Ask three families which of these towns is best and you’ll probably hear three different answers, all of them right for that family. Here’s a quick side by side, then a little more on the feel of each.
| Atlantic City | Ocean City | Wildwood | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getting on the beach | Free | Tags in summer for older kids and adults | Free |
| Alcohol | Casinos, bars, restaurants | None sold in town | Bars and a livelier night scene |
| Boardwalk feel | Casinos and shops | Rides, snacks, relaxed evenings | Amusement piers and waterparks |
| Tends to suit | Parents who’d like one night out | Younger kids and early bedtimes | Kids ready for bigger rides |
Ocean City
Ocean City has been a dry town since its founding, and the families who love it tend to love that calm. Evenings on the boardwalk feel relaxed, with rides, treats and a lot of strollers. Just plan on beach tags for the older folks in your group during the summer.
Wildwood
Wildwood’s beaches are free and wide, which the kids will love and whoever carries the cooler may love a little less. The boardwalk leans into amusement piers and waterparks, so it’s a big hit with kids who want real rides. Evenings get livelier, with a bar scene that keeps going late, so early-to-bed families sometimes stay a bit away from the busiest stretch.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City’s beaches are free too, and the boardwalk has a long history behind it. Casinos shape a lot of the atmosphere, which can work nicely for parents hoping for one good dinner out. It’s also usually the easiest of the three to reach from Philadelphia without a car.
Mornings look pretty similar in all three. A walk on the boardwalk, a stop at a shore café for coffee, and a spot on the sand before it fills up. Summer rentals in these towns often go by the week, so a quick two-night trip in July can take a little searching.
So what does your crew want more, a quiet boardwalk or a free beach?