OCBP Beach Guide

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 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. They are also not permitted on the beach between the Ocean City-Longport Bridge and the terminal groin (rock jetty near Seaview Road) at any time from March 15 to 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 for fishing).

TO MAKE EVERYBODY'S BEACH DAY MORE ENJOYABLE

• Tents and canopies will be limited in size to 10 feet by 10 feet and cannot block public or emergency vehicle access. As a matter of courtesy on crowded beaches, please set up on the soft sand closer to 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.

Ocean City works constantly to make streets, sidewalks, the beach, bay and boardwalk accessible to those with disabilities or limited mobility. Check ocnj.us/handicapped-accessibility for more information.