Many people think that in New Jersey, there’s only one great place to go on vacation – the Jersey Shore. However, in the southeastern section of New Jersey on a barrier island is the family-friendly town of Ocean City. Nearby, there are other beach communities with varied vibes and attractions to consider for your trip. Here’s a quick look at the top 10 Ocean City vacations rental locations.
1. Ocean City
Choose a condo on the beach or a more modest single-family home a couple of blocks away from the beach and boardwalk for a family-orientated vacation. Ocean City prides itself as family-friendly, and it’s a dry city so you can’t purchase beer, wine, or spirits in town. Rent a bike for two and go for an early morning ride on the boardwalk or come back in the evening when it bustles with activity. You and your kids can ride the rides and grab a slice at Manco and Manco’s Pizza or some Italian water ice.
2. Strathmere
Avoid the crowds of one of the larger beach towns when you stay in the laid back community of Strathmere. Spend your day’s biking, walking on the beach, and looking for seashells. Take the family for a meal at Twisties Tavern on the Bay, and select a table on the patio to enjoy stunning views as the sun sets over the water. At Whale Creek Marina, you can rent a boat for the day and teach your kids how to fish.
3. Sea Isle City
Located on a barrier to the south of Ocean City is the coastal community of Sea Isle City. Choose one of the condos on the beach or a more modestly priced vacation rental a couple of blocks away from the boardwalk. Unlike the boardwalk in Ocean City, the boardwalk that runs along the beach features a paved instead of a wooden path, making it easier to ride your bike on in the early morning. Visit the Ludlam’s Beach Lighthouse or take the kids for a round of mini golf at Pirate Island Miniature Golf.
4. Avalon
Enjoy the luxury of a vacation rental in the upscale beach community of Avalon. Days pass in a peaceful haze of reading book on the beach and spending time with your family here. To learn more about the area, take the family to the Avalon History Center and then stop by the Greyhound Poker Palace to let the kids play old-fashioned arcade games.
5. Stone Harbor
Visit another upscale beach community with a vacation rental in Stone Harbor just south and on the same barrier island as Avalon. Ride your bike around town or enjoy a stroll in the evening along the tree-lined streets. At the Cape May Wetlands Wildlife, spend a day hiking and fishing in this unique ecosystem. Carry binoculars to get a good look at the unique habitats and take plenty of pictures to share on social media.
6. Wildwood
Wildwood offers similar attractions as to those found in Ocean City with the bustling boardwalk with rides, games, shopping, and places to grab a bite to eat but it allows the sales of alcoholic beverages. Spend the days on the beach surfing, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and flying a kite. Enjoy some fresh water and squeals of delight at the Splash Zone Water Park with its thrilling water slides. On the north side of town, visit the Hereford Inlet Light, a historic lighthouse.
7. Wildwood Crest
Just a couple of blocks south of Wildwood is the smaller more residential area known as Wildwood Crest. Escape the crowds passing by your vacation rental at all hours when you select a family home in this neighborhood. Let the kids play in the yard or take them to the beach for an afternoon of swimming and burying you in the sand.
8. Diamond Beach
On the same barrier island as Wildwood and Wildwood Crest is the relaxed coastal community of Diamond Beach. Avoid all the hustle and bustle of Wildwood while still being located close enough to drive up to the boardwalk for a night of fun and entertainment. While away the days biking around this community, swimming, fishing, and soaking up the sun. Take the family to Harbor Light Golf for 18-holes of mini golf and some ice cream to cool off in the summertime.
9. Cape May
As home to one of the Coast Guard’s training facilities, Cape May has all the conveniences that you need while you’re away from home. Take the kids to the Cape May County Park & Zoo to see the animals or stop by the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum to learn more about aircraft and learn more with the interactive exhibits. Take a stroll around the downtown area and check out the local boutiques, gift shops, and eateries.
10. Cape May Point
Enjoy some peace and quiet with a vacation rental in the residential neighborhood of Cape May. On the other side of town from the Coast Guard base, there’s less foot traffic here. Make sure to take the kids out to Sunset Beach. The first thing that you notice when you arrive is the shipwreck jutting out of the water off the shore. It’s the SS Atlantus, a concrete ship, that served the United States during World War I. Arrive at low tide to see as much of the ship as possible.