A history museum depicting early Ocean City's history with period room displays and vintage clothing, a large display of Old Ocean City photographs and postcards, dolls and toys. Displays of items from the city's past delight the visitors. The Sindia room features a scale model of Ocean City's most famous shipwreck and a lighted 8'X8' stained glass window showing the Sindia under sail. Many photographs, the original figurehead, china, and other artifacts from the ship tell of her journeys. The museum's gift shop has many interesting items for all ages.
Hours: Summer - Mon - Fri 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat.1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Winter: Mon. ? Sat 1p.m. to 4 p.m.
Donations appreciated. Thursday evening special programs during July and August - 7 pm.
The Ocean City Arts Center, a non-profit organization hosts a variety of fine arts classes, including painting, drawing, pottery, sculpture, classic ballet and tap, jazz and private music classes in piano, violin, flute and guitar. In addition to these classes, specialized two-day workshops are offered every session. Children's classes are a special interest of the Arts Center and are offered throughout the year.
The Gallery at the Arts Center offers a variety of exhibitions every month, displaying the work of individual artist and groups from the New Jersey as well as out-of-state areas. Annual events include the Boardwalk Art Show (August), Fine Craft Show (August), Juried Regional Art Show (november), Juried Photography Show (April) as well as art related bus trips to Philadelphia, New York and Washington. Concerts, afternoon musicals, lectures and workshops are planned throughout the years. Members are invited to all "meet the artist receptions", receive new/schedules of classes four times a year, receive discount class fees and free admission to lectures and musicals. The public is always encouraged to enjoy all programs and events.
Ocean City Beachwalk Do you know what kind of shells you are picking up on the beach? For some help, take a guided nature walk on a dune path to the beach in Corsons Inlet State Park. The volunteers for the Beachwalk program will help you to see the beach in new and different ways as they pass on their knowledge of sand and water, birds and sealife. Each guide has a specialty, and many people take the walk over an over, just to hear what different guides have to say. More than 20,000 people have done the walk!
Beachwalks are given in July and August on Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The walks start at the south end on Central Avenue, where Corson's Inlet State Park begins. The cost is $1.00 for adults and $.50 for children. The tours last for about an hour. Reservations are not necessary and the walks happen unless there is lightning.
Ocean Drive (County Rt. 619) The 40-mile stretch of coastline from Absecon Island (Atlantic City) down Cape May Point is an example of nature at its best. A drive along this scenic highway can provide a full day of entertainment if you choose to go slowly and really appreciate the remarkable work that nature has preformed. Countless islands and a family of bridges operated and maintained by the Cape May Bridge Commission provides the link for you to enjoy this change of pace entertainment experience. Bridge tolls are a modest 50 cents per car and tickets may be purchased at any toll booth, which are good for all bridges. This is truly a drive worth taking!
For information contact Cape May County Bridge Commission, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Lucy the Margate Elephant National Historic Landmark 9200 Atlantic Avenue Margate (609) 823-6473 - Gift Shop "The only elephant in the world you can walk through and come out alive." Guided tour and exhibit inside this famed elephant-shaped six- story building. Built in 1881, fun for young and old.
Hours: Weekends mid-March thru mid-June 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily mid-June thru Labor Day 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends Labor day thru December 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Absecon Lighthouse Pacific & Vermont Avenues Atlantic City (609)348-7044 The Absecon Lighthouse, dedicated in 1856, is now the center of a small public park. It once sat at the waters edge to warn sailors away from the dreaded Brigantine Shoals. Jetties built to divert the flow of water in Absecon Inlet created all the land you see today between the lighthouse and the water.
Cape May Lighthouse Lighthouse Avenue, At Cape May Point State Park (609)884-5404 Come see the Lighthouse repainted in its original colors and with a totally reconstructed lantern. This 1859 structure is located on Lighthouse Avenue in Cape May Point State Park. Climb the 199 tower stairs to the watchroom gallery, just below the lantern itself, for a panoramic view of the Jersey Cape and Atlantic Ocean.
Hours: (April through October) Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Tower (adults) - $3.50 Children 3 to 12 - $1.00 (One child per party tours free) Ground floor and souvenir shop free.
