NJShore Guide

Weekend Getaway to Ocean City

1hr 10min from Philly • 2hr 30min from NYC

1hr 10minFrom Philly
2hr 30minFrom NYC
Family ResortVibe
Share

Ocean City—"America's Greatest Family Resort"—is dry, safe, and packed with boardwalk fun. The 2.5-mile boardwalk has three amusement piers, and the town's family-first vibe means you won't worry about rowdy crowds. Perfect for kids of all ages.

Affiliate link

Why Ocean City for a Weekend Getaway?

Dry town means family-friendly atmosphere and no rowdy bar crowds

Three amusement piers including Gillian's Wonderland

2.5-mile boardwalk with Manco & Manco pizza and Johnson's popcorn

Music Pier concerts and free beach entertainment all summer

Your Ocean City Weekend Itinerary

Friday Evening

6:00 PM

Arrive in Ocean City

Check into your hotel and freshen up

7:30 PM

Dinner

Kick off the weekend with a local favorite restaurant

9:30 PM

Evening stroll

Walk the boardwalk or downtown to get oriented

Saturday

8:00 AM

Breakfast

Start with a local breakfast spot or hotel dining

10:00 AM

Beach time

Claim your spot and enjoy the morning sun

12:30 PM

Lunch

Grab lunch at a casual beachside spot

2:00 PM

Afternoon activity

Explore local attractions or water sports

6:00 PM

Sunset

Watch the sunset from the beach or a scenic spot

7:30 PM

Dinner

Dress up slightly for your main dinner of the trip

Sunday

8:30 AM

Breakfast

Relaxed breakfast before checkout

10:00 AM

Final beach time

One more dip or walk on the beach

12:00 PM

Check out & depart

Head home with great memories

💡 Leave by noon to beat traffic

Where to Stay in Ocean City

Shady Oaks Campground Inc

$$

hotel

Located in Ocean View.

Best for: budget travelers

Sea Grove Camping Resort

$$

hotel

Located in Ocean View.

Best for: budget travelers

Scarborough Inn B & B

$$

hotel

Located in Ocean City.

Best for: budget travelers

Ticket

Things to Do in Ocean City

Book tours, activities, and experiences with free cancellation

Browse Tours

Where to Eat in Ocean City

Starfish Cafe

$$

cafe

Must try: Located in Ocean City.

Spadafora's Seafood Market

$$

seafood

Must try: Located in Ocean City.

Secret Garden Cafe & Bakery

$$

cafe

Must try: Located in Ocean City.

Second Street Grille

$$

american

Must try: Located in Ocean City.

Budget Estimate for a Ocean City Weekend

Budget

$300-400 total (motel, casual dining, beach)

Mid-Range

$500-700 total (boutique hotel, nice dinners)

Luxury

$900+ total (resort, fine dining, activities)

What to Pack for Ocean City

  • Sunscreen and beach towels (hotels often have limited supplies)
  • Layers for cool evenings—shore breezes pick up after sunset
  • Comfortable walking shoes for boardwalks and downtown
  • Cash for beach badges and parking meters
  • Reservation confirmations for popular restaurants

Ocean City Weekend Getaway FAQ

Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more

More Weekend Getaways