Ocean City, NJ, is Almost a Ghost Town 24 Hours After Labor Day

Local summer is finally here.

For those who aren't familiar with the term, "local summer" starts the Tuesday after Labor Day and runs for about a month or so.

It's when the crowds of real summer (June, July, and August) have left, the weather is gorgeous, the beaches aren't crowded, and you don't have to spend 25 minutes finding a $25 parking spot at any of our shore towns.

Come to think of it, these days, $25 to park is actually a bargain in the summer... anyway...

Yesterday (the day after Labor Day) I went to Ocean City after work, and it was simply amazing.

The boardwalk was quiet.

A look at local summer in Ocean City, NJ: Empty and quiet boardwalk at 6th Street - Photo: Chris Coleman

A little busy but quiet. Enjoyable would be the word that I would use.

A look at local summer in Ocean City, NJ: Surf Boardwalk Mall was open, Chickie's & Pete's next door was not - Photo: Chris Coleman

Since school is back, the loudest part of the boardwalk was coming from Ocean City High School's football practice, where the coaches were blowing whistles every few seconds. There's only about 1,000 feet between the ocean and the 50-yard-line, which makes it one of the most unique settings for high school sports in the entire state.

A look at local summer in Ocean City, NJ: Ocean City High School football practice - Photo: Chris Coleman

The beaches (which are now much bigger than just a few weeks ago) were peaceful and spotless. No giant 12-by-12' canopies blocking your view, no families with 40 screaming kids, no wagons dragging a dozen beach chairs down to the water.

You could sit on the beach and just listen to the waves.

A look at local summer in Ocean City, NJ: Empty beaches - Photo: Chris Coleman

Alright, so maybe there were a few giant tents up on the beach. But certainly not as many as just a few days ago.

A look at local summer in Ocean City, NJ: A few tents on the beach with the Atlantic City skyline in the background - Photo: Chris Coleman

The rides were closed...

A look at local summer in Ocean City, NJ: An empty Playland's Castaway Cove - Photo: Chris Coleman

And if you like a bargain, this is when things start getting interesting. Many stores are offering big sales to move whatever t'shirts and other items that are left.

A look at local summer in Ocean City, NJ: Some stores are offering huge bargains - Photo: Chris Coleman

As for restaurants, just 48 hours prior, dozens of people were waiting in line for pizza at Prep's and Manco & Manco... now, you can just walk right up.

A look at local summer in Ocean City, NJ: No lines at popular pizza spots - Photo: Chris Coleman

A look at local summer in Ocean City, NJ: No lines at popular pizza spots - Photo: Chris Coleman

But if you are hungry, there's still no shortage of snacks to be had -- just be mindful that some spots close early now.

A look at local summer in Ocean City, NJ: Oves on the Boardwalk - Photo: Chris Coleman

Oh, and that sunset...

A look at local summer in Ocean City, NJ: Sunset over the boardwalk - Photo: Chris Coleman

We only have a few weeks to really enjoy local summer. My advice: take advantage of it. After work, drive down to your favorite shore town, grab a piece of pizza, and watch the sunset.

Enjoy!

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com