Are Ocean City, New Jersey Beaches Open? Here's what you need to know

OCEAN CITY, NJ – Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian says his town is open for business and the beach and boardwalk are ready for visitors.

“Complimentary face coverings are available at the Ocean City Music Pier and at all city welcome centers. They also will be made available at city events this summer. Please make it a habit to always have one on hand and to use it,” said Mayor Jay Gillian. “I also want to make it clear that drinking alcohol and smoking on the beach and boardwalk will not be tolerated. Please help us enforce these laws by reporting violations as they occur – use the non-emergency police number at 609-399-9111. The city continues to work with local restaurants and stores to make accommodations allowing them to safely do business under ongoing restrictions from the governor. I want to remind businesses that it is their responsibility to clear all trash from the many new outdoor dining spaces.”

Here are some COVID-19 updates from Ocean City, NJ about beaches and public Safety:

Am I allowed to be on the beach?

The beach is open. The Ocean City Beach Patrol is guarding the ocean (see list of guarded beaches). As per the governor’s guidelines, please maintain six feet of space between others. Avoid large groups. Masks or face coverings are recommended. Tents and canopies will not be permitted on the beaches between First Street and 10th Street. Revised regulations now allow them on other beaches.

Are beach tags on sale?
Beach tags are on sale online and by mail at www.ocnj.us/beachtags. The deadline for purchase of discounted ($20) seasonal tags has been extended to June 30. In-person sales are open and available at the following locations:

City Hall: At the reception desk. Hours are 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Music Pier/Box Office Window: Purchase from the window. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Route 52 Causeway Welcome Center: Purchase from the window. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Henry Knight Building: Purchase from the lobby. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
34^th Street Information Center: Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Military Beach Tags are available at City Hall, the Route 52 Causeway Welcome Center and the Music Pier, with proper I.D.

Please remember to follow social distancing guidelines when purchasing beach tags; stay 6 feet apart in line, wear a face covering, and wash or sanitize your hands after the transaction.

Am I allowed to be on the boardwalk?
The boardwalk is open. Please avoid social gathering and respect social distancing guidelines. Amusement centers remain closed by executive order of the governor. “Curbside” pickup for retail stores is open, and stores will be open to foot traffic starting June 15. Public restrooms on the boardwalk are open and being sanitized throughout the day. Hand sanitization stations have been installed at regular intervals along the boardwalk. See boardwalk bicycling hours.

Are other recreational facilities open?

The Ocean City Municipal Golf Course is open (with restrictions). The Ocean City Skate Park is open (with restrictions). The Ocean City Dog Park is open to members (please respect social distancing guidelines). Recreational fields are open (please respect social distancing guidelines). Tennis and Pickleball courts are open. The Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center remains closed.

When can I leave home under the “shelter in place” order issued by the governor?

This order has been lifted.

What is social distancing?

People need to stay at least six feet apart when possible. Small groups of family members and people with close personal relationships are allowed. People or groups are permitted to pass each other on sidewalks and streets.

Are face coverings mandatory?

The governor’s Executive Order No. 122 makes it mandatory to wear cloth face coverings/masks inside any essential retail establishment or restaurant. It also makes wearing face coverings mandatory when “social distancing” is not possible.

There is no executive order or CDC requirement that people wear masks at all times when in public. It is required only when you enter an essential establishment or restaurant. People do not have to wear face masks “at all times” while in public. The CDC does recommend “the wearing of cloth face coverings/ masks in public settings when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, especially in areas of “significant community-based transmission.”

Are restaurants allowed to be open?

All can remain open for their normal business hours, but must continue to be delivery and/ or takeout only. Outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted starting June 15.

Are short-term rentals and hotel stays permitted?

The lodging of seasonal tenants and transient guests are now permitted. See information on disinfecting protocols .

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