If you're looking to view Night in Venice in Ocean City, NJ (OCNJ), here’s how to pick the best spot:
🛥️ Parade Route & Free Public Viewing
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The boat parade begins near the Ocean City–Longport toll bridge and travels south along the bayside to Tennessee Avenue, looping through lagoons along the way (Ocean City NJ).
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You can watch for free from designated street‑end grandstands set up between Battersea Road and 16th Street, as well as Tennessee Avenue (Ocean City NJ).
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These are first‑come, first‑served, so arriving early (after 4 PM when shuttles start running) is key (ocnjlocal, Ocean City NJ).
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Other public places like Second Street Bayside Park and nearly any street-end with bay access are also good: bring your own chairs or blankets (Ocean City NJ).
🌉 Ninth Street Bridge
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For a unique panorama, try the Ninth Street Bridge: it offers a sweeping view of the parade route along the bay (ocnjlocal).
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But note the strict rules: no chairs, stay on the bike‑path’s south shoulder, no alcohol, and don’t block traffic or walk beside cars. Police monitor this area closely (ocnjlocal, walkingtheboards.com).
🎟️ Bayside Center — Premium Viewing Option
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Located at 520 Bay Avenue, the Bayside Center offers a ticketed and amenity-rich experience: bleacher seating, face‑painting, DJ, snack stand, and picnic area (ocnj.us).
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Tickets cost $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under, and often sell out quickly—advance purchase is recommended (93.3 WMMR).
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It’s also one of the best places to enjoy the fireworks, which typically go off at around 9–9:30 PM from a barge north of the Ninth Street Bridge (walkingtheboards.com).
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Gates open around 4:30 PM, the parade starts around 6:30 PM and the viewing area stays open until around 9:30 PM (93.3 WMMR).
🚍 Parking & Shuttle Info
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Free shuttle service begins around 4 PM, from parking lots at:
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Ocean City Municipal Airport (25th Street & Bay Ave),
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Soccer Field near Tennessee Ave (off Shelter Road),
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Ocean City Community Center (1735 Simpson Avenue).
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Shuttles drop off at street-end viewing spots and the Bayside Center, then return passengers through around 10 PM (Ocean City NJ).
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Parking restrictions apply from midnight until the evening in areas including Bay Avenue between 14th–24th Streets and West 16th–18th Streets—avoid those zones or risk fines or towing (Ocean City NJ).
✅ Quick Comparison
| Viewing Option | Cost | Amenities | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public street‑end grandstands | Free | Community atmosphere, bleachers | A festive, accessible experience |
| Self‑set seating at bayfront | Free | Your own chairs/blankets | Flexibility, less crowd density |
| Ninth Street Bridge | Free | Panoramic view (standing only) | A broader view, for those who don’t mind standing |
| Bayside Center VIP Area | $6–10 | Seating, snacks, entertainment | Families or groups wanting comfort + fireworks view |
🚨 Pro Tips
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Arrive by 4:00–4:30 PM to secure prime free seating or use shuttle parking effectively (Ocean City NJ, ocnjlocal, Ocean City NJ, jerseycapevacationguide.com).
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Bring chairs or blankets when viewing from general spots; no chairs allowed on the Ninth Street Bridge (walkingtheboards.com, ocnjlocal).
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The fireworks begin after the parade ends, typically about 9–9:30 PM, best seen from street ends or the Bayside Center (jerseycapevacationguide.com).
If you’d like help choosing the best spot for your group—or want details on purchasing tickets or shuttle stops—just let me know!
