Ocean City is an island in southeastern New Jersey bordered by Peck Bay, Great Egg Harbor Bay, Crook Horn Creek and the Atlantic Ocean. The island acts as a safe harbor to boats due to its lengthy protected western edge. The tourist town is packed with amusements and attractions, some famous and some much less well known.
Gillian's Wonderland Pier overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers guests a variety of rides and games. The park is open seasonally, so check the hours if you are planning a trip. It has classic amusement park rides, some that are unique to the park. Some rides have height requirements, but the park also has many rides for small children. Gillian's also offers a miniature golf course in the park.
Gillian's Wonderland Pier
Sixth Street and Boardwalk
Ocean City, NJ 08226
609-399-7082
gillians.com
The two-and-a-half-mile open-air wooden Boardwalk lines the beach on the Atlantic side of the island. The Boardwalk is a great place to bike, jog, walk or just take it easy; it also has dozens of shops, arcades and restaurants as well as two movie theaters. The Boardwalk offers a spot to take in stunning ocean views, grab a bite, shop or get some exercise.
Boardwalk
Ocean City, NJ 08226
You can get a spectacular view of the beach and other Ocean City hot spots from underneath the "smiley parachutes" of the experienced Ocean City Parasail company, which boasts a 100 percent safety record. Exhilarating dips are optional and free. You have the option of single, tandem or triple flights, with no age limits or experience requirements.
Ocean City Parasail
Third Street and The Bay
Ocean City, NJ 08226
609-399-3559
oceancityparasail.com
The North Star Fishing and Cruises is more than just a charter fishing excursion. It offers fishing trips available in half-day, full-day and night voyages, but other exciting trips are also available. The company offers whale- and dolphin-watching trips in the back bay. Its "Touch and Learn" cruise allows you to experience first hand some of the ocean's interesting creatures after they are pulled from a net. The company's boats can also be rented for private parties.
North Star Fishing and Cruises
300 Bay Avenue
Ocean City, NJ 08226
609-391-8300
newjerseypartyboat.com
Take a ride on the Sea Dragon, Pirate Voyages' replica pirate ship that takes stowaways on an hour-long tour of the back bay. The costumed crew offers families an appropriate swashbuckling adventure full of stories, jokes and sea chanteys. During the tour, you must try to decode the map to find a secret underwater treasure. The ship is also outfitted with water cannons for kid's enjoyment.
Pirate Voyages
Tenth and Palen Avenue
Ocean City, NJ 08226
609-398-7555
piratevoyages.com
