How to Find Cheap Hotels in Ocean City, New Jersey

Ocean City, New Jersey is one of America's favorite family seaside vacation destinations. This area features seven miles of sand dunes and meadows and is known for its beautiful resorts and nearby attractions.

Things You'll Need

• Rental car
• Hotel reservation
• Plane tickets
• Computer
• Luggage
• Map

Instructions

Know Your Destination

1. Bring your own alcohol. Ocean City is dry. The sale of alcohol within the city limits has been prohibited since 1879.

2. Call it what you like, but Ocean City was originally known as Peck's Island, most likely named after John Peck, a fisherman who once used the island as a post for his whaling operation.

3. Feel royal. Hollywood legend and former Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, once made Ocean City her summer home.

Travel to Ocean City

1. Drive to Ocean City via Exit 30 off the Garden State Parkway. From New York and points North, take the New Jersey Turnpike to the Garden State Parkway.

2. Drive from the west via the Walt Whitman Bridge to Route 42, and the AC Expressway to Exit 7 South onto the Garden State Parkway.

3. Approach from Washington, D.C. and points south. Take Interstate 95 North over the Delaware Memorial Bridge to Route 40 East to Route 559 South. Enter the city via the 9th St. Bridge at Somers Point Circle.

Choose Your Accommodations

1. To book accommodations, contact Ocean City Tourism Commission at (800) BEACH NJ or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

2. Stay at one of the many seaside hotels or B&Bs in the city. Average rates start at about $200 a night mid-week and are slightly more on weekends, subject to change according to season.

3. Find accommodations near popular attractions. For example, you can steer your way to the Discovery Sea Shell Museum on Asbury Avenue to have your picture taken in the jaws of a shark and to view more than 10,000 species of seashells from all over the globe.

4. Find cheap accommodations at one of the campgrounds in Ocean City. Campsites start as low as $48 per night, or $306 per week.

Seek Out Primary Attractions

1. Lower your sails and prepare to be boarded by the cast and crew of Pirate Adventures on Palen Avenue. Follow the treasure map to find the underwater treasure and bring home your share of the bounty.

2. Listen to the legend of the New Jersey Devil and other spirited tales on a candlelight Ghost Tour of Ocean City, which starts at City Hall on Asbury Avenue.

3. Glimpse Ocean City's past at the Ocean City Historical Museum on Simpson Avenue through 8,000 photographs and artifact collections.

4. Amuse the whole family at Playland's Castaway Cove on Boardwalk, with more than 30 thrilling rides including four roller coasters, go-karts, bumper cars and more.