What's New In Ocean City This Summer: Shops, Rules & More

OCEAN CITY, NJ — As the solstice officially brings summer to the island, vacationers flock to Ocean City in greater numbers each week.

This year, there's tons of new things to experience, from the fun (new stores and dining options) to the not-so-fun (more expensive beach tags).

Patch has your guide to everything new and exciting in Ocean City for 2023. So here's what you should know before you head down the shore:

Higher Beach Tag Prices

Your trip may be slightly more expensive this summer, thanks to an increase in beach tag prices. This past October, City Council unanimously voted to raise beach tag prices. Read more: Beach Tag Prices Are Increasing In Ocean City

The price breakdown is as follows:

• Seasonal - $35
• Weekly - $20
• Daily - $10

New Regulations

The beach and boardwalk have new rules now, as many are aware. Beaches now close at 8 p.m. and boardwalk bathrooms close at 10 p.m.

Backpacks are banned on the beach and boardwalk between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.

Those under 18 are subject to an earlier curfew; they cannot be in public areas past 11 p.m.

Read more on the new regulations and their consequences here.

Places To Shop And Eat

There's plenty of great new businesses on the island to support. One of those is Ashore Fit, an athleisure boutique, which recently opened at 1215 Asbury Ave.

Looking for something sour? Try the new Ocean City Pickle Company.

Enjoy smoothies at Haddonfield-based Groovy Smoovies newest location, and get specialty groceries from Agape Gourmet.

If you're still hungry, check out Old School Burgers, Pure Green, SoulBerri, PJ Buckets, or Green Eggs Cafe.

Other new retail shops and dining options include:

• Petes Mercantile - 601 Asbury
• Dry Island - 965 Asbury
• The Shoppes at Asbury - 801 Asbury
• Lisa's Sweet Treats - 1046 Asbury