When the name Ocean City is mentioned, many people immediately think of the popular vacation spot in Maryland. What many do not know is that in New Jersey there is another Ocean City, one that flies a bit under the radar. It is located just a few miles south of Atlantic City and about an hour north of Morey’s Piers.
Here is why you should make it a destination for 2016:
#1: It’s “America’s Greatest Family Resort”
With over eight miles of beaches and only a 12,000 person population, Ocean City is one of the more spacious vacation areas along the eastern shore. Families can choose to enjoy a more secluded beach setting while still being close to entertainment and restaurants or stay a bit closer for easy access to the city’s trademark attraction, the boardwalk.
Ocean City’s boardwalk runs along the ocean for over a mile and includes two amusement parks, a water park, two movie theaters and numerous shops and restaurants. The two parks are Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and Playland’s Castaway Cove. You could easily spend a day or more just on the boardwalk itself.
#2: The New GaleForce Roller Coaster
Coming to Playland’s Castaway Cove in 2016 is the first launched El Loco style coaster from S&S. GaleForce will be 125 feet tall and 64 mph, making it Ocean City’s tallest and fastest coaster. It will have not one, not two, but three launches! This is going to be a coaster to look forward to in 2016. Read more about GaleForce here.
#3: Proximity to Other Parks
Ocean City is in a prime location for coaster enthusiasts. As mentioned before it is less than an hour from Morey’s Piers and just over an hour from Six Flags Great Adventure. Other parks in the vicinity include Dorney Park (2 hours), Knoebels (3 1/2 hours) and Six Flags America (3 hours). If you are planning a trip to this part of the country, there are plenty of parks to choose from!
Along with the announcement of GaleForce, Playland’s Castaway Cove also mentioned to be on the lookout for another coaster announcement in the near future. These two new coasters will replace the park’s two older coasters. Due to the park’s limited space, the only way to build new was to demolish old. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to ride these two coasters during my last visit and now I’m really wishing I had!
2016 is shaping up to be a great year for Ocean City and its already great boardwalk. If you’ve never been there, you should plan a trip there soon! You surely won’t be disappointed with unlimited entertainment options and the outstanding boardwalk food.
Tips:
- Visit in early June or late August to beat the summer crowds.
- Three Brother’s Pizza is the best on the boardwalk
- Visit Jilly’s Arcade for 10 cent skee-ball
- Get up early (or you will miss it) and visit Ward’s Pastries for amazing fresh donuts
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