Ocean City, N.J., is home to beautiful beaches, a world-famous boardwalk, locally owned restaurants and exceptional shopping. Host to more than a million visitors during the peak summer season alone, this beautiful and quaint island has been attracting flocks of people for years. Known as a family-friendly resort locale, Ocean City is also the perfect place for a classy romantic getaway.
A recent survey by the U.S. Travel Association revealed couples who travel together enjoy stronger and healthier relationships. In fact, 63 percent of respondents noted a vacation or weekend getaway was the most important way to spark romance. A romantic weekend in Ocean City, N.J., is just the thing to help couples recharge and grow closer.
Boasting a natural backdrop of soothing sounds, stunning sunrises and sunsets, sparkling water and pristine white sand, Ocean City is the ideal spot for a romantic beach vacation, no matter the season. With its wide variety of cozy lodging accommodations, award-winning restaurants and plenty of fun activities, there’s an abundance of romantic getaway ideas in Ocean City, N.J. Here are some helpful tips to plan a stress-free trip you’ll remember forever.
From romantic bed and breakfasts to rustic and cozy campgrounds, Ocean City has lodging accommodations for all couples. With many places to stay located along the boardwalk, beaches or a short distance from the ocean, you’re never too far from the heart of the island. Inexpensive island trolley service is also available to bring you anywhere you want to go. Whether you’re on a tight budget or opting for all-out luxury, there’s a place for everyone in Ocean City, including:
Wherever you plan to stay, take advantage of the romantic aspect of your getaway. While most guest spaces in Ocean City offer TVs and Wi-Fi, take the opportunity to unplug and truly enjoy each other’s company. Drinking in the beautiful scenery, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee out on the balcony and spending quality time together helps couples reconnect and get the most out of their time away.
Eating out is an essential part of any vacation. Whether you’re craving fresh, locally caught seafood or authentic saltwater taffy, Ocean City eateries are here to satisfy whatever hunger you both may have. Many restaurants on the island are locally or family-owned and enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. From delicious breakfasts and lunches to romantic dinners and scrumptious sweet treats, take advantage of the variety of cuisine options Ocean City has to offer.
Whether enjoying a candlelit dinner in one of Ocean City’s excellent restaurants, or packing a picnic basket for a romantic moonlit dinner on the beach, part of the fun of a romantic getaway is seizing the opportunity to do things a little differently than you usually would. This includes eating foods you wouldn’t ordinarily eat and straying from your diet. Be spontaneous and eat cake, pie or ice cream for dinner. After all, you are on vacation!
Downtown Ocean City features more than 100 unique cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops. Asbury Avenue is the heart of Ocean City and is home to many locally owned businesses. Here, you can find everything from souvenir shops and boutiques to art galleries and grocery stores. Shop and dine with your special someone while you enjoy some quality time together.
Things to do in downtown Ocean City:
There truly is something for everyone in downtown Ocean City. Asbury Avenue provides couples with the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy their time together. Whether the two of you prefer to shop, eat, sightsee or people-watch, you can find plenty of things to do in this busy downtown shopping district. Don’t forget to purchase a special souvenir or memento of your Ocean City vacation.
No trip to the shore would be complete without visiting the beach and boardwalk. Ocean City boasts a world-famous two-and-a-half-mile boardwalk and an eight-mile stretch of pristine white sand beaches and beautiful surf. The bay side of the island features calm waters ideal for fishing and other water activities. These three distinct areas of Ocean City offer plenty of activities that are perfect for couples on a romantic getaway.
With its clean white-sand beaches, staffed with lifeguards during the summer season, the beaches of Ocean City are perfect for lounging under an umbrella, soaking up the sun and jumping in the waves. The sugary white sand is ideal for burying your toes or building sand castles together.
Activities such as surfing, jet skiing and parasailing are available for adventurous couples, while whale- and dolphin-watching tours are a more low-key and relaxing option. Even in the colder seasons, the beach is a perfect setting for a romantic picnic lunch or dinner. Enjoy a peaceful meal while sipping sparkling cider or hot chocolate and cuddling under a blanket.
Ocean City’s world-famous boardwalk features two and a half miles of dining, shopping, arcades and thrill rides. Fill up on cotton candy, funnel cakes or curly fries, do some shopping at one of the many boutiques and shops along the boardwalk or visit one of two amusement parks, complete with roller coasters and a grand carousel.
The beach and boardwalk play host to live entertainment and special events throughout the year. Concerts, musical shows, parades and pageants are just some of the many activities scheduled throughout the calendar year. Fun contests and hobby and memorabilia shows are also popular attractions for locals and visitors.
The boardwalk is also the site of a variety of distance races and walks for couples who wish to stay fit and active. Morning runs or bike rides offer a quiet opportunity to enjoy the boards before they get too crowded. If your romantic getaway includes just resting and relaxing, you can still enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the boardwalk by taking a peaceful stroll or sitting on a seaside bench and watching the crowds go by.
On the other side of the island lies Great Egg Harbor Bay, a tranquil area featuring calm waters and abundant local wildlife. Here, you can observe the many beautiful species of birds and other wildlife that inhabit the area. The Back Bay area is perfect for quiet activities such as kayaking, fishing and boating. Ocean City’s annual boat parade is one of the largest in the world.
Finally, what’s more romantic than getting married or renewing your vows? Ocean City is the perfect place for a romantic wedding or vow renewal ceremony. Whether you decide to wed right on the beach, bay or boardwalk or in one of Ocean City’s elegant inns or hotels, many professionals on the island are there to help you plan your special day.
When you’re looking for an easy romantic getaway, look no further than Ocean City, N.J. Planning your trip is easy and stress-free with the Ocean City vacation app. Designed for both Android or iPhone platforms, this helpful app offers vacation planning at your fingertips.
Through the Ocean City app, you can:
The app helps you plan better and pack smarter. You can look ahead to see what the weather and temperature will be like during your stay, and even see the special events and activities that are available. By having a basic idea of the weather, places you’d like to see and activities you want to do, you’ll know what important items to pack and which ones to leave behind.
The helpful Trip Planner Suitcase allows you to gather romantic weekend ideas and bookmark must-see places. The Trip Planner Suitcase not only bookmarks business listings and websites, but also features a Notes section where you can add personal comments for your reference. This valuable feature keeps all your trip planning details organized in one spot for easy access and planning.
Get the Ocean City vacation app today to start planning your next romantic getaway.
