Ocean City has operated as a "dry town" since Methodist ministers founded it in 1879—no alcohol sales, period. What could feel restrictive has instead created a unique culture: one of the most family-focused shore towns in America, a thriving BYOB restaurant scene, and summer nights centered on boardwalk rides and ice cream rather than bar-hopping. The "America's Greatest Family Resort" slogan isn't marketing—it's an accurate description of what 1 million+ annual visitors experience.
The beach here is what you picture when you imagine the Jersey Shore: wide, clean, well-patrolled by lifeguards. Badges cost $10/day, $20/week, or $35/season—under 12 and military are free. The water quality consistently ranks among the best in New Jersey, and the gentle wave break makes it ideal for families with young swimmers. Beaches stretch the full 8-mile length of the island, but most visitors cluster between 6th and 12th Streets where the boardwalk offers easy access to food and restrooms. Locals know that the beaches south of 34th Street stay quieter even in peak summer.
The 2.5-mile boardwalk is the main attraction beyond the beach. Playland's Castaway Cove operates 30+ rides including GaleForce, a 125-foot launch coaster hitting 64 mph. (Note: Gillian's Wonderland Pier permanently closed October 2024 after 95 years.) Beyond rides, the boardwalk packs in arcades, mini-golf, bike rentals, and beach shops. Rainy days are covered—the Ocean City Aquatic Center has an indoor pool, and the downtown shops along Asbury Avenue offer browsing. Thursday nights in July and August bring Family Night with free entertainment along the boardwalk.
Food is a religion here, with multi-generational traditions you won't find anywhere else. Manco & Manco Pizza serves their famous sauce-on-top slices (yes, sauce ON TOP of cheese—locals will correct you if you say it wrong). Johnson's Popcorn has hand-tossed caramel corn since 1940. Shriver's makes salt water taffy since 1898. Kohr Bros Frozen Custard (since 1919) adds eggs to the recipe so it doesn't melt in shore air. For sit-down meals, the BYOB scene is excellent—bring wine to Cafe Beach Club, Deauville Inn, or Spiaggia for upscale Italian. Expect $25-40/person at BYOB restaurants, $10-15 for boardwalk food.
Ocean City draws primarily families with kids under 12. The dry policy means no rowdy bar scene, and the boardwalk empties by midnight even in peak summer. Peak season (July-August) fills hotels at $250-400/night; off-season drops to $100-150 and most attractions close. Night in Venice—a boat parade where residents decorate their vessels—draws 125,000 spectators each July and remains the signature event.
Ocean City works best for families who want the classic shore experience without the party atmosphere of Wildwood or Seaside Heights. Young adults and couples often find it too quiet—the lack of bars means nightlife is essentially nonexistent. But families with young children, grandparents, and anyone who values clean beaches and an early-to-bed-early-to-rise rhythm will find exactly what they're looking for. Wildwood's free beaches and amusement parks are 20 minutes south; Cape May's restaurants and history are 25 minutes further. Ocean City is the sweet spot in between.