Ocean City is 45 minutes away. When Wildwood is the better base.
Ocean City and Wildwood are the two great boardwalk towns of the South Jersey shore, forty-five minutes apart by the Parkway. Ocean City is dry (no alcohol sold in town) and books solid in summer; Wildwood has free beaches, bars and restaurants, three amusement piers and, at our five hotels, room when Ocean City has none.
Ocean City vs Wildwood, plainly
- Ocean City: family-first, dry town, beach tags required, a Boardwalk of shops and rides, very hard to book in July.
- Wildwood: free beaches, some of the widest beaches on the shore, Morey's Piers, nightlife, more hotel rooms, and rates are often lower in peak season.
Doing both
Stay with us, drive up to Ocean City for a day on its Boardwalk (about 45 minutes), and come back for the free beach and a drink with dinner.
Questions about visiting Ocean City from Wildwood
How far is Wildwood from Ocean City NJ?
About 45 minutes by the Garden State Parkway.
Is Ocean City a dry town?
Yes, no alcohol is sold in Ocean City. Wildwood is not dry.
Which has free beaches?
Wildwood. Ocean City requires beach tags in season.
| Hotel | Address | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Beachside Resort | 3700 Atlantic Ave | Families, pool |
| Sunset Beach Hotel | 4300 Ocean Ave | Ocean Avenue, near the beach |
| Coastal Sands Inn | 4110 Atlantic Ave | Groups |
| Paradise Inn | 235 E Wildwood Ave | Closest to the Boardwalk |
| Sunrise Inn | 107 E Lincoln Ave | Quiet, near Morey's |
Check availability across all five.
