Cape May, NJ vs Ocean City, MD. Pros and cons...

[suss1173]

We are looking to get away for a long weekend and want to try something different. We usually travel all over the LIS through the summer, we have trips planed to Block, New Port, MTK, Mattatuk, Old Saybrook, and a south shore trip planed too. However, next weekend we want to do something different. I am contemplating Cape May, which I have never been to by boat or car or going to Ocean City (MD), which I have been into twice (by boat), but only for fuel on my way north. Each time I have been in to O.C. (Sunset Marina) I say to myself, this place seems like such a fun spot to visit.

Ocean City is a about 2 hours additional travel time, and changes logistics as that is just about at my max capacity for helm time. I am comfortable with 8 hours, I have done 12-13, but usually like to keep it under 8 hours at the helm. From our home port it is about 7 1/2 to CM and O.C is probably 9 1/2. So clearly CM is the easier destination to travel to. But would OC be more fun?

If it helps, we would be a family of 4 (2 tweens) and a small dog. I don't know if it's handy to have a tender in either location, but I rather not bring the tender, if it is not needed... Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[Skybolt]

Ocean city is all fishing boats and dock bars. That part is nice, but it's not what it use to be and can be a little rough (clientele) at times. Cape May is a bit nicer IMO and worth the trip.

Old Saybrook is a bit stuffy and Essex maybe worth the trip up the river. If you ever want to do an overnight on a mooring ball, Hamburg cove is an amazing spot and has a few public moorings for a few bucks.

 

[suss1173]

Ocean city is all fishing boats and dock bars. That part is nice, but it's not what it use to be and can be a little rough (clientele) at times. Cape May is a bit nicer IMO and worth the trip.

Old Saybrook is a bit stuffy and Essex maybe worth the trip up the river. If you ever want to do an overnight on a mooring ball, Hamburg cove is an amazing spot and has a few public moorings for a few bucks.

Thani you for the feedback. We have been to Old Saybrook and Essex and will be back later in the summer. Think we want to do something different this year. That’s the reason for looking at NJ area or OC.

 

[Pirate Lady]

OC 4th July weekend, unless things have changed because of Covid, if you aint booked in by spring you aren’t getting a place. Back when we had kids, we would book by September for the following year.
The BEST time for OC MD is mid late September. Water is warmest, Kids back in school so way less congestion and riff raff. Places selling goods at half price trying to unload merchandise before winter.
The best time there.
What Sky is referring to.. stay away from OC on theme, club, organization weekends.
The old cars, fast and furious, harley owners, black bikers. Basically take over the town and become asshules. You can find these weekends on line.

 

[blaster]

Cape May NJ is definitely a nicer place to visit compared to ocean city MD. Ocean city is mostly full of drunk obnoxious college kids.

 

[Pirate Lady]

Cape May NJ is definitely a nicer place to visit compared to ocean city MD. Ocean city is mostly full of drunk obnoxious college kids.

Before September. Then they go back to school. Hence my post.
OC is great in January to take wife nice weekend. Talking major hotels. Prices very good, nobody around. Don’t be looking to buy a t shirt, boardwalk is closed. But if you just wanna drink, eat good, get laid, look into it.

 

[royalpiper]

Cape May is definitely more upscale yet retains it's charm and beauty. Take the trolley tour of historic homes, climb to the top of the lighthouse, visit Sunset Point for the sunset ceremony, rent bikes and do your own tour of the town, head over to the Ebbitt Room bar at the Virginia Hotel for the best unique cocktails. You'll thank me later.

 

[GCHOG]

Cape May has a lot to offer as far as things to do . (especially with kids ). Great restaurants, bars , historic places, most within walking distance of the big marina's there. Very family oriented. I've never seen any rowdyism, just doesn't seem to happen. Great year round destination. If somehow you can take bicycles on board with you , its a great bicycle town. Safe travels !

 

[bigorangefilter]

For a long weekend getaway, you have the option of Cape May or Ocean City. Cape May is closer and easier to reach, offering a charming coastal town with beaches and various activities. Ocean City, though farther and pushing your helm time limit, is known for its lively boardwalk and amusement parks. If you prefer a relaxed trip, go for Cape May. If you're up for more adventure and don't mind the extra travel time, Ocean City may provide a livelier experience. Consider your family's preferences and decide accordingly.

 

[blaster]

If you go to ocean city be careful not to step on any drunkard vomit on the ground.

 

[ranger58sb]

Lewes is nice.

-Chris

 

[gerryb]

Been to both many times. Advice above is accurate EXCEPT to add that the sunset marina in OCMD is an absolutely amazing marina. The owner has over 75 tropical plants in the marina (palm trees) and has them all shipped down to NC for the winter via big rigs, and then back in the spring. No other marina experience like it north of Florida. We don't really leave the marina area there much when we go but kids will want to take an uber to the beach and boardwalk.
CapeMay is elegant and has a very nice beach. There are 3 nice marinas there but you'll probably stay at Canyon Club which has a nice pool and nothing else. They have a shuttle that runs you downtown when you need to go. World class restaurants and very elegant town. Not sure there's as much there for kids as there's no 'boardwalk' to speak of.
YOu may also want to take a look at Wildwood. Same as the Capemay inlet and up to Schooner's ISland Marina. Shitty town IMO but lots for families/kids with a large baordwalk. Marina has 3 restaurants there and a wawa within walking distance.
Each of the 3 above is much different than the others. I think you'll have a hard-time getting into Sunset marina next weekend but call Barbara and good luck. PM me with any specific questions. Great to have one of you northern'rs come down our way!

 

[Skybolt]

Been to both many times. Advice above is accurate EXCEPT to add that the sunset marina in OCMD is an absolutely amazing marina. ... Great to have one of you northern'rs come down our way!

I would agree on how nice the marina is, all of the boats are amazing as well. But if you don't have a large fishing boat then you will not fit in and they will let you know that.

BTW, your a northerner, just say'in

 

[Pirate Lady]

Personally, from Baltimore, I like OC, the yo boys dont bother me, that’s normal life here.

 

[douglee25]

Wildwood and OC NJ are two other options. Personally, I would pick OC NJ over OC MD any day of the week.

 

[Njlarry]

Spent many nice hours having a cocktail at the Ebbit but stay out of the restaurant. Worse experience in 50 yrs in that town. Ordered a bottle of Champagne and before our first glasses were down a quarter our dinners were trust in front of us which meant that they microwaved the food. No way it was cooked to order. The place was crowded and noisy like most in that town but never had a meal show up before the second glass.
The best restaurants there, are Union Park and Peter Shields Inn. Both have good service with linen table cloths and are less rushed. Peter Shields is BYOB, both on Beach Drive. Best bar food is C View Inn. Love the frozen pizza-really!

 

[Skybolt]

Personally, from Baltimore, I like OC, the yo boys dont bother me, that’s normal life here.

It's not the collage crowd so much as the people looking for fights and being so rude you have to say something. Then if the fishing boat guys see you get off of something other then another fishing boat you get an attitude from them. It's not what it use to be even based on 10 years ago. The 90's were amazingly fun in OC, but you wouldn't catch me there now.

 

[Richard Carlisle]

OC is fun when they do the air show. Anchor just off the beach and enjoy front row seats. Other than that, OC is kind of boring unless you are into the pub crawl scene.

We‘ve been to Cape May may times but not by boat. More relaxed atmosphere and not far from Atlantic City if you want to hot the casinos for a few hours.

 

[Siboatguy]

Hey guys I know it's an old post but how do you guys like Old Saybrook vs Greenport?? Thinking about Saybrook Point Marina the weekend after the 4th of July..