Ocean City Beach
Ocean City, NJ
Ocean City calls itself America's Greatest Family Resort, and the beach backs that up with badge required swimming from June through early September and a strict no dogs policy that holds from May through September on every beach in town. The boardwalk and the dry town status, no alcohol sold or served anywhere in Ocean City, shape the whole visit as much as the eight miles of beach itself.
The family resort reputation is genuinely earned, clean, well run, plenty to do, but the strict rules, no alcohol, no summer dogs, aren't for everyone looking for a looser beach town.
How we score beachesIf you're bringing a dog, plan for the off season, October through April, or use the fenced dog park at 45th Street and Haven Avenue instead. There's no exception on the beach itself during the summer season.
Public parking is available in municipal lots, including the Echo and Alpha lots, with rates that vary by location and season.
The boardwalk is flat and paved along its length, with ramps down to the sand at regular intervals.
Dogs aren't allowed on any beach from May through September. From October through April, leashed dogs are welcome.
Water warms into the low to mid 70s by August, peak season for the eight mile boardwalk and the family crowds it draws. Fall brings a quieter beach that's still swimmable into September.
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