Historic Cold Spring Village 720 Route 9 Cape May (609)898-2300 Stroll the shaded lanes of Historic Cold Spring Village's twenty-two acres as you step back in time to a South Jersey rural community of the mid-nineteenth century. Visit with crafters, tradesmen, housewives and farmers of 150 years ago. Historic Cold Spring Village is a public non-profit corporation administered by the HCSV Foundation Board of Trustees. The Friends of Historic Cold Spring Village sponsor educational programs and projects that support the mission statement of the Village. Membership may be obtained through the Village office.
For further information on special weekend events call (609)898-2300.
Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor and Estellville Glassworks 109 State Highway 50 Mays Landing (609)625-1897 Atlantic County's largest park has live animals, playgrounds, picnic area, fishing, bike trails, exercise par-course, hiking. In the winter they feature cross country skiing. Also located there are the ruins of Estellville Glassworks and the Bethlehem Loading Co.
Park hours: Open to the public 7:30 a.m. to dusk daily. Nature center hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends & Holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cape May County Park/ Zoo Route 9, 2 miles north of Cape May Court House/ Exit 11 Garden State Parkway (609)465-5271 Enjoy some relaxing moments at Cape May Count's Park System. Enjoy the scenic beauty, stroll the paths that wind through the wonders of nature, reserve a shelter and have a family or company picnic, marvel at the zoo animals or simply bring the kids for a little exercise on our gym equipment.
Zoo hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park hours: 9 a.m. to Dusk
Admission: Free Call ahead for group tours.
Birch Grove Park and Wildlife Zoo Burton Avenue Northfield (609)641-3778 Campground with full hook-up. 275 acres with 21 lakes for fishing, playground, mini-zoo, walking paths, picnic areas and miniature golf course.
Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Winter hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free (Weekends $1.00 parking)
Somers Mansion Historic Site 1000 Shore Road Somers Point (609)927-2212 The oldest residence in Atlantic County. Artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free Parking in rear of building.
John F. Kennedy Park Somers Point (609) 927-7161 ext. 256 Located off the Somers Point Circle. A fine picnic spot and bayfront beach area. Boat launching available. Great place for windsurfers.
OCEAN CITY BEACHES
The City of Ocean City wants everyone to have fun at the beach and wants everyone to be safe! The ocean is a great place to play in the waves or to cool off on a hot summer day, but it can be dangerous in certain conditions or for those who may not be used to the waves and currents. To keep everyone safe, lifeguards from the Ocean City Beach Patrol guard a number of beaches along the coast. Certain beaches are designated for surfing only as the surfboards can be dangerous to swimmers.
The Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) guards a total of 42 beaches in the summer season. Beaches are guarded from the Saturday before Memorial Day through the week after Labor Day. However, to extend the season somewhat, the OCBP guards 5 beaches, conditions permitting, throughout September. For the last three weeks in September the 5 guarded beaches are St. Charles Place, 9th Street, 12th Street, 34th Street and 58th Street.
All of the beaches listed here are guarded by the last week in June. Prior to this, and at the end of the season, there are a limited number of guarded beaches (see below). The beaches that are guarded when the full summer staff is in effect are:
Seaspray Rd.
10th St.
30th St
Surf Rd
11th St.
32nd St.
Waverly Blvd (Surfing Beach)
12th St.
34th St.
Atlantic Blvd.
13th St.
36th St.
North St.
14th St.
39th St.
Stenton Pl.
15th St.
42nd St.
St. Charles Pl.
16th St. (Surfing Beach)
44th St.
Pennlyn Pl.
17th St.
46th St.
Park Pl.
18th St.
48th St.
Brighton Pl.
20th St.
50th St.
5th St.
22nd St.
53rd St.
7th St. (Surfing Beach)
24th St.
55th St.
8th St.
26th St.
57th St.
9th St.
28th St.
60th St.
The Beaches that will be guarded the Saturday before Memorial Day through the third week in June are:
St Charles Pl
9th St
14th St.
44th St.
Brighton Pl.
11th St.
26th St
57th St.
8th St.
12th St.
34th St.
The same assigned beaches will be guarded the week after Labor Day, manpower permitting.
