Least crowded surf spots in Ocean City

Ocean City, New Jersey

Recommendations refresh every 30 minutes based on tide, wind, and crowd telemetry from Quiver.

When Ocean City lineups stack up, knowing a backup changes everything. These 3 breaks range from tucked-away reef passes to underrated sandbars that stay empty even on weekend south pulses.

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Featured Beaches(2)

1st Street Jetty

Intermediate

The 1st Street Jetty at the north end of Ocean City produces consistent rights off the rock structure.

Waverly Beach

Beginner friendly

Waverly Beach is the quietest of Ocean City's three designated surfing beaches, offering all-skill-level waves.

Today's low-crowd plan in Ocean City

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Top picks

11st Street Jetty
2.1 ft15 mph
2Waverly Beach
0.6 ft15 mph
Secondary peaks and tide windows that thin crowdsParking tricks and walk-in trails most visitors skipForecast cues that trigger locals-only surgesNearby alternates when the primary target turns into a zoo

Crowd & access intel for Ocean City beaches

Local crowd levels, parking tips, and access routes to help you find emptier lineups.

1st Street Jetty
jetty
intermediate

The 1st Street Jetty at the north end of Ocean City produces consistent rights off the rock structure.

Typical crowd
moderate
Crowd intel

Less crowded than 7th Street due to the walk north.

Parking

Street parking along 1st Street area.

Access

North end of Ocean City, near the inlet. Walk from 1st Street beach access.

7th Street Beach
beach
intermediate

7th Street Beach is Ocean City's most iconic surf spot, home to surfing since 1967.

Typical crowd
crowded
Crowd intel

Very crowded on any rideable swell. Local contest site draws competitive surfers.

Parking

Street parking and municipal lots nearby. Arrive early in summer.

Access

Beach access at 7th Street. Designated surf beach with lifeguard hours.

Waverly Beach
beach
beginner-intermediate

Waverly Beach is the quietest of Ocean City's three designated surfing beaches, offering all-skill-level waves.

Typical crowd
moderate
Crowd intel

Quietest of OCNJ's surf beaches. Less competitive vibe than 7th Street.

Parking

Street parking near Waverly Avenue.

Access

Beach access at Waverly Avenue. Designated surf area.

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Wave Quality7/10
Crowd4/10
Overall8/10

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Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Ocean City

Less crowded surf spots in Ocean City include 1st Street Jetty, Waverly Beach. Early mornings and weekdays offer the best chance for empty lineups and more waves to yourself.
Early morning dawn patrol sessions (before 8 AM) and weekday afternoons are typically the least crowded times to surf in Ocean City. Weekends and holidays see the biggest crowds, especially from 9 AM to 2 PM.
To avoid crowds in Ocean City, try surfing during off-peak hours, explore lesser-known breaks, check conditions midweek, and be flexible with your surf schedule. Local knowledge and timing around tide changes can also help you find emptier lineups.

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