Ocean City NJ

Ocean City, NJ is located on the Jersey Shore in Cape May County, New Jersey.

Ocean City NJ is located in Cape May County, New Jersey.

Ocean City New Jersey’s sea water temperatures peak in the range 72°F to 77°F ( which is 22°C to 25°C) around the 8th of August. The sea temperature’s low range is around 34°F to 41°F (1°C to 5°C) and reaches its minimum around the 1st of March.

Ocean City NJ zip codes are 08223, 08226, and 08244.

Ocean City is a dry town and markets itself as a family town that is quieter and calmer than other beaches on the Jersey Shore.

Despite being a dry town, USA Today listed Ocean City as the state’s most drunken city on its 2017 list of “The drunkest city in every state”.

Rumor has it that you can get served a drink if you know the right person. Events at the Flanders Hotel and the Ocean City Yacht Club often have open bars. And thanks to Claire Lowe’s story in the Press of Atlantic City, we now know of another way: joining a private club.

Smoking is banned throughout the entire beach, and on all paths leading to the beach, including the boardwalk, and at outdoor parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities and the city’s indoor facilities.

Ocean City has a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals close to the beach and boardwalk.

Ocean City New Jersey beaches are not free and require a beach tag for entrance for everyone ages 12 and older from June 1 through Sept. 2, 2019.

Ocean City beach tag costs are as follows:

Seasonal tags cost $25

Weekly tags cost $10

Daily tags cost $5

• City Hall (861 Asbury Ave.) – Mon-Fri  8:45-6; Sat-Sun, 10-6 (seasonal, weekly, military tags)
• Rt. 52 Welcome Center – Mon-Fri  9-6; Sat  9-5; Sun  9-2 (seasonal, weekly, military tags)
• Ocean City Music Pier (Boardwalk between 8th Street and 9th Street) – Starting at 9:30 a.m. daily
• 12th Street Tag Booth (Boardwalk at 12th Street) – Starting at 9:30 a.m. daily (seasonal, weekly, daily, military tags)
• Henry Knight Building (12th Street and Haven Ave.) – Mon-Fri  9-4 (no holidays). Seasonal tags only
• Aquatic & Fitness Center (17th Street and Simpson Ave.) – Mon-Fri  5 am-9 p.m.; Sat  9-6; Sun  7-6  (no holidays). Seasonal tags only
• 34th Street Welcome Center (34th Street and Simpson Ave.) – Mon-Sat 10-4; Sun  10-2 (seasonal, weekly, military tags)
• 46th Street Welcome Center (4500 block of West Avenue) – 10-3 Mon-Sun (seasonal, weekly, daily, military tags)

The Ocean City NJ boardwalk is open year round.

During peak months from May through October, the Boardwalk offers endless opportunities for wholesome family fun and entertainment.

During the offseason of November through April there is a slower pace, but you can also find seasonal sales and holiday special events.

Dogs are not permitted on the Ocean City NJ boardwalk, even in a carrier.

However, dogs are permitted on the beach durong the offseason from October 31 through April 30 and they must be on a 6-foot leash.

You can surf in Ocean City NJ.

With gradually sloped beaches,Ocean City offers consistent water that breaks into optimal surfing waves making Ocean City one of the more consistent surf spots north of Cape Hatteras.

The clean waters and shorelines also provide surfers with a safe place to paddle.

For guarded surfing at Ocean City, go to the 7th street beach, the 16th street beach and Waverly beach.

Local shops also stock rental boards for those without access to their own.

Driving on the Ocean City NJ beach is only allowed during the off season from September 15^th to May 15th.

From September 15^th to September 30^th and May 1^st through May 15^th vehicles are not allowed on the beach between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

You can access the beach with your vehicle at the following locations:

• Morningside Road
• 23rd Street
• 29^th Street
• 34^th Street
• 57^th Street
• 59^th Street

A permit is required to drive your vehicle on the beach to fish. There are a limited number of permits issued. For more information, contact Vickie Ballezzi at 609-525-9101 or by email at vballezzi@ocnj.us . Please provide a name and mailing address if you would like to get on the waiting list. The waiting list can vary in time depending on the availability of an opening. Property owners have first priority, then residents, then non-residents. For requests for a beach fishing permit for Corson’s Inlet, please call Belleplain State Park at 609-861-2404.

Bikes are allowed on the Ocean City NJ boardwalk 8 a.m. to noon from May 15 through Labor Day.

Yes, there are umbrellas for rent available on the beach in Ocean City NJ.