The Boardwalk starts buzzing early in the morning. Spanning two and a half miles, it becomes an open-air wooden by-way for biking, walking, jogging and people watching (distance is conveniently marked every quarter mile). For safety and comfort during the summer months from May 15 to Labor Day, and on Saturday’s between Labor Day and Indian Summer Weekend, bike traffic is limited to between the hours of 5 a.m. and 12 noon. In the off-season, residents and visitors are free to enjoy riding on the boardwalk around the clock. The boardwalk is an incredible place to take in the ocean views and sea breezes. To help keep the air fresh and to limit fire hazards, smoking is only allowed in clearly marked designated areas.
The Boardwalk is alive with excitement well into the evening. From 6th to 14th Street you will find family amusement parks that boast traditional favorites and the latest thrill rides, go-karts, a water park, two movie theatres, and high-tech arcades with games for kids of all ages. Miniature golf theme parks become fantasy island adventures featuring water falls, man-eating sharks, pirate folklore and more.
Every Thursday on the Boardwalk in July and August is “Family Night,” with live entertainment and celebrations along every block. This free entertainment is the Boardwalk Merchants’ gift to their visitors who will each find something they love from the great variety of choices. Dance with classic, pop and oldies bands, get serenaded by a strolling barbershop quartet, have your face painted, enjoy free yo-yo demonstrations, try your hand at karaoke or figuring out the latest trick by the roving magicians or simply sit and enjoy the sounds of the strolling string band. Whatever your pleasure may be, the Boardwalk Merchants hope you enjoy your present.
For those who crave shopping, the Boardwalk offers the latest in brand name clothing, resort wear, jewelry, vacation essentials, novelty and specialty items – many unique to Ocean City. From homemade fudge and salt water taffy to antique collectibles or books for lazy afternoon reading, shopping can be a daily event or an end-of-season savings event just in time for holiday gift giving.
Year round special events spice up the Boardwalk experience. The Music Pier, an historic boardwalk auditorium, is the site of many concerts featuring a full range of musical styles for every generations’ pleasure. Parades are another fun boardwalk tradition including the Baby Parade where children from newborns to school age kids showcase their cuteness and creativity, the parade of Miss New Jersey contestants, high school marching bands, and a parade of vintage and classic cars. New automobiles are showcased at the Annual Auto Show. Other events not to be missed include the Spring and Fall Family Fun Fests and merchant table sales during Citywide Yard Sale weekends. Finally, there are many families who make it a point to always begin and end their years at the Ocean City Boardwalk. Ocean City’s First Night New Year’s Eve celebration and New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge will make your heart beat just a little bit faster
