Travel
Travel Note
Notes for Driving In
Access to Ocean City, NJ can be found from Garden State Pkwy exits 30 (9th St Bridge) and 25 (34th St Bridge) with tolls being required to enter the area. Make sure to have cash or EZPass. Tolls are required for travel on the Atlantic City Expressway (Route 42 and run east-west) and the Garden State Parkway (which runs north-south). Expect substantial traffic delays on the bridges and expressways if traveling in on Friday or Saturday. Some delays can be expected on Sunday, but plan for an extra hour or two of travel time.
Travel Note
Ocean City, NJ Air Travel
If attending the Ocean City, NJ celebration, Philadelphia airport (PHL) is the closest major airport. There are limited flights into Atlantic City, NJ airport (ACY) which is the closest airport. The broadest range of flights would be Liberty Newark airport (EWR) but it's a solid 2 hour drive south to Ocean City.
Travel Note
Lodging Recommendations
Accommodations will be made only for the wedding party. Please plan accordingly. There are a number of hotels, inns, B&Bs, and residential rentals in Ocean City. Memorial Day Weekend is packed so be sure to book early. Parking is very tight that weekend so best to find a place that offers off street parking. More affordable accommodations can be found off island in Somers Point, just on the other side of the bridge.
Travel Note
Ocean City NJ is a Dry Island
Any alcohol must be purchased before coming on island. Restaurants do not serve alcohol on island. If you want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage in a restaurant or bar, consider going off island to Somers Point which offers a number of options (just over the bridge).
Travel Note
Ocean City Parking
Ocean City is a resort island and Memorial Day is the official start to the summer season. Parking is very tight so consider carpooling with others. Parking lots and street parking are often at cost--metered street parking. We have limited onsite parking so let us know if there is a handicapped person that needs to be accommodated.
Travel Note
Ocean City Jitney
Ocean City subsidizes a program to provide jitney transportation to the boardwalk zone. For a small fare, the service provides convenient transportation to the Ocean City Boardwalk 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily during the summer. SCHEDULE The Boardwalk service will launch 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the holiday weekend of Friday, May 23, 2025 to Monday, May 26. ROUTES Jitneys run in a continuous loop from 55th Street to North Street. FARES Jitney fare is $3 one-way payable by cash. Drivers can provide change. Children ages 5 and under ride free. JITNEY STOPS If you're heading north, wait on the north side of any intersection to flag down your jitney. If you're heading south, wait on the south side of any intersection. TRACK YOUR RIDE Download the "Jitney Surfer" app to track the location of approaching jitneys in real time. Future generations of the app will allow for the online purchase of tickets (but that service is currently available only to riders in Atlantic City ... please do not use that function for Ocean City ridership). An easier way to access "Jitney Surfer" and to provide comprehensive information for everything you need to know about enjoying Ocean City is through the Ocean City Vacation (OCNJ) app. Download Jitney Surfer on Apple. Download Jitney Surfer on Google.
Travel Note
On Island Groceries and Drug Stores
There are two Acme supermarkets on island. One at West and 8th Street and another at Bay and 34 Street. There's also a specialty food market Boyers at 1340 Asbury. Parking will be a challenge for all them. The are five pharmacies on island: a CVS at 16th & Haven and one at 34th & Bay. There's also a Walgreens at 1332 West. Also, the Acme grocery stores on island also have pharmacy services.
Travel Note
Beaching it for Memorial Day weekend
If you decide to hang out on the beach, there are beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent. No need to purchase a beach tag for the Memorial Day weekend. They aren't required until June 7, 2025. Be sure to bring a beach towel and sun screen. It can be cool on the beach this time of year and a cool wind (even cooler under a beach umbrella out of the sun!. Be sure to dress accordingly.
Travel Note
Pack Your Patience
It's the unofficial start to the summer season and Ocean City is packed. You will experience delays on the highways and getting around Ocean City. Also be prepared for long backups to get onto island once you get off the Garden State Parkway. If you are coming over the 9th Street bridge, our house is on the north side of island so take a left right away onto Bay Ave as soon as you come over the bridge. Rely on your GPS for best route (recommend using Waze).