The OCBP divides the Ocean City beach into zones from north to south and each zone has a first aid station at the zone headquarters. These first aid stations are located at 1st Street, 12th Street, 34th Street and 59th Street.
In order to pay for these and other services to keep the Ocean City beach a safe, clean, and fun place to visit and relax, the Ocean City beach requires beachgoers to have beach tags. Beach tags can be purchased for the season, the week, or the day.
Seasonal tags are available for purchase in the pre-season, before Memorial Day, at a discounted rate. Pre-season purchases can be made on-line by or they can be purchased at City Hall (9th Street and Asbury Avenue), the 46th Street Post Office (on West Avenue), the Visitor´s Center on the Route 52 Causeway or the Information Center at the Music Pier (on the Boardwalk at Moorlyn Terrace). Please note some of these locations have limited hours during the pre-season. City Hall, however, is open Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. through 4:30 p.m..
During the summer season, Seasonal, Weekly, and Daily passes can be purchased at the four locations above and from City employees who work on the beach to ensure that beachgoers have their tags.
For an update on guarded beaches dial (609) 814-WAVE (9283).
Zone Headquarters: 1st Street Phone 525-9200 Fax 525-0408 12th Street Phone 525-9203 Fax 391-7809 34th Street Phone 525-9204 Fax 391-1826 57th Street Phone 525-9207 Fax 525-9219
Wireless Wi-Fi in Ocean City, NJ
A plan to provide wireless Internet access utilizing Wi-Fi throughout Ocean City must be re-evaluated in light of new legislation signed by Governor Corzine a few weeks ago.
The legislation requires that municipal wireless systems be approved by the New Jersey Local Finance Board and meet other State requirements.
Jim Rutala, City Administrator noted, "While Ocean City will continue to work to bring municipal scale Wi-Fi to Ocean City, the State's new requirements will most likely delay any implementation until 2009."
Earlier in the year, the City completed a Business Plan and a Solicitation for Proposals to pursue a wireless system. The solicitation resulted in the receipt of six proposals from various national providers of wireless services. The Ocean City Library sponsored this project.
The City's conceptual plan is to install city-wide wireless at no cost and with no liability to Ocean City. This would allow for greater municipal productivity, enhanced public safety, improved communications, digital inclusion for all citizens of Ocean City and create an incentive for tourists to visit the City.
The City has discussed the ramifications of the legislation with the Governor's Office of Economic Growth and will re-evaluate the proposals received and examine whether guidelines in recent legislation will require the City to solicit new proposals.
Municipal Wireless Project Background:
Island life is about not being tied down, especially in a resort community like Ocean City. So, to truly set us free, the City of Ocean City is exploring the possibility of going wireless.
Having a municipal wireless network with coverage for the entire island would benefit everyone: residents, businesses, visitors, City employees, and the schools. The network would be a service provided by the City, not a communication company. It makes sense for a municipality to provide a universal internet connection because it is a utility type service like water, trash and recycling collection, road maintenance, and emergency services, with the same service for everyone.
Municipal wireless bridges the digital divide, enhances communication and education opportunities, enables people to manage finances and make purchases online, and even opens up home health care to the possibility of distance monitoring. In addition to all of the great services that going wireless provides, it actually makes economic sense for the City of Ocean City.
A wireless network will enable Ocean City to expand economic development and control the cost of local services. Wireless allows the City to save on cell phone usage, T-1 lines, and it adds efficiency. By maximizing connectivity, there are a variety of ways to enhance education, library services, and emergency management services.
A Business Plan should be completed in April 2007 and a solicitation for vendors is expected to be released during the summer of 2007. The feasibility study is being sponsored by the Ocean City Library. This schedule puts Ocean City on track to have wireless coverage by early 2008.
Wireless will differentiate Ocean City from other resorts. Hotels and motels will be able to market this service. Likewise, the City parks, beaches and boardwalk will offer wireless services. Wireless is one of many steps that Ocean City is taking to enhance the economic viability of this resort community.
Recreation Facility Locations (Permits and fees may be required for facility use)
Sports & Civic Center 6th & Boardwalk-525-9304 A 12,000 square foot gymnasium with multi-purpose sports flooring including three basketball or volleyball courts, in-door soccer, roller skating, field hockey and other activities.
