl, including the endangered Piping Plover, gulls, herons and ducks. Boating and fishing are allowed in the park, and interpretive tours on foot are offered. Hike down one of the park’s many trails, or drive along the New Jersey Coast Heritage Trail to see migrating birds.  « hide 3. Cruise the Boardwalk The Boardwalk is the focal point of Ocean City and home to many of its attractions. However, you don’t need to buy tickets to the various amusement parks along “The Boards” to enjoy its old-fashioned charm. The Boardwalk is lined with shops, arcades, outdoor restaurants, and stands selling fudge and saltwater taffy. Popular with joggers and cyclists in the morning hours, the Boardwalk is also an excellent place for watching the sunrise over the Atlantic. At night, special events are held, including live entertainment in July and August and concerts on the Music Pier.  « hide 4. See Lucy the Elephant Lucy is the oldest remaining example of zoomorphic architecture in the United States. Standing six stories high, Lucy is billed as the “world’s largest elephant” and provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding shore area. A tour provides information about Lucy’s unique architecture and history dating back to 1881.  « hide 5. Visit the Lighthouse at Cape May Cape May Point, at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, is home to one of the last remaining seacoast lighthouses on the eastern seaboard. The lighthouse measures 157 feet and was built in 1859. The nearby Cape May Point Natural Area spans across 153 acres and includes various coastal habitats for local birds and other wildlife. Late in the summer, dragonflies and monarch butterflies migrate through the area.  « hide

	Top rated restaurants
	1. Dixie Picnic Dixie Picnic serves up fresh baked goods such as sticky buns and “upcakes,” cupcake bottoms glazed with frosting, in a cozy orange house. For a more substantial meal, the menu also includes cuban pulled pork, baby back ribs and crab cakes, from $8-$15. Dixie also makes box lunches consisting of sandwiches, salad and upcakes for $8.25 – the perfect meal for a picnic on the beach.  « hide 2. Brown’s Restaurant Brown’s Restaurant is a local institution, having been in business for over thirty years. The menu offerings include bacon cheeseburgers for lunch and blueberry pancakes for breakfast. In the morning, people line up for their fresh doughnuts. Cash only.  « hide 3. Luigi’s Italian Restaurant Luigi’s Italian Restaurant is a popular spot for pasta, pizza, and other Italian dishes. Guests recommend the meatballs and lasagna, and the fresh bread gets rave reviews.  « hide

	Ocean City Insider tips
	1. Crowed Ocean City Ocean City is very crowded in the summer, and rules have been established to make everyone’s stay as enjoyable as possible. To avoid fines, and annoying locals and other tourists, follow posted guidelines. Do not feed the seagulls, which have become predatory after being fed by tourists for many years – in fact, feeding the birds can lead to a fine of up to $500. You will need a beach tag ($20 for the season, $10 per week, or $5 a day) to visit the beaches, and inspectors will check to make sure you have one, even if you manage to sneak past them at the entry. When walking or cycling along the boardwalk, pay attention to the flow of traffic and stay in the appropriate lane – if on a bicycle, ring your bell or call out to alert pedestrians of your presence. If you drive, be aware that parking meters are monitored carefully.  « hide