Ocean City, NJ
 

Headed there in early June with the 2 toddlers. Looking for a place to stay that is within walking distance of the beach. Also, dinner recs would be great!! Thanks.

With two little-uns,I suggest you rent an apartment or condo with a kitchen, separate bedroom for naps, etc. You can go to any realtor's website and surf for the right-sized place. They usually rent Saturday-to-Saturday.

If you want walking distance to beach + commercial part of the boardwalk, try Atlantic Ave, between 4th and 9th street, or Ocean Ave or Wesley between 9th and 16th. From 16th to 23rd the boardwalk is just a lovely walking path, no stores and such -- Wesley Ave is closest. You could stay a block or two further away from the beach, but in my experience every block closer is worth the extra cost when you are shifting toddlers back and forth.

There are also some condos and hotels right on the boardwalk: Beach Club Hotel, Port-O-Call. The Flander's is a large grand old lady at the north end. I haven't stayed in these places but relatives have -- rooms are small but nice enough.

Dinner at Periwinkles, Spadafora's, Ikes. Definitely consider going out for breakfast, too, or at least getting take-out from a bakery.

Thanks!! We are only spending one night so I can't do a rental property. But it's very helpful to understand the geography a bit better.

Ah. Well, think of 9th street as the ``center'' of the boardwalk activity -- things are busiest/noisiest/ easiest to get to around that area. Streets are much quieter south of, say 16th St.

But early June shouldn't be too much of a worry crowd-wise.

With just one day, I'd probably do all boardwalk food for lunch and dinner...

'cause you gotta have Mack and Manco's at least twice. Sitting on a bench on the boardwalk, preferably, or in the restaurant--never take it too far away.
http://www.mackandmancos.com/aboutus.html

Uncle Bill's Pancake House for breakfast or brunch: http://unclebillspancakehouse.com/

Sorry, can't help with hotels, as I'm always in a house down there.

Enjoy!

Thanks all. We are staying 2 nights now and at the Beach Club. Amy - can't wait to try some pancakes!