Aquatic & Fitness Center 18th & Simpson Ave. - 398-6900
Carey Stadium (Football Field & Track) 6th & Atlantic Ave.
Bayside Center 520 Bay Ave. ? 525-9244
Basketball Courts North St. 6th , 8th , 15th , 18th , 34th & 52nd Streets
Soccer Complex Tennessee Ave. & Palmer Park (15th St. and Haven Ave.)
Baseball/Softball Fields 5th/6th Street and Bay Ave. Complex & 35th & Haven Ave.
Public Boat Ramp Tennessee Avenue - 525-9289 Three public boat ramps and associated docks providing access to the intercoastal waterway (Fee required seasonally.)
The Ocean City Music Pier dates back to 1928 when construction began to create a new concert hall for the community that had just lost a large portion of the boardwalk to a fire in 1927. The Music Pier that you see today was dedicated on July 4, 1929 with much fanfare. The Music Pier lived up to its name with the Municipal Orchestra entertaining crowds twice a day, seven days a week. It was an Ocean City destination then as it is today.
The Music Pier is an entertainment venue suitable for a great variety of shows from stand up comedy to musicals, and from soloists to the Ocean City Pops orchestra. Nationally renowned musicians and music groups make appearances at the Music Pier and various pageants call the Music Pier their home including the Miss New Jersey pageant. The Ocean City Pops has a summer concert series from July through October that showcases the beautiful music of the orchestra as well as special guest appearances from critically acclaimed entertainers.
The Music Pier has had major lighting and audio renovations to compliment the redesigned and enlarged stage in addition to remodeled staff and client/artist areas. The installation of air-conditioning in the auditorium culminated the interior improvements in the spring of 1993.
Free Public Library
The library building, part of the Cultural Community Center, was designed by Gutwein-Guenther architects. It is 17,000 square feet, and houses a collection of over 100,000 volumes.
The Library provides information useful for daily living, supports formal education and independent learning efforts, and assists researchers and scholars.
Deriving its support from the City of Ocean City, the Library emphasizes services for Ocean City´s residents and students. Affirming its belief in the power of education and in the potential of libraries to change lives, the Library strongly supports the children of Ocean City in their efforts to learn, grow and achieve. The Library strives also to serve those who work in the City. Since the library is a major resource for information as well as information technology, its services inevitably extend throughout Cape May and Atlantic Counties, and even throughout the state.
The Library actively seeks to serve and reflect the diverse South Jersey shore community in its collections, services, programs and staff. It affirms a commitment to preserve, promote and celebrate the multicultural heritage of the people of South Jersey.
The Ocean City Free Public Library contributes to the economic life of the City, the vitality of its neighborhoods and the quality of life of its citizens. For more information on the library go to www.oceancitylibrary.org
MUNICIPALGOLF COURSE
In its tradition of family fun, the City of Ocean City owns and operates a twelve hole, par 3 golf course that is open to the public. The golf course is a great place to go in the morning before hitting the beach, after a beach day to unwind or as an alternative for a change of pace from the sand and sea. Set in the scenic meadows of the bay area, the golf course provides a beautiful and fun way to spend a few hours of the day in Ocean City.
All ages are welcome, but children under 12 years old must have a parent with them. To play, each person must have their own golf bag. Clubs are available for rental as well as hand carts and riding carts.
The Ocean City Municipal Golf Course is located on Bay Avenue at 26th Street. Winter hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and summer hours are 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The golf course has a pro shop and memberships are available.
SURF CHAIR PROGRAM
The City of Ocean City wants everyone to be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches and so offers a wonderful beach accessible wheelchair service for mobility limited individuals of all ages. "Surf Chairs" provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the surf and sand on Ocean City beaches.
The beach accessible wheelchair service is available on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (check-in by 4:30 p.m.) and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (check-in by 5:00 p.m.). The surf chair program runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Reservations are suggested.
The Surf Chair Program is based out of the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center located on 6th Street at the Boardwalk.
For more information about this program, call (609) 525-9304
OCEAN CITY SKATEBOARD PARK
For some, fun at the beach is not complete without being able to skate. These skating enthusiasts can showcase their skills and practice new ones at the City of Ocean City Skate Park. The facility is open to skateboarders and in-line skaters only; bicycles, scooters, and motorized vehicles are not permitted.
