From your hosts
Ocean City NJ, from people who host here
Practical local guides written and kept current by the owners of Haven on 12th. Blocks, not miles; real prices; the stuff we tell our own guests.
Our neighborhood
12th Street Beach, Ocean City NJ: Our Guide
Why 12th Street Beach is one of Ocean City NJ's best family beaches: amenities, 2026 lifeguard hours, the 13th Street bathhouse, and where to eat nearby.
With kids
The Ocean City NJ Boardwalk with Kids
What's open on the OCNJ boardwalk in 2026: rides, pizza, taffy, arcades, bike hours, and rainy-day backups, from a family that lives it.
Our neighborhood
Our favorites in Ocean City NJ, the long list
Our long list of Ocean City NJ favorites: boardwalk pizza, custard, taffy, rides, morning doughnuts and sticky buns, downtown breakfast, the BYO stop.
Know before you go
Ocean City NJ Beach Tags: 2026 Prices & Rules
Ocean City NJ beach tags in 2026: $35 seasonal, $20 weekly, $10 daily. Who needs one, where to buy, free military tags, and when the beach is free.
Seasons
Quiet June in Ocean City NJ: the weeks nobody prices right
Early June in Ocean City NJ: warm days, empty sand, lifeguards on duty, and our lowest summer weeks. Who it suits and what to know.
Seasons
Fall Block Party weekend in Ocean City NJ
The Fall Block Party fills Asbury Avenue from 5th to 14th on a Saturday in October. Our house is two blocks from it. How to do the weekend.
Know before you go
Getting to Ocean City NJ (and Where to Park)
Drive times from Philly, NYC, and DC, the 9th Street bridge arrival, and the plain story on OCNJ parking: meters, lots, Parkmobile, and free options.
Seasons
OCNJ Half Marathon weekend from a house 6 blocks off the course
Race the OCNJ Half on Oct 4, 2026: 8:30am start at the Music Pier, flat boardwalk course. Stay 6 blocks away, sleep 10, and walk to the start.
Seasons
Airshow weekend in Ocean City NJ, from our deck's side of town
Ocean City NJ Airshow weekend, Sept 19 to 20, 2026: the parachute show Saturday night, the aerobatic show Sunday, and a two-night stay six blocks away.
Know before you go
Ocean City NJ Is a Dry Town: How BYO Works
Ocean City NJ sells no alcohol anywhere in town. Here is how BYO works: what's legal, the dinner club exception, and the Somers Point liquor run.
Seasons
Dog Days weekend in Ocean City NJ
Dog Days on the Boardwalk, Oct 24-25, 2026: dogs on the boards both days and the Howl-O-Ween parade. Stay at a dog-welcome house, pet fee waived.
Know before you go
Ocean City NJ with a dog: the rules, the seasons, and our house
Ocean City NJ dog rules: beaches dog-free May 1 to Sept 30, boardwalk year-round; leashed dogs on the sand October to April. One dog welcome at our house.
Seasons
Fall in Ocean City NJ: Events Worth a Weekend (2026)
Ocean City NJ's fall 2026 calendar: airshow weekend Sept 19-20, Fall Block Party Oct 10, Dog Days, First Night, and why locals love September.
Seasons
First Night Ocean City for families
First Night OCNJ, every Dec 31: about 70 family shows at 20 venues on one button, fireworks at midnight, First Plunge on Jan 1. How to do it from 6 blocks away.
Beyond the island
Easy Day Trips from Ocean City NJ
Six easy day trips from Ocean City NJ: Cape May in 40 minutes, a free zoo, Historic Smithville, Atlantic City, Somers Point, and two nature escapes.