Ocean City Beaches


Guide to Ocean City Beaches
 
Ocean City enjoys eight miles of oceanfront beaches that serve as the centerpiece of summers in "America's Greatest Family Resort" and a year-round destination for families, individuals, surfers, fishermen, walkers, runners and more. Here's what you need to know to take advantage of all Ocean City has to offer.
 
FOR YOUR SAFETY
The Ocean City Beach Patrol urges bathers to swim only at guarded beaches. The OCBP staffs lifeguards each year from Memorial Day Weekend to mid-September. To see updated lists of protected beaches and to learn about ocean safety, flag systems and more, visit www.ocnj.us/OCBP.
  
BEACH TAGS ARE REQUIRED
Beach tags are required for all beachgoers ages 12 and older and are in effect from early June through Labor Day. To learn more and to purchase your tags, visit store.ocnj.us.
 
IT'S THE LAW
  • Smoking or vaping is against the law on all beaches and beach entrances.
  • Dogs are not permitted on the beach at any time between May 1 and Sept. 30.
  • Drinking alcohol on the beach or in public is strictly prohibited.
  • Do not feed the gulls or any other wildlife.
  • Any type of fire or barbecue is prohibited at all times year-round.
  • Never walk on the dunes.
  • Ball playing "that is deemed unsafe to the public" is prohibited.
  • To hawk or peddle, sell or offer for sale any article, goods, wares, or merchandise on the public beaches is prohibited.
  • It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle (including an automobile, truck, motorcycle or any other vehicle of any nature driven by motor power) on the beaches of the city (without an off-season permit). 
TO MAKE EVERYBODY'S BEACH DAY MORE ENJOYABLE
  • Tents and canopies will not be permitted on the beaches between First Street and 10th Street. On other beaches, they will be limited in size to 8 feet wide by 6 feet deep by 6 feet tall, and they must be placed at the back of the beach within 10 feet of the seaward side of the dunes.
  • Please allow a right-of-way for people walking down the beach below the high-tide line.
  • Please check downwind before shaking sand from towels or using spray dispensers.
  • Please check downwind (and check wind speed) before you set up umbrellas and other equipment that can become sails and projectiles.
  • Please respect property that’s not your own. Don’t move other people’s stuff to make room for your own.
  • Remember not to leave trash behind.
  • Don’t leave food unattended and accessible to gulls.
ACCESSIBILITY
Ocean City works constantly to make streets, sidewalks, the beach, bay and boardwalk accessible to those with disabilities or limited mobility. Check www.ocnj.us/Handicapped-Accessibility for more information.