New Jersey is home to a plethora of unique towns, but few are quite as extraordinary as Ocean City. The family-friendly shore resort is a top summer travel destination but has plenty to offer year-round. Here are a few reasons why everyone should visit “America’s Greatest Family Resort.”

For starters, Ocean City, New Jersey was named the best beach in America for 2016 by Coastal Living Magazine.
Flickr/Peter Miller
The town's boardwalk has to be among the best in America. There's so much to enjoy!
Flickr/Shawn Perez
Visit Gillian's Wonderland Pier with its historic carousel, the Ocean City Waterpark, Adventure Golf, Island Grill and Oves Restaurant - which also offers bike rentals.
Ocean City hosts unique events like the Doo Dah Parade, a tribute to all things weird, wonderful and wacky.
Flickr/Wally Wabbit
Some of the parade's most notable attributes are the Basset Hound Waddle (a brigade of over 500 basset hounds) and the traditional (shaving cream) pie throwing closing ceremony.
And we can't forget about the King and Queen of Plop, a contest that celebrates the fine art of falling down.
Facebook/Ocean City NJ
Or, the Night In Venice boat parade, which is always fun to watch.
If you still think the town is ordinary, take a look at its mascot - Martin Z. Mollusk. You'll find him at all sorts of town events.
Facebook/Ocean City NJ
And just for bragging rights, iconic actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly summered here. Her taste is impeccable.
Flickr/Peter Miller
Best of all, you don't need to wait until summer to visit this shore town - it's a winter wonderland.
Facebook/Ocean City NJ
Visit on December 2nd for their annual Christmas Parade or on select Saturdays and Sundays for free horse and carriage rides. Have breakfast with Santa, enjoy a Very Ocean City Christmas holiday show and more!
Make your overnight stay even more unique by checking in at the historic (and possibly haunted) Flanders Hotel.
Flickr/Boston Public Library

And all of this is just the beginning of what makes Ocean City, New Jersey so special. For more on the town, check out my previous article: Everyone From New Jersey Should Take This One Awesome Vacation Before They Die.

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