Ocean City, NJ

You looked so very pretty, when we met in Ocean City Like someone, oh, so easy to adore. I sang this little ditty, on our way through Ocean City Heading south along the Jersey Shore. On the way to Cape May, I fell in love with you. On the way to Cape May, I saw my dreams come true.

“On the Way to Cape May” by Al

Alberts

Is this 1986 pop ditty the reason we’re focusing on Cape May and Ocean City, New Jersey? We’ll never tell.

WHEN A TOWN TRADEmarks its logo as “America’s Greatest Family Resort®” and secures the phone number 1-800-BEACHNJ, it must be a pretty good place for a summer getaway. And Ocean City, New Jersey — not the other one on the Atlantic, with a wooden boardwalk, theme parks, salt water taffy but in Maryland — has been attracting families for generations. As they also say, “your memories start here.”

There are eight miles of sandy beaches (best section said to be to the north, near the dunes) plus almost three miles of boardwalk for fun, food and fantastic shopping. And there’s plenty to do on the bay side — fishing, kayaking, sailing. The sheer variety of attractions — and its reputation as a family-friendly destination with guarded beaches and no alcohol — make this a destination worth visiting.

WHAT TO DO?

Ocean City has it all — arcades, amusement parks, mini golf, go-karts, jet skis, fishing cruises (plus surf fishing, bridge fishing and more), surf lessons (surfing, skim boards, paddle boards), rock walls, laser tag, an escape room, mirror maze, water slides, airplane rides and parasailing, theater productions, a golf course, sports courts, parades, family-friendly events and tons more fun! How many other places have a half dozen themed miniature golf options — from Pirate Island to Haunted Golf to Medieval Fantasy and more?

Regularly scheduled activities include beach exercise with yoga on Mondays, Funtastic Tuesdays (entertainment, face paint- ers, balloon sculptors), more beach exercise with Pilates on Wednesdays, market days and Family Nights on the Boardwalk on Thursdays, and low-impact beach exercise on Fridays. July 5 hosts a Wacky Wednesday pie-eating contest to celebrate America by eating apple and cherry pie –no hands allowed! There are also freckle contests (July 5), sand sculpting contests (July 6), a French fry sculpting contest (July 12), as well as Christmas in July (July 26). Whew!

For Nature Lovers

For some quiet time, head to the southern tip of the island to 340-acre Corson Inlet State Park for its trails, dunes, wetlands and wildlife. Or take refuge in the 16 acres of protected dunes and marsh at Stainton Wildlife Refuge (between 23rd and 30th Sts.) for great bird watching (many wading and shore birds).

Consider a guided beach walk on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in July and August, meeting at the north and south ends of the island. Whale and dolphin watching excursions are another option. And cyclists will enjoy exploring the many bike paths, bike lanes and bike-friendly roads in town.

ARE THERE AMUSEMENT PARKS?

Of course there are! Gillian’s Wonderland Pier (6th and 7th Sts. on the Boardwalk) has classic rides like the 141-foot-high giant wheel — you can see Atlantic City on a clear day. This historic amusement park, founded in 1929, is now run by the third generation. Favorite attractions include Little Buc’s Bay, an 18,880-square-foot water playground just for kids, and the Canyon Falls Log Flume that will cool you off even on the hottest days.

Celebrating 60 years on the Boardwalk, Playland Castaway Cove features 30-some rides, Pier 9 golf, go-karts, an arcade and the Wild Waves, Whirlwind and Gale Force roller coasters. Enjoy all the classics, like super slides, scream machines and extreme cyclone (the thrill rides). For the little ones, try those labeled Family Fun rides, like the Ferris wheel, merry-goround or classic train.

Jilly’s Arcade is the largest arcade on the Boardwalk. It’s a family entertainment center with more than 100 video games as well as pool tables, air hockey and play-tilyou-win cranes. Come here for Pac-Man or Skee-Ball, which still costs a dime to play (same as in 1976).

Totally Tubular Water Sports is another popular attraction for families. From tubing to waterskiing to jumping on and off inflatables, there’s plenty of action. Book a charter and go banana boating (on an inflatable banana), wakeboarding and other fun water activities.

MISSING PHILLY AND MUSIC?

Then join in on Mummers Nights, Tuesdays and Thursdays on the Boardwalk, July 6 through August 31. “It’s a Philly Thing” is the theme for Ocean City’s 68th annual Night in Venice on July 29 — a bayfront celebration with boat parade and decorated bayfront homes — hosted by recently retired news anchor Jim Gardner as grand marshal. Wait for the fireworks finale after the parade.

If you’re yearning for music, head for the Music Pier to hear the Pops Orchestra (840 E. 6th St.). On July 3rd and 4th, the Ocean City Pops will perform a free outdoor concert at 7:30 p.m. at Carey Stadium, including patriotic classics and audience favorites in honor of our nation’s birthday. Bring a beach chair or blanket to sit on the field, or hope for a seat in the bleachers.

Monday nights through summer are time for the Concert on the Beach series.

Food

We think the best food in town is simple: the snacks on the Boardwalk — ice cream, frozen custard, pizza, caramel corn, funnel cake, fried Oreos, popcorn and taffy. Family-fun food in a family resort. ©