Ocean City Live Cam
Located on the boardwalk overlooking from north of the 7th Street
History
Ocean City is a popular beach resort town located on the Jersey Shore in Cape May County, New Jersey. The town has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when it was first developed as a seaside resort.
In 1879, a group of Methodist ministers established Ocean City as a "Christian seaside resort" with the goal of creating a place where families could enjoy a vacation without the temptation of alcohol or other vices. The town's founding principles were based on temperance and Christian values, and these principles continue to shape the town's culture today.
Ocean City grew rapidly in the early 20th century, and by the 1920s it had become a popular destination for tourists from all over the country. The town's boardwalk, which was first built in 1902, became the centerpiece of the resort, featuring amusement rides, games, and shops.
During World War II, Ocean City played an important role in the war effort as the site of the Bethlehem Steel Shipyard, which produced Liberty Ships for the U.S. Navy. After the war, the town continued to thrive as a beach resort, with new developments and attractions drawing visitors from all over the region.
Today, Ocean City remains a popular destination for families and vacationers who come to enjoy its beautiful beaches, boardwalk, and other attractions. The town's commitment to its founding principles of temperance and Christian values has helped to create a unique and welcoming atmosphere that continues to draw visitors year after year.
Top Tourist Attractions
Ocean City, New Jersey has a variety of attractions that appeal to tourists of all ages. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Ocean City:
- Ocean City Boardwalk: The iconic boardwalk is the heart of Ocean City. It stretches 2.5 miles along the beach and is lined with shops, restaurants, and amusement parks.
- Ocean City Beaches: The town boasts over 8 miles of pristine beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
- Gillian's Wonderland Pier: A family-owned amusement park that has been operating since 1929. The park features rides, games, and attractions for all ages.
- Music Pier: The Music Pier is a historic building that hosts concerts, plays, and other events throughout the year.
- Ocean City Historical Museum: This museum showcases the town's rich history and features exhibits on the founding of Ocean City, its role in World War II, and other important events.
- Corson's Inlet State Park: This park is located at the southern tip of Ocean City and offers hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and stunning views of the ocean and marshland.
- Ocean City Tabernacle: This non-denominational worship center is a historic landmark and hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year.
- 34th Street Playground: A popular playground located on the beach featuring a jungle gym, swings, and other play equipment.
- Ocean City Fine Arts League: This art gallery showcases the work of local artists and offers classes and workshops for all skill levels.
- Ocean City Fishing Center: A full-service marina that offers fishing charters, boat rentals, and bait and tackle sales.
Climate
Ocean City, New Jersey has a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot summers, cool winters, and moderate precipitation throughout the year. Here are some details about the climate in Ocean City:
- Summers: Ocean City experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s °F (24-29°C) on average. The hottest months are July and August, with average high temperatures in the low to mid-80s °F (27-29°C). The town's proximity to the ocean helps to moderate temperatures and provide a refreshing sea breeze.
- Winters: Winters in Ocean City are mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s °F (2-7°C) on average. The coldest months are January and February, with average low temperatures in the mid-20s to low-30s °F (-4 to 0°C). Snow is relatively rare in Ocean City, with an average of only 8 inches (20 cm) per year.
- Precipitation: Ocean City receives moderate precipitation throughout the year, with an average of 41 inches (104 cm) of rainfall annually. The wettest months are July and August, which also tend to have the highest humidity levels. Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, but severe weather is rare.
Overall, Ocean City's climate is pleasant and comfortable for most of the year, making it an ideal destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional heat waves during the summer months and cool temperatures during the winter.
9th Street Vision Plan
With the construction of a new $500 Million bridge into Ocean City, it seems fitting to continue the improvements within the City, appropriately welcoming residents and visitors to this fantastic seashore community and resort. The 9th Street entrance from the Route 52 causeway will be transformed into a welcoming entryway, including a bike way extending to the beach, announcing arrival in the City. 9th and Asbury Annex to be redeveloped into commercial space providing anchor property in downtown.
Bayfront Planning
Recognizing the importance of Ocean City's bayfront, the Bayfront Master Plan Committee (BMPC) was organized in January 2006 by City Council President Jack Thomas. The Committee’s mission is to develop a comprehensive plan to address short and long-term issues related to the bayfront area. Discussions involving Committee members, residents and business owners have identified many issues including: dredging, zoning, land use, parking, business retention and development, environmental quality, public access and recreation. One of the most immediate concerns is to revise the Marine Village Harbor zone plan and provide other inducements that promote business development within the Bay Avenue commercial area.
In recognition of the diverse interests related to the bay and adjoining land areas, the BMPC has realized the value of a unified vision as a prerequisite to developing a comprehensive plan for this area. The BMPC is in the early stages of developing a 20-year vision for the bayfront which will ultimately be translated into a plan describing actions necessary to ensure that the bayfront can accommodate the multiple demands placed upon it in the future. As the process of developing a unified vision and comprehensive plan for this area evolves, the BMPC will be scheduling informational meetings to explain their goals for the area, and solicit ideas from the public.
The BMPC will periodically prepare and distribute a newsletter titled BayLife 2025 to provide information on this important issue.