Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide to Ocean City, NJ with a Stay at Gloria Vare Properties

Welcome to Ocean City, NJ—affectionately known as “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” At Gloria Vare Properties, we’re proud to offer two charming vacation rentals within our beautifully restored Seaside Victorian Cottage. Just blocks from the iconic boardwalk and pristine beaches, our pet-friendly, fully equipped homes are your ideal hub for a family beach vacation packed with fun, relaxation, and nostalgic charm. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a weeklong family trip, or a reunion with friends, this guide will help you explore the best family things to do in Ocean City, NJ while enjoying all the comfort and hospitality of our unique beach house rentals.
Discover Our Seaside Victorian Cottage: Two Levels of Bliss
Nestled in one of Ocean City’s most welcoming neighborhoods, Gloria Vare Properties’ Seaside Victorian Cottage is the ultimate destination for families looking to create memories by the shore. Our historic home has been lovingly renovated to preserve its original character while incorporating the modern amenities today’s travelers expect. We offer two separate vacation rentals: a first-floor cottage for intimate getaways and a second-floor sanctuary for larger groups. Each unit features its own entrance, full kitchen, and private outdoor space.
Our first-floor rental offers three cozy bedrooms and one bathroom, making it perfect for smaller families or couples seeking comfort and convenience. A warm, welcoming living room complete with an indoor fireplace invites you to unwind after a sun-drenched day. Room-darkening shades, central heating and cooling, and ceiling fans throughout ensure a restful night’s sleep no matter the season.
Upstairs, the second-floor retreat boasts four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, ideal for extended families or larger gatherings. The bright and airy sunroom provides the perfect spot to sip morning coffee while planning the day’s adventures. Both units include complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and plenty of thoughtful touches designed to make your stay seamless and stress-free.
Beyond the interiors, we’ve prioritized outdoor living. Both units open onto a shared backyard complete with a BBQ-ready grill and patio seating. Whether you’re grilling up fresh seafood or watching the kids play while sipping wine under the stars, the outdoor space is a highlight of our Ocean City, NJ family beach house rental. We also offer free parking—a rare and valuable perk so close to the beach—and everything you need is within easy walking distance.
Walk to the Best Family Fun in Ocean City, NJ
From our front steps, it’s just a short stroll to the heart of Ocean City’s vibrant boardwalk. As a hub for classic Jersey Shore attractions, this three-mile wooden boardwalk offers something for everyone—from amusement rides and arcades to mini golf and shopping. Kids can delight in a ride on the giant Ferris wheel, cool off with frozen custard, or win a prize at the skee-ball machines. For adults, the boardwalk offers the perfect blend of nostalgia and novelty, with oceanfront dining, boutique stores, and stunning sunrise views.
If you’re seeking family things to do in Ocean City, NJ that go beyond the boardwalk, don’t miss Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and Playland’s Castaway Cove, both favorites among local and visiting families. For quieter moments, stroll or bike along the north end of the boardwalk, where dunes and sea grass frame uninterrupted views of the Atlantic.
Nature lovers will appreciate the Ocean City Welcome Center and adjacent wildlife observation area, where you can spot egrets and herons in the salt marshes. The town also boasts numerous playgrounds, bike rentals, and family-friendly events throughout the summer, such as outdoor concerts, beach movie nights, and sandcastle competitions.
Dine, Shop, and Stroll on Asbury Avenue
Just a few blocks from our vacation rentals is the beating heart of downtown Ocean City: Asbury Avenue. This tree-lined boulevard is bursting with locally owned cafes, boutiques, ice cream parlors, and gift shops. Whether you’re looking for beachwear, souvenirs, or a rainy-day bookstore find, Asbury Avenue is where Ocean City’s small-town charm truly shines.
Start your day with a coffee and pastry at a local bakery, then enjoy lunch at a cozy deli or pizzeria before exploring the shops. In the evening, indulge in homemade fudge or saltwater taffy—two of Ocean City’s most iconic treats. During peak season, Asbury Avenue also hosts family-friendly festivals and parades that make the experience even more magical for kids and parents alike.
With our rentals just a short walk away, you’ll never have to worry about parking or traffic. Enjoy the ease of coming and going on foot, with the flexibility to return for an afternoon nap, change into dry clothes, or grab a quick bite between adventures.
Comforts of Home—By the Sea
We know that traveling with family means needing space, flexibility, and comfort. That’s why both of our Gloria Vare Properties are designed with families in mind. Each unit includes a fully equipped kitchen with full-size appliances, cookware, dishware, and everything you need to prepare meals at home. Whether you’re making a hearty breakfast before hitting the beach or cooking up a seafood dinner after sunset, you’ll have the freedom to dine your way.
We also understand that pets are part of the family. That’s why we offer pet-friendly accommodations—because no family beach trip should mean leaving your four-legged companions behind. Our outdoor space is perfect for furry friends to stretch their legs, and many of Ocean City’s parks and trails welcome leashed dogs.
The convenience continues with free off-street parking, a rare perk in a beach town. Forget about meters or driving in circles—your spot will be waiting when you return from a day of exploring. Each unit is also equipped with in-unit laundry, so you can pack light and stay fresh throughout your trip.
Perhaps most important, our rentals are infused with a sense of home. From tasteful décor and soft linens to thoughtful extras like games and beach gear, we’ve taken care of the details so you can focus on what matters: spending quality time together.
Make Ocean City Memories with Gloria Vare Properties
At Gloria Vare Properties, we don’t just rent vacation homes—we share a piece of our family history. Our Seaside Victorian Cottage has been the backdrop for generations of beach memories, and we’re honored to offer that same experience to you. Whether you choose the cozy charm of our first-floor unit or the spacious tranquility of the second floor, you’ll find a welcoming environment where every detail is designed for connection, comfort, and joy.
Ocean City, NJ, is a destination like no other, and we’re proud to help families experience it at its best. From sunrises over the Atlantic to boardwalk ice cream nights, our vacation rentals offer more than just a place to sleep—they offer a place to belong. Book your family beach house rental with us today and discover the timeless charm of shore life, reimagined for modern family travelers.
Let Gloria Vare Properties be your home base for unforgettable beach vacations, filled with laughter, salty air, and the joy of being together. We can’t wait to welcome you.