Over the past few weeks, Coastal Living was accepting votes for their "Best Beach In America" contest. Last week it was concluded from the contest that Ocean City, New Jersey was the best beach in all of America. This means this east coast shore beat out even the west coast beaches, including previous winner Huntington Beach. Ocean City now can say it has turned from “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” to "The Best Beach in America." Here are some of the greatest qualities that this vacation spot has giving it so many titles:
1. The Food
Everything from Kohr Bros to Macs (Manco and Mancos)—you can always find something good to eat. My personal favorite is the Hula Grill where you can order a plate that includes rice, meat, and salad covered in delicious Hula Sauce that will make you want to come back every day. You also can't miss out on the vast amount of fried food places where you get to choose from fried Oreos, funnel cake or french fries; they even have the Philadelphia favorite Chickie's and Pete's for some classic crab fries. If you love ice cream, you can make a stop at any of the great places like Kessel's Korner, Kohr Bros or Preps for their waffle and ice cream sandwich. You can't forget about the most important mean of the day ~breakfast~ where you can head to Uncle Bills, Browns or Dots Pastry shop!
2. The Events
Ocean City is known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” probably because of all its parades and events that the town puts on. Everything form the obvious July 4th celebration to their Ocean City Triathlon. There is something for every person in the family of all ages. There is the flower show, surf contests and the farmers market every Wednesday. Plan on getting a nice tan this summer and having lots of freckles—don't worry, there is even a Freckle Contest! The greatest event of all, however, is the Night in Venice, which is probably the most unique to Ocean City as well as the largest. All the boats and docks decorate in themes, and it's one giant party all day into the night filled with cookouts, water games and family fun.
3. Shopping
Between the boardwalk and Asbury street there are plenty of stores to get caught up in. Stop into B&B for almost anything from Billabong to Vineyard Vines. There is also Hoy's, where you can find trinkets and funny hats to find some entertainment, especially on a rainy day. The best stores are obviously the surf shops. Whether you're a Heritage Surf Shop fan or a 7th Street Shop fan, they both have great apparel and bathing suits.
4. The Amusement
Now to be the "Best Beach in America" and "America's Greatest Family Resort," there has to be more fun factors than just the long list of events this town has. There are the games at Wonderland and Casteway Cove to jump on any ride. The overwhelming favorites are the Double Shot, the Ferris Wheel and the Pirate Ship. If amusement rides aren't for you, then tryout the water park. With a great view of the ocean, many different slides and the lazy river, you can spend all day there. There is also the Surf Mall, which is more of an amusement than a mall, with many different trinket shops as well as games and the oxygen bar. Finally, you have a wide variety of mini golf places to choose from in town and on the boardwalk.
5. The Most Obvious: The Beach
Ocean City wouldn't be able to be classified as "The Best Beach in America" if it wasn't for its beautiful beaches. There are dog beaches, the crowded boardwalk beaches and the surf beaches. If you get sick of all of those, go into the bay for some paddle boarding or wave running. No matter your mood, the Ocean City beaches will make you as happy as a clam. From sunrise to sunset, there is always a great view where you can see what seems like the whole coast. You have families, friends and neighbors all in one spot on these beaches, and that's why it's the best in America.
