OT-- Philadelphia & nearby beaches

[poohfriend77]

We're planning a trip to the Philly area this summer to visit my brother. I know my kids would love to spend a day at the coast, as well. I think my brother said Atlantic City is about 1.5 hrs. from his place, but is there a better option for families? We want the beach experience, not necessarily the "boardwalk."

Is there anywhere within 2 hours where we can play in the sand and stick our toes in the ocean? Or should we just wait until our next trip to FL for that and focus on Philadelphia?

 

[badblackpug]

There is a ton to do in Philadelphia. Atlantic City is about 45 minutes from Philly. The beaches aren't that great...but if you like casinos....

The closest beach is probably Ocean City. It definitely is more family oriented and has a small boardwalk with rides and games. it is not a free beach, so you will have to buy beach tags. Wildwood is a little further drive, the beach is free and HUGE. Widlwood has a very large boardwalk with lots of rides, but is less family friendly than Ocean City.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Ocean City NJ. It's VERY family friendly, there's a boardwalk with rides, and lots of yummy snacks. It's also a dry town so there's no alcohol served, but that does keep a lot of the riff-raff away. It's also a pretty clean beach as far as NJ beaches go. We've been there a few times on vacation, and my BFF brings her kids for a week every year.

 

[disneemama]

Hope you enjoy Philly, Ocean City is a great choice too.
*op I sure hope I get a December pin, checking everyday!

 

[mjkacmom]

I think OC is better for families with young kids, WW better for older kids. We love both!

 

[jenb1023]

Do not go to Atlantic City for the beach - if you want to gamble it is fine but the beach is not nice and the area is not very family friendly.

 

[puffkin]

And don't ask anyone in the Philly area about going to the Coast or the Beach....the only phrase they understand is Down to the Shore

I hate the beach, so when we go we usually do Atlantic City (for the Casinos) or Wildwood because of the boardwalk.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

And don't ask anyone in the Philly area about going to the Coast or the Beach....the only phrase they understand is Down to the Shore

Ha ha That made me giggle out loud!

 

[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

Avalon and Stone Harbor have nice beaches, but charge fees. If you're just down for a day, go to Strathmere because it is free and not usually crowded. The one drawback is there aren't any lifeguards. Wildwood and A.C. are also free, but have guards. Wildwood is a heck of a walk to the water and A.C. isn't the most "friendly" beach around.

 

[quentina]

I would go the other way....Maryland beaches. Dewey beach is pretty close, I think it may be at the end of Delaware. Ocean City MD is around 2-2.5 hours. Much better than NJ beaches.

 

[RMAMom]

I agree, Ocean City and Sea Isle City are the best beaches and on Wednesday the Sea Isle Beaches are free. Check the website for Sea Isle or call the township if you have rafts, boogie boards or floats as they are only allowed at certain beaches, they can also tell you where the bathrooms are and you can pick a beach that suits your needs. Remember, you aren't going to the beach you are going down the shore! Have fun!

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

And don't ask anyone in the Philly area about going to the Coast or the Beach....the only phrase they understand is Down to the Shore

Depends what area you are from, some of us say going the shore, some say to the beach!


I agree Ocean City is nice. You can even rent big umbrellas on the beach. Stay far far farrrrrrrrrrrr away rom Seaside.

 

[jagafen]

And don't ask anyone in the Philly area about going to the Coast or the Beach....the only phrase they understand is Down to the Shore

I hate the beach, so when we go we usually do Atlantic City (for the Casinos) or Wildwood because of the boardwalk.

Down to the shore?? Not hardly

It's "Da Shore"

Hey Bob, what's youz guys doin' dis weekend?

Goin' to Da Shore!

Oh really, which one?? (Insert name of favorite beach town here)

 

[badblackpug]

And don't ask anyone in the Philly area about going to the Coast or the Beach....the only phrase they understand is Down to the Shore

I hate the beach, so when we go we usually do Atlantic City (for the Casinos) or Wildwood because of the boardwalk.

As you see, I'm from Philly, and the phrase is "down the shore." As in "What are you doing this weekend?" "We're going down the shore."

The beach is an area that is "down the shore."

 

[Dotsie]

I'm from Philly and agree 100% with badblackpug. Down the shore is the phrase we use and the beach is a place down the shore We have 3 small children and we go to Wildwood every year. I've never, ever had a problem going there. The beaches are free, you can rent umbrellas and chairs, the boardwalk is huge with tons of rides, games, and water parks. Just know that the beach is HUGE as well. You will have quite the walk from the boards to the water. I usually go to the beach on 16th street. Very short walk. Good luck and enjoy. We always do.

 

[holden]

When we go down the shore, we go to Ocean City, NJ. Great for the kids - Mac N Manco pizza, rides for little ones & big ones, shopping, funnel cake, frozen custard, and ocean breezes. Nothing beats Ocean City! There is even a small water park on the boardwalk.

Watch the seagulls, though. They'll take the Mac N Manco right out of your hand! You have to eat with your food covered up. They are relentless!

 

[DISNEYNV]

IF you want to go Down the Shore and not neccessarily the boardwalk I recommend nice quiet Cape May (took our kids to CM last summer) or Bethany Beach in DE. Boardwalk...Ocean City is the place!

Philly and the burbs itself has so much to offer though! There are great places to shop like the KOP Mall and Premium outlets. The museums are great (I recommend The Franklin Institute, Science museum and The Please Touch museum for kids). There are historical places of course like the Philly has great restaurants and bars to check out all over the city. Dont forget to Ride The Ducks and take a walk down South Street and have a Philly Cheese Steak (Wit or Witout)! I live an hour outside of Philly and have never experienced all the city has to offer! WE prefer the beaches in FL over any other near us of course but whatever you decide have a fun time in Philly

 

[djp0630]

Ocean City is great for families. It has a boardwalk with rides. We go every summer many times, my parents have a house there. Atlantic City is not for families.

 

[mrstomrice]

We love Ocean City, but have also found Belmar NJ! We live n Bucks County and we can be on the beach in 1 hour. This is great if you want the beach without the extra expense of the boardwalk. There is a fee of $7 per adult per day. There is also Sesame Place for the younger kids, but it can get pricey. If you plan to do any other Busch parks this year, you can get a season pass that has admission to all included (Sea World, Busch Gardens). Have fun!

 

[MaryPop888]

And don't ask anyone in the Philly area about going to the Coast or the Beach....the only phrase they understand is Down to the Shore

So true!