You're driving over the Route 52 bridge, the salty air is hitting your face, and the Great Egg Harbor Bay is glistening. You’ve got the beach chairs, the sunscreen, and maybe a nice bottle of wine or a six-pack tucked away in the trunk for a sunset toast on the deck. Then it hits you. You’ve heard the rumors. You start wondering, is Ocean City a dry town, or did you just imagine that?
Honestly, it’s the most common question people ask before visiting "America’s Greatest Family Resort."
Yes, Ocean City, New Jersey, is a dry town. It has been since its founding by Methodist ministers back in 1879. They wanted a Christian seaside resort free from the "corrupting influence" of alcohol. Surprisingly, that 19th-century vision is still the law of the land today. You won't find a single liquor store on the island. Not one. There isn't a bar on the boardwalk where you can grab a cold draft beer while watching the waves. Even the high-end restaurants—places where you’d expect a cocktail menu—can’t sell you a drink.
It’s a quirk that defines the town’s identity. Some people love it because it keeps the boardwalk vibe wholesome and reduces the rowdiness you might find in nearby Atlantic City or Sea Isle. Others find it incredibly annoying to realize they have to drive back over the bridge just to get a bottle of tequila for taco night.
The Reality of Being a Dry Town in 2026
When people ask "is Ocean City a dry town," they usually want to know if they’re allowed to drink at all. Let's clear that up: you aren't living under Prohibition. It is perfectly legal to possess and consume alcohol in the privacy of your home or your vacation rental. The police aren't going to kick down your door because they saw a bottle of Chardonnay through the window.
The restriction is on the sale and public consumption.
This means you cannot drink on the beach. Don't try it. The Ocean City Police Department is very active, and they will fine you. You also can't walk down the boardwalk with a "to-go" cup. Unlike the more relaxed "open container" zones you see popping up in other tourist destinations, Ocean City sticks to the old-school rules. If you're caught with an open beer on the street, you're looking at a summons and a potentially hefty fine that will definitely ruin your vacation mood.
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The BYOB Debate and Local Laws
For a long time, there was a massive debate about "Bring Your Own Bottle" (BYOB). In many New Jersey towns, even if they don't have liquor licenses, restaurants allow you to bring your own wine or beer. Ocean City is different. For decades, BYOB was strictly forbidden in public restaurants.
A few years back, there was a big push to change this. A group of restaurant owners and locals argued that allowing BYOB would help the local economy and keep diners on the island instead of losing them to Somers Point or Marmora. Voters headed to the polls, and the result? A resounding "no." The residents of Ocean City take their "dry" status very seriously. They see it as a brand. Because of that vote, you still cannot bring your own wine into a restaurant within the city limits.
If you want a glass of wine with your dinner, you basically have two choices: eat at home or leave the island.
Where do people actually get their alcohol?
If you forgot to stock up before crossing the bridge, don't panic. You aren't stuck with just lemonade and salt water taffy. Because Ocean City is dry, a mini-industry of massive liquor stores has sprouted up just across the bridges in the "wet" neighboring towns.
Circle Liquors in Somers Point is legendary. It’s right off the 9th Street Bridge. On a Friday night in July, that parking lot looks like a stadium event. People pull over immediately after leaving the island to stock up for the weekend. There are also plenty of spots in Marmora if you are staying in the southern end of the island near the 34th Street Bridge.
- Somers Point: Home to the closest bars and liquor stores for those on the north end.
- Marmora/Upper Township: The go-to spot for the South End and West Avenue crowds.
- Egg Harbor Township: A bit further out, but has the big warehouse-style stores.
The irony isn't lost on anyone. While the town itself is dry, the borders are lined with neon signs advertising cold beer and discount spirits. It's a short five-minute drive, but it’s a drive you have to plan for.
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Why Ocean City Stays Dry (The Cultural Factor)
It’s easy to think this is just some leftover religious hang-up, but it's more about real estate and reputation now. The "dry" status acts as a filter. It attracts families who want to avoid the "party town" atmosphere. When you walk the boardwalk at 10:00 PM in Ocean City, you see kids getting ice cream and families playing mini-golf. You don't see people stumbling out of bars or picking fights in the street.
Property values are tied to this. Many homeowners believe that if the town "went wet," the character of the neighborhood would change, and their investment might suffer. It creates a very specific kind of peace. Sure, it’s a bit of a hassle when you realize you’re out of vodka at 9:00 PM, but for most people who live there year-round, that’s a small price to pay for the quiet.
Misconceptions About the Law
One thing that trips people up is the "private club" loophole. You might hear about organizations like the American Legion or the Yacht Club. These are private organizations. They have their own rules and are often the only places on the island where you might see a bar. However, these are not open to the general public. You can't just walk in and order a drink unless you are a member or a guest of a member.
Don't expect your hotel to have a "manager's reception" with free wine, either. Even the hotels have to follow the dry ordinance.
Another common mistake? Thinking that "dry" means "boring." Ocean City has one of the best live music scenes on the Jersey Shore, incredible pizza (Manco & Manco, obviously), and a massive water park. The lack of booze doesn't stop the fun; it just changes the flavor of it.
Survival Tips for Your "Dry" Vacation
If you're planning a trip and the fact that is Ocean City a dry town is weighing on your mind, just follow a few simple rules of thumb to make it a non-issue.
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First, shop before you arrive. If you’re driving in from Philly or North Jersey, hit a store near your house. It saves you from the "bridge traffic" later.
Second, respect the locals. If you're sitting on your porch having a drink, keep it chill. The town is family-oriented, and making a scene is the quickest way to get a visit from code enforcement or the cops.
Third, embrace the "mocktail." A lot of the high-end spots on Asbury Avenue have started getting really creative with non-alcoholic drinks. They’ve realized that since they can't sell wine, they might as well make the best craft sodas and virgin mojitos you've ever had.
Fourth, remember the "wet" towns are close. If you absolutely need a night out at a bar, Somers Point has some fantastic spots like Gregory’s or The Anchorage. You can grab an Uber, head over the bridge, have your fun, and then return to the quiet of the island. It’s actually the best of both worlds if you play it right.
Actionable Steps for Travelers
- Plan your supply run: Use the 34th Street or 9th Street bridges to access liquor stores in Marmora or Somers Point.
- Know the beach rules: Alcohol is strictly prohibited on all Ocean City beaches. Keep the "adult beverages" in your rental or hotel room.
- BYOB is for home only: Do not bring wine or beer into Ocean City restaurants; they are not legally allowed to let you drink it on the premises.
- Check the calendar: Large events like Night in Venice often see increased police presence regarding public drinking.
- Download a rideshare app: If you plan on drinking in neighboring towns, Uber and Lyft are active in the area and are a much better choice than trying to navigate the bridges yourself.
The "dry" status of Ocean City is a feature, not a bug. It’s what makes the town feel like a time capsule of a simpler era. Once you get used to the rhythm of it—and remember to buy your wine on the way into town—you’ll realize it doesn't take away from the vacation at all. In fact, it might be the reason you keep coming back.