Every summer, my family travels to Ocean City, New Jersey for our annual beach week. All of us stay in three houses on the same block. It's a great time. Every year we have our traditional spots where we go for breakfast, to shop, and buy our yearly Ocean City sweatshirts. If you're a die-hard shoobie (what the local call the millions of vacationers who travel to the jersey shore points) like us, then you know the must-go-to places in the town, but if you're a new comer to Ocean City, then here are ten must-go-to places.
1. Browns Donuts
My absolute favorite place to go when at the shore is Browns! This little breakfast spot makes the best homemade donuts in the world! They're donuts are 'almost famous' but they really should be famous! An absolute must-visit place all the way at the beginning of the boardwalk.
2. The Airport Diner
The Airport Diner is more of a local treasure located on the Ocean City Airport. A traditional breakfast place might not seem like it's great, but trust me, it is! Make sure to order the grilled blueberry muffing with butter and chocolate chip pancakes. After all, it is vacation so all diets go on hold until you get home. Right?
3. Shriver's Fudge
There are many fudge shops located all along the boardwalk and every family has their own favorite. My family will swear by Shriver's fudge. Obviously, their fudge is great. My go to is the Oreo and vanilla fudge. They sell so much more than fudge though. The shop is filled with all different kinds of candy, chocolate covered pretzels and strawberries, and salt water taffy! The best is when you catch them making the taffy in the back of the store and they bring out the warm free samples.
4. Johnson's Popcorn
These popcorn places are located all along the boardwalk. It's very hard to not stop and get a small tub when walking by. Usually, you will see people walking down the boardwalk with their tubs in a bag and they are eating the warm caramel corn. Want to know a trick? Ask for them to leave the tub open in a bag. They fill the tub so it overflows into the bag and you get to enjoy more, warm popcorn!
5. Voltaco's
No it is not a taco joint, it's a little Italian take out restaurant located on 9th street. This is the traditional first and last night dinner for my family. Their cheesesteaks are amazing and so is their spaghetti. Honestly, everything there is just amazing.
6. Breezin' Up
The Breezin' Up in Ocean City is located on 10th and boardwalk. This was (and still is) the place the whole family goes to get outfitted in matching crew-neck sweatshirts or quarter zips that all display Ocean City across the chest. These sweatshirts are usually used for the yearly family picture on the beach where everyone whore their matching tops and khaki or Jean bottoms.
7. Hobby Horse
Yep, another ice cream parlor. Can you tell I like ice cream? The Hobby Horse is located down on 8th and Ocean and was always the place to go when we were leaving the boardwalk to head back down to our rental on 57th street. This cute little shop is so fun to go into and, of course, take a picture with the horse out front.
8. Spadafora's
You might thing this little shack right off the boardwalk on 9th street would be a dive but it's the best place in town (in my eyes). Every year we visit this restaurant once or twice, at least. The seafood cuisine is exquisite and its small interior makes it feel like a local treasure. It's definitely not a big chain restaurant and you might want to make a reservation in advanced or you'll be waiting on the sidewalk awhile.
9. A La Mode Ice Cream Parlor
Located down on 55th street, A La Mode was always a favorite in my family. The quaint ice cream parlor is walking distance from our rented houses. It was always a last minute decision to head to A La Mode but it was always a must-do at least twice during our vacations.
10. Mallon's Sticky Buns
Mallon's sticky buns are amazing! They have to many different options and they also sell delicious donuts, crumb cakes, coffee, cinnamon rolls and more! The specific Mallon's I go to is on 55th and Central but they have other locations in Ocean City, Avalon and Sea Isle City.