To keep the skate park a safe place for everyone, all users are required to wear shoes, helmets, knee pads, wrist guards and elbow pads. All equipment must be worn to manufacturer´s specifications. Safety equipment is for sale (no rental equipment) including knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist pads at the Sports & Civic Center.
The Ocean City Skateboard Park is located next to the Ocean City Sports & Civic Center on 6th Street at the Boardwalk. Operating hours are from 9:00 a.m. until dusk. Users must purchase a pass at the Sports & Civic Center. Daily, Weekly, and Seasonal passes are available. Seasonal passes for residents (property owners) are half price.
For more information about the skate park, call (609) 525-9304
BAYSIDE CENTER The Bayside Center is a an activities and education facility operated by the City of Ocean City that is dedicated to the environmental and cultural aspects of Ocean City´s bayfront along the Great Egg Harbor Bay. Located on the grounds of an historical home on the bay, the Bayside Center is a perfect location to learn about the South Jersey seashore environment through an array of exhibits, displays, and information or to simply enjoy the bay for its views, wildlife, or water recreation.
The house was originally built on the 1.35 acre property around 1916 when owned by the Diesel family. In 1958, the Wheaton family purchased the house for use as a summer property. They owned the property until it was purchased by the County in 1995 through the New Jersey Open Space and Farmland Preservation Program. The name Bayside Center was given and the property had capital improvements including elevation for flood proofing, a new bulkhead, new railings and painting of the exterior. The City of Ocean City holds a 25 year lease on the Bayside Center.
The Bay Window Environmental Center On the first floor of the house is The Bay Window Environmental Center. Highlights of The Bay Window include a walk under estuary waters, local game fish, a display of tools used by bay men of the Great Egg Harbor Bay estuary, a mural by Ocean City artist Diane Bressler featuring species found in the local estuary, and a photo gallery. Information about Watershed Planning in New Jersey explains how everything we do on land affects the water and how citizens and visitors can minimize their impact on the environment by having this knowledge and making minor adjustments in certain everyday activities.
The second floor is home to the Hutsko ship models, a collection of 25 museum quality boat models of historic, local and well-known ships. This life´s work of Master Ship model builder Stephen Hutsko is on loan from his family. Another room is devoted to a collection of to-scale models of historic Ocean City buildings. This interesting collection was produced by former local resident Al Burch.
The third floor is open to the public for unmatched views of the Great Egg Harbor Bay. There is a telescope to help you see the osprey nest close to the 9th Street Bridge. An elevator has been installed for full accessibility to all three floors.
Open Public Areas The Bay Window Environmental Center is only one of the many highlights of the Bayside Center. There is a lovely pavilion on the grounds that provides shaded seating during a hot summer day and is a wonderful place to relax on a nice evening.
The docks allow bay access to the public on a year-round basis for fishing and crabbing. Boaters and kayakers may use the slips to launch or dock on a short-term basis. Sunset views are spectacular from this site.
Events and Camps The Bayside Center presents the Summer Sunset Series, a variety of nature programs on Tuesday evenings. The program is free of charge and offers a wide range of topics for families. Reservations are requested by calling the Center during its hours of operation.
Night in Venice is a big night on the bay in Ocean City and the Bayside Center is a great place to view the infamous boat parade. An outdoor party is held on the grounds with a band and special children´s activities prior to the start of the parade. Bleacher seats are available and attendees are encouraged to bring your own picnic. Tickets go on sale July 1, reserve your seat early as this event is usually a sell-out!
The Bayside Center also offers Summer Fun Science Camps for children aged six to 11.
In addition to all of these wonderful activities, the Bayside Center hosts special events throughout the year. Click here [link to ocweb_eventsBayside.pdf] to see what events are happening and how you can get involved!
Contact Information The Bayside Center is located at 520 Bay Avenue in Ocean City. It is open to visitors in the summer months from the last Saturday in June until Labor Day from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Year-round, the property is available for special events and meetings. To contact the Bayside Center, phone 609-525-9244 (summer) or 609-525-9301 (winter).
All of the information above has been provided from the website www.ocnj.us
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