When you think of the quintessential shore town, you picture something almost exactly like Ocean City, New Jersey. The town has it all with a boardwalk, amusement rides, delicious eats, and big beaches. The only thing it’s missing — alcohol. Ocean City is a dry town, which means that alcohol is not sold in any stores or restaurants. What’s funny though, is that you hardly miss it {due to Ocean City’s close proximity to Atlantic City which has all the debauchery one could need}. The beaches are wide and long, making it the perfect spot for a summer getaway. Read on to see our top things to do in Ocean City:
Where to Stay
Port-O-Call
The Port-O-Call is not only one of the largest hotels in OCNJ, it also has one of the best locations. Situated right on the boardwalk just before the start {or end depending on your perspective} of the shops and restaurants, you’ll be able to walk right outside your door for your morning run on the boards or a day at the beach. If you’re not wanting sand between your toes, hit up their beachside pool for a day in the sun.
Beach Club Hotel
This hotel, also located on the boardwalk, has a super fun swimming pool that offers beautiful views of the beach. When you’re done with the fun and sun, sit at their café located on the boardwalk to do some awesome people watching.
Ocean City also has a plethora of smaller inns, bed & breakfasts, and vacation homes for rent. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can stay close to the action or away from the boardwalk in quieter neighborhoods.
Where to Eat
Kohr Bros Frozen Custard
Frozen soft serve custard — enough said. If you’re still needing convincing, picture mile high custard in a variety of flavors topped with a thick coating of rainbow sprinkles {or topping of your choice}.
Hula Restaurant
A trip to Hawaii is, well, pricey to say the least. If it’s Hawaiian grub you’re looking for, look no further than Hula Restaurant on the boardwalk. With the owner and head chef previously owning a food truck on the North Shore of Oahu, you know this food is going to be good and authentic. The chicken teriyaki is one of their most popular dishes and for good reason: the homemade sweet teriyaki sauce. If you love it so much, you can even pick up a bottle of one of their sauces to bring home.
Cathy’s 14th Street Bakery
There are countless places to get doughnuts these days, but for the real deal, head over to Cathy’s. The sprinkle doughnuts filled with their white cream are TDF.
Manco & Manco Pizza
Hoboken undoubtedly has some of the best pizza around. With that being said, when you’re wanting to grab a slice on vacation, have no fear: Manco & Manco holds up to even the best Hoboken pizza. Their pies are huge {ok, not quite as huge as Benny’s} and have their signature swirl of sauce on top of the cheese. Look for the swirl and accept no other imposter on the boardwalk. The best part is that they have a few locations directly on the boardwalk, so if you’re hungry for more, you’re always only a few blocks away from Manco & Manco.
See More: Things to Do in Ocean Grove {Jersey Shore Getaway}
Sack O’ Subs
When packing up a cooler to head to the beach, there is always one staple that seems to make the cut: sandwiches. All Hoboken residents know a good sandwich and we know that it starts with the best bread possible. Sack O’ Subs knows this as well. If you’ve heard {or been to} the famed White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City, Sack O’ Subs was founded by the same owners and uses White House’s out of this world Italian bread that makes their sandwiches so delish.
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
There’s something about the beach and breakfast that go so well together. Uncle Bill’s Pancake House has a very large breakfast menu that features everything you could want from ice cream waffles to pecan waffles topped with fresh bananas to a Jersey Shore omelet {which is filled with pork roll and cheese}.
Browns Restaurant
Browns is another local favorite breakfast spot to feed your appetite. They have all the staples you would imagine —however, they have something that others do not: fresh, hot, homemade doughnuts. So fresh that they put the icing right on them when they come out of the fryer. These babies are so popular that the line can sometimes be out the door, but the reward is most definitely worth the wait.
What to Do
With having both the ocean and the bay in Ocean City’s backyard, there is so much to do. Head out paddle boarding on the bay, walk the downtown area, or simply stroll the boardwalk popping in and out of shops and sampling all the goodies. If it’s entertainment you’re looking for, these picks below have got you covered.
Gillian’s Wonderland Pier
Wonderland Pier is truly every kid’s dream. Opened in 1929, this boardwalk amusement park has rides for kids {and adults} of all ages like the classic Tilt-A-Whirl and carousel. Or, opt to get your heart racing with the Drop Tower or the Runaway Train Coaster. Whatever thrill you choose, the best part about Wonderland Pier is that you can feel like a kid again.
Music Pier
Music Pier originally came to be in 1928 in order to give the town a spot for fun after a large fire destroyed much of the boardwalk. Today, it hosts everything from the Junior Miss Ocean City Pageant to the popular Ocean City POPS. Once in a while, they will also get some big acts, so keep an eye on their monthly schedule here.
Where to Shop
Islander
One of the most adorable shops on the OCNJ boardwalk, Islander has all of the latest trends in clothing and home décor can be found here, all with a little twist of relaxed bohemian style.
Colette
You won’t miss this shop, with the entire exterior of the building a bright pink. Inside is filled with everything that’s trending, from jeans to formal wear.
Bohemian Mama
Let your inner boho chick shine at this adorable shop with tees that say “om” and kimonos galore. If you’re a mama, pick up some matching threads for you and your little one.
Shrivers
Warning: it’s going to be hard to try and leave Shrivers without a giant bag of salt water taffy. Shrivers first began serving up this shore classic in 1898, so it’s safe to say they have perfected it. They have every flavor you could want like root beer, creamsicle {one of the best}, and chocolate peanut butter. The taffy is made right on premise and you can watch as the machines stretch and pull this tasty confection right in the shop — prepare to be mesmerized by the process.
READ: Things to Do in Cape May {Jersey Shore Getaway}
Sand + Stitch
Sand + Stitch sells women’s fashions including everything from summer dresses to rompers. With so much to see, you’ll most likely pay more than one visit here.
Have you ever been to Ocean City, NJ? Share your favorite things to do in the comments below and tag us in your adventures on Instagram @HobokenGirlBlog + #HobokenGirl <3
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