Where to Stay in Ocean City, NJ | Local Guide Skip to main content

Where to Stay in Ocean City, NJ

A local guide to the island from the team that hosts homes in every neighborhood.

The island at a glance

Ocean City sits on an eight-mile barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Great Egg Harbor Bay. It has been a family resort for generations. The town is dry, so alcohol isn't sold here, and every summer the beaches and the 2.5-mile Boardwalk fill with families.

Neighborhoods

Pick your neighborhood

Ocean City is one island with four very different ends. The North End is historic and calm. Downtown puts the Boardwalk and Asbury Avenue on your doorstep. The Gold Coast has newer homes and rooftop views. The South End has the widest beaches and the quietest streets, all the way to Corson's Inlet.

Ocean City, NJ neighborhoods A stylized map of the 8-mile island from North Street to Corson's Inlet, divided into the North End, Downtown and Boardwalk, the Gold Coast and the South End. The 2.5-mile Boardwalk runs along the ocean side from St. James Place to 23rd Street. Bridges reach the island at 9th Street and 34th Street. Each area links to its page. North End North St to 6th St View homes → Downtown & Boardwalk 6th St to 18th St View homes → Gold Coast 18th St to 29th St View homes → South End 30th St to 59th St View homes →

Planning your stay

The Boardwalk. It begins at the edge of the North End and runs south past rides, arcades, mini golf, pizza and ice cream. Most guests walk it every evening. It's also worth an early-morning bike ride, before the crowds arrive.

Beaches and beach tags. Ocean City requires beach tags in summer. Every HeavenlyRez home includes complimentary seasonal beach tags for your group, based on the home's maximum occupancy, plus chairs and sand toys ready to go. Lifeguards watch the main beaches through the summer season.

Getting around. Most guests park once and walk or bike for the week. The island is flat and the streets are easy to ride. You can add bike and golf cart rentals to your stay in our Concierge Store.

When to visit. Summer is peak season, when the Boardwalk and beaches are at their busiest. Late spring and early fall are quieter, with the same beaches and far fewer crowds.

Things to do in Ocean City, NJ

Twelve favorites from our guests and our local team, from the north tip of the island to Corson's Inlet.

Ride the Boardwalk

Ride the Boardwalk

Amusement rides, arcades and mini golf line the 2.5-mile Boardwalk, with pizza and ice cream every few blocks.
Bike the boards early

Bike the boards early

Ride the Boardwalk in the morning, before the crowds arrive.
Spend the day on a guarded beach

Spend the day on a guarded beach

Lifeguard-protected beaches run the length of the island. Bring the chairs and sand toys from the house.
Surf, paddleboard or kayak

Surf, paddleboard or kayak

Surf the ocean side, or paddleboard and kayak the calmer bay waters.
Explore Corson's Inlet State Park

Explore Corson's Inlet State Park

Dunes, bird-watching and quiet trails at the island's southern tip, a short ride from the South End.
Watch the sun set over the bay

Watch the sun set over the bay

Ocean City faces the bay to the west, so evenings on a rooftop or bayside deck end with a sunset.
Catch a sunrise over the ocean

Catch a sunrise over the ocean

The beaches face east, so early risers get the sun coming up over the Atlantic.
Shop Asbury Avenue

Shop Asbury Avenue

Downtown's main street has boutiques, galleries, bakeries and cafés a few blocks from the beach.
Breakfast at the classics

Breakfast at the classics

Uncle Bill's Pancake House is a local favorite, and Positively 4th Street Café is a North End stop for coffee and dessert.
Get ice cream after dinner

Get ice cream after dinner

Aunt Betty's Ice Cream near 34th Street is a guest favorite, and the Boardwalk has a stand every few blocks.
Let the kids run

Let the kids run

Many of our homes are a short walk from a playground or tennis and basketball courts, including the 52nd Street playground in the South End.
Walk the Historic District

Walk the Historic District

Classic shore architecture and tree-lined streets in the North End, where Ocean City's Boardwalk begins.
Returning guest?

Find your stay

Type a street or house number to find a home below.

Before you go

Which neighborhood is best for families?

Downtown suits families who want the Boardwalk close by. The North End and South End are calmer, with quiet streets and parks.

Is Ocean City a dry town?

Yes. Alcohol isn't sold in Ocean City, though you're welcome to bring your own to your rental.

Do I need beach tags?

Yes, in summer, and they're on us. HeavenlyRez provides complimentary seasonal beach tags at every home, enough for the home's maximum occupancy.

Can we get around without a car?

Yes. Most guests walk or bike for the week, especially in Downtown & Boardwalk, where shops and restaurants are close by. Bike and golf cart rentals are available in our Concierge Store.