Wanderlust World Wanderlust World If you're visiting Ocean City in the spring or summer months, you should certainly visit the beach that the New Jersey Star Ledger ranked as the "number-one beach in New Jersey" for 2009. Keep in mind, though, that a beach tag is required and costs 5 dollars for the day, 10 dollars for the week, 20 dollars for the season and 15 dollars for the pre-season (before June 1).
You can't forget about the Boardwalk, a 2.5 mile stretch with amusement parks, minigolf, arcades, a water park, movie theaters and the best shopping in town. During the summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day), you can bike the boards from 5 a.m. to noon, and every Thursday in July and August is Family Night, complete with live music.
One highlight of the boardwalk: The 146-foot Ferris wheel at Gillian's Wonderland Pier.
If you're into nature, Ocean City offers plenty of outdoor activities other than the beach and boardwalk. Don't miss the Night in Venice at Bayside Environmental Center, where the bay turns into a glittering display of lights. Take a beach tour at Corson's Inlet State Park, or check out the Cape May Coastal Wetlands Wildlife Management Area. You can try charter fishing, dolphin and whale watching and sunset cruises with Crystal Blue Sport Fishing, kayaking through some of Ocean City's wetlands and inlets with Ocean City Water Sports and the Wetlands Institute, or canoe down the 129-mile Great Egg Harbor River, home to several threatened and endangered species of plant and animal life.
Is there any better way to learn about a city's legends and folklore than with a candlelight walking Ghost Tour? The hour and 15 minute tour costs 14 dollars for adults and eight dollars for children under 12, so it's a relatively inexpensive way to spend an evening "down the shore" (as the locals say).
If you have time, take a trip to Margate to see Lucy the Elephant, a giant national historic landmark where children and adults--even wedding parties--flock to get their picture taken. It's less than a 30-minute ride north to Margate, so you can do it in the morning and be back for lunch.
Remember, Ocean City is a "dry town," which means that alcohol is not served or sold. If you're looking to hit the bars, you'll have to travel to another shore point.