Off-Season Beach Town Ocean City Attracts Thanksgiving Visitors
Ocean City, New Jersey, has become an off-season travel destination, drawing Thanksgiving week visitors after the summer crowds have dispersed.
Ocean City, New Jersey, is cultivating a new identity beyond its summer beach season, attracting visitors during the Thanksgiving holiday week. Cape May County tourism officials now designate the region as a nine-month vacation destination, with Ocean City serving as a prime example of this extended tourism appeal.
County lodging revenue reportedly increased by $104 million in December 2024 compared to the previous year, according to tourism data. This growth is attributed to a sustained calendar of fall and winter programming that runs from October through February, drawing visitors with quieter beaches and open shops along the Boardwalk.
Key to the town's off-season draw is its Thanksgiving morning "Fast and Furriest 5K Turkey Trot" event. This race, benefiting the local Humane Society, has become a holiday tradition for families, often paired with activities like beach walks or visits to local parks.
The town's established reputation as a family-friendly, alcohol-free destination, recognized as "Happiest Seaside Town" in 2018, continues to shape its appeal during the holiday travel season.