Our family always goes to Ocean City, New Jersey each summer. We go in the month of June because we do not like the brutal July and August heat! We also found that Ocean City is not as crowded in June, although it never seems as swamped like many of the shore towns even in July and August.
We love the family atmosphere in Ocean City. There are no bars and clubs so there is not the young 20-ish crowd and late night partying that we try to avoid with the children in tow. This also means that there is less noise and activity once you get off the boardwalk. There are wonderful restaurants and delis all over the city. We especially enjoy Campbell's Seafood Kitchen. The boardwalk is famous in Ocean City. There are rides galore for many ages at Wonderland Amusements(they have a great merry-go-round), miniature golf, arcades, water parks and just the pleasure of strolling the "boards". If strolling is not your cup of tea you can rent a bike or a surrey and pedal to your hearts content in the mornings. Don't forget to get your photo taken at the old time picture place.
The food in Ocean City deserves a paragraph of it's own. On the boardwalk there are dozens of restaurants and walk up vendors where the hungry soul can get a variety of delicacies. Cheesesteaks, pizza, gyros, hot caramel popcorn, salt water taffy, fudge, wraps, tacos, burritos, ice cream, frozen custard, fried and baked veggies and even a full sit down meal. If you go hungry while in Ocean City it's your own fault.
We usually stay at a hotel/motel right on the boardwalk for easy access to the beach and the attractions. We also make sure there is a heated pool at the accomodations so we have an alternate to the beach and sand. There are homes for rent in Ocean City and the rates are competitive, but not inexpensive. Generally the rates for a house are $1500 and up for a one week stay. There are realtors who deal in rentals only and they can be found through the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.
The beaches in Ocean City are kept very clean and litter free. There is always someone or something going on at the beach. There are organized sand castle building contests, kite flying and even picture taking by a professional. The water at the Jersey shore may not always be the cleanest looking, but I swim in it each year and I am still alive and kickin'. You can also rent umbrellas and cabanas for the beach and these are especially good if you have small children, as it provides shade and a place to get out of the sun.The bath houses are available at a small rate($6 for adults and $3 for children under 10 years). They will give you a place to shower and get changed for a evening on the boards and also a potty stop so you do not have to venture back to your house or hotel.
There is always a breeze in Ocean City and it's a family resort that you shouldn't pass up!
