If you're living and breathing, you most likely love the beach. The peaceful sound of the waves, the soothing sand, the hot sun improving your tan by the hour. And when you've been going to the Jersey shore every single summer since you've been born, you know how amazing these specific beaches can be. One in particular for which I am biased, Ocean City could quite possibly be the most relaxing place on the northern half of the east coast. You all love your Point Pleasant, Stone Harbor and Seaside Heights, but the real magic lies on exit 30 of the Garden State Parkway.
1. The Friendly Atmosphere
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Once you cross over the bridge from Somer's Point, you're instantly sucked into the bubble that is OC. It's a perfectly situated island with everyone's in a vacation mindset. The driving is relaxed (for New Jersey) and everyone around has a smile because, well, it's Ocean City.
2. Mack & Manco Pizza
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This is the old name for the delicious pizza place with two locations on the boardwalk. Now it's known as Manco & Manco. However, the slices are to die for and if you go there for anything, it might as well be for M & M.
3. Kohr Brother's Frozen Custard
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Another incredible guilty pleasure, this ice cream joint is on many boardwalks across the Jersey shore. To me though, there isn't anything like the experience with Kohr than in OC NJ.
4. Family Oriented
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College kids and drinkers alike will frown upon the fact that Ocean City is a dry island, but if you BYOB it really doesn't matter. Plus it has a fantastic vibe to grow up in and the most adorable children.
5. Shriver's Salt Water Taffy
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Don't knock it 'til you try it, this is THE best salt water taffy out there. And fudge. Either of which you can watch the staff make live behind glass.
6. The Historic Music Pier
Ocean City Official Municipal Website
Finished in 1929, this gorgeous building houses everything from stand up comedy to musicals year round. It's also a great view next to the ocean, while you eat your ice cream, of course.
7. Johnson's Popcorn
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The tastiest caramel popcorn you'll ever spoon handfuls of into your mouth. It comes by the bucket and they'll ship it to your relatives so you can make them jealous, too.
8. Wonderland Pier & Castaway Cove
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Two of the best places to go on rides within walking distance of each other. From the giant Ferris wheel to the Double Shot, it's the best mix of classic boardwalk rides and Ocean City.
9. The Connection
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Most people that go to this beach have been for their entire lives, even generations. So it's not a surprise that there's a deep connection between Ocean City and its residents. It's the type of place that you feel brought you closer with your dysfunctional family while also providing you with a vacation spot for your future family.
