Ocean City, resort, city, Cape May county, southeastern New Jersey, U.S., on a barrier island between Great Egg Harbor (bridged to Somers Point and Longport) and the Atlantic Ocean, 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Atlantic City. Laid out in 1879 by Methodist ministers as a Christian seaside resort, it has remained faithful (by public vote) to its founders’ stipulation that no alcoholic beverages be sold; this has made it a popular place for religious conventions and family vacations.