How to Plan the Perfect Family Vacation in Ocean City NJ

Start with who's coming. Two families with small kids and a set of grandparents need a different house than four adults on a long weekend, and the dates get easier once you know which homes could take you.

Then pick the part of town. Near the boardwalk, the kids can walk to rides and pizza after dinner. On the Gold Coast you're on the sand. The South End has quieter residential streets and the lifeguarded beach at 37th Street. Our locations guide lays all four out.

Look hard at the beds. Count the kings, queens, bunks and trundles and work out who sleeps where before you book. If anyone would rather skip the stairs, ask about a first-floor bedroom with its own bath.

Settle the details before you leave home. Some houses include sheets and towels and others offer them on request. Many come with beach tags. Parking runs from a garage to the street out front. Ask, and you'll pack the right things.

Then leave most of the week open. Beach in the morning, lunch back at the house, the boardwalk once it cools off, and do it again tomorrow.