
Playland's Castaway Cove Ocean City New Jersey
Classic boardwalk amusement park in Ocean City, NJ, featuring thrilling rides like Gale Force and family-friendly attractions.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter lines

Playland's Castaway Cove Ocean City New Jersey
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter lines

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Classic boardwalk amusement park in Ocean City, NJ, featuring thrilling rides like Gale Force and family-friendly attractions.
"Wonderful, family-friendly amusement park right on the boardwalk. Affordable ride tickets that do not expire!"

🎟️ Buy Tickets Wisely
Look for off-season half-price sales or ticket bundles for better value. Tickets don't expire!
🚀 Gale Force is a Must-Ride
This triple-launch coaster is a highlight, offering intense airtime and a unique drop.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gale Force Roller Coaster
Main park area
Experience a thrilling triple-launch coaster with intense airtime and a unique 100-degree drop.

Cyclone Roller Coaster
Near the boardwalk entrance
A classic wooden coaster offering a fun, albeit sometimes intense, ride experience.

Kiddie Rides
Designated family area
A variety of gentle rides perfect for younger children, ensuring fun for the whole family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Thrills
Ticket Strategy for Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Wisely
Look for off-season half-price sales or ticket bundles for better value. Tickets don't expire!
🚀 Gale Force is a Must-Ride
This triple-launch coaster is a highlight, offering intense airtime and a unique drop.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the boardwalk and in the park.
📱 Check Ride Status
Popular rides can have wait times. Consider visiting during off-peak hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Wisely
Look for off-season half-price sales or ticket bundles for better value. Tickets don't expire!
🚀 Gale Force is a Must-Ride
This triple-launch coaster is a highlight, offering intense airtime and a unique drop.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on the boardwalk and in the park.
📱 Check Ride Status
Popular rides can have wait times. Consider visiting during off-peak hours.
💰 Tip Food Service Staff
Many food workers are college students earning summer money.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playland's Castaway Cove is a beloved family-friendly amusement park on the Ocean City boardwalk, praised for its variety of rides for all ages and the thrilling Gale Force coaster. While ticket prices can be a concern for some, the non-expiring nature of tickets and off-season sales offer good value. Occasional issues with staff rudeness are noted, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"Playland's Castaway Cove is such a fun place! 🎢 There’s a great variety of rides for all ages, from the little ones to thrill-seekers. The park is clean, easy to get around, and has that classic boardwalk amusement vibe. Perfect spot for families or just a fun night out by the beach. Definitely a must-visit when in Ocean City!"
Olha B
"This is where the rides are located and it will get much busier once the sun sets. Rides are 4-5 tickets each. The main roller coaster is $10/tickets per ride. They don't have alot of rides but a decent amount to have fun."
Mikeyy Lunarezz
"Wonderful Boardwalk Park just feet away from the beach, tons of shops, and plenty of good times! Prices are rather steep, but the variety of rides and things to do nearby make up for it! Public parking nearby was $15 for the day when I recently went, and there is a beautiful hotel (The Flanders Hotel) right around the corner if you