Fun Things to Do in Ocean City, New Jersey

Check out a few fun things to do in Ocean City, New Jersey, to see if it’s the next place you’ll explore this year. The region could even become your annual vacation spot if you’re one of the many people who fall in love with the area.

1. Explore the Boardwalk

Boardwalks bring everyone together in many coastal communities. While you might be looking forward to jumping in the waves, save some time to explore Ocean City’s 2-mile-long public boardwalk full of family-friendly activities. There are ice cream shops, pizzerias and lots of shopping. You might even catch some live music if you visit while free summer concerts are happening.

2. Visit Corson’s Inlet State Park

You may love Corson’s Inlet State Park if you want a coastal getaway full of wildlife. Visiting the park is free, so you can spend your entire vacation bird-watching, crabbing or even swimming in the inlet. There are also trails if you want to stretch your legs. Anyone visiting during the off-season can bring their pups for a walk if your four-legged friend remains on their leash.

3. See Playland’s Castaway Cove

Thrill-seekers should stop by the family-friendly Castaway Cove while they’re in town. The park is one of the most fun things to do in Ocean City, New Jersey, because the rides are nearly endless. There’s something for everyone, like the gentle Ferris wheel or the 125-foot tall roller coaster. 

Enjoy delicious snacks while walking around or dip into the indoor arcade for air-conditioned entertainment. Tickets often go on sale if you get them in advance.

4. Walk Around Downtown

The downtown area of Ocean City is always bustling with locals and tourists. The historic streets are minutes from the beach, so businesses are open throughout the day.

Stop by the toy shops with your little ones or explore the family-owned restaurants to indulge your foodie interests. You may even discover one-of-a-kind artwork among the boutiques that sell locally made goods.

5. Enjoy Kohr Brother’s Custard

There’s nothing quite like eating frozen custard piled high on a cake cone as you sit on the beach, so don’t forget to order one for yourself while you’re in town. Kohr Brother’s Custard is right on the boardwalk, so you won’t have to leave your umbrella for long. Whether you like sprinkles on top or multiple flavors at once, your tastebuds won’t feel disappointed after your first bite.

6. Hang Out on the Beach

People who visit Ocean City, New Jersey, get to explore 8 miles of coastline. There’s plenty of space to set up an umbrella, unroll your towels and soak in the sun. You could find a spot only steps away from pizza sold by the slice or a less crowded space within walking distance of public parking. If you don’t want to worry about finding a place for your car, use the local shuttle to reach the beach for only a few dollars.

7. Compete at Haunted Golf

Mini golf is a quintessential vacation activity and one of the most fun things to do in Ocean City, New Jersey. The Haunted Golf attraction is waiting for you on the boardwalk. 

The venue has a full course that’s home to a ghostly piano player, chatty skeletons and lots of surprises waiting to make you laugh. Each tricky round is also kid friendly, so even families with young children can stop by for an hour of thrills.

8. Watch a Show at Music Pier

There’s always something going on at Music Pier. The theater is among the oldest destinations in Ocean City, but that doesn’t stop it from being the talk of the town. Check the show calendar to see if you can watch a live concert, comedian or musical during your next vacation. The venue is open year-round, so you’ll have something entertaining to watch during any season.

9. Wander the Ocean City Historical Museum

If you can’t resist a good exhibit, the Ocean City Historical Museum should be on your travel bucket list. The site has artifacts since before the city’s official founding. You’ll learn about the region, how it came to be and even which celebrities have adored it over the decades. When it’s time to explore more of the area, you’ll experience the Ocean City culture with a new perspective.

10. Rent a Boat

Boat rentals are available to locals and visitors alike. Make sure you have a photo ID and meet the age requirement of whichever rental business you want to work with. You could cruise along the open ocean or jet across Great Egg Harbor Bay. No matter where you go, you’ll get time out on the sparkling waters of Ocean City and feel recharged.

11. Attend a Festival

Ocean City’s public events calendar is always filling up, so see what’s happening in town by browsing the virtual calendar after choosing your vacation dates. You might get to see the annual boardwalk art show or participate in a sand sculpting contest. You’ll also find links to get tickets to each event if they aren’t already free.

12. Spend the Day on a Kayak

Kayaking is also among the many fun things to do in Ocean City, New Jersey. If your car has a roof rack, you can bring your own or rent one from one of the numerous waterfront businesses. You could spend your vacation gliding across the calm waters in Corson’s Inlet State Park, riding saltwater waves or exploring Great Egg Harbor Bay.

13. Go Looking for Seashells

Check the current tide chart when you arrive in Ocean City. If it’s low, you might be able to find some gorgeous seashells. Walk the beach as the sun’s rising to beat the crowds and see what washed up on shore overnight. You can also find some seashell treasures after a thunderstorm rolls through town.

The most important part is starting your search as early as possible. If you wait until people start setting up beach umbrellas for the day, you’ll have competition for the most beautiful shells.

14. Play Some Pickleball

Pickleball is becoming more popular, so Ocean City has plenty of courts. You may have to pay a small fee for a day pass, but it could be the best way to spend your free time after you’ve had your fill of the beach. Bring your own pickleball set to compete on colorful courts and indulge in one of the region’s most beloved recreational activities.

15. Try Stand Up Paddleboarding

Rental brands offering kayaks and surfboards will also likely have paddleboards. The laid-back watersport is fun for people of all ages. Corson’s Inlet is a great place to start, but you can also launch from most waterfront locations with public access. Check local regulations for specific spots to ensure you’re not breaking any safety rules before paddling across the sparkling waters.

16. Experience Storybook Land

Fill your vacation with memories you couldn’t make anywhere else by visiting Storybook Land. The family-owned amusement park has been an Ocean City staple for 70 years and recently placed among the top 10 winners for the Best Family-Owned Amusement Park award.

Your kids will love the themed rides, play zones and the train that runs through the park. Meanwhile, visiting parents typically love the reasonably priced meals compared to standard amusement park upcharges on food.

17. Look for Dolphins

Boat tours are abundant throughout Ocean City. While you can book a dinner cruise or a fishing expedition, you might also enjoy the chance to spot dolphins. Boat tour companies take people out on the ocean every day to see pods jumping through the waves. When someone does spot dolphins or the occasional whale, every boat stops so you can take your time watching them in awe.

The cruises vary in length but can require a few hours of your day. Fit one between your other vacation activities if you love seeing marine life up close.

18. Roam the Fairy Woods

Veteran’s Memorial Park isn’t only a quiet area to relax. The public park is also home to gnomes and fairies. Explore the walking trail around the park when you’re up for some light exercise.

The path is less than a mile long but home to numerous tiny fairy houses and gnome statues. People of all ages get a kick out of the creative homes set up at the bases of trees along the trail. Take a few photos before you leave so you never forget your time in this magical pocket of the city.

Plan Your Next Favorite Trip to Ocean City, New Jersey

Once you find some fun things to do in Ocean City, New Jersey, you’ll realize why so many people travel there each year. There’s something for everyone, regardless of their age or interests. Hang out on the beach, try recipes from locally owned restaurants or get active with watersport rentals. You’ll have an incredible time no matter what you decide to do while you’re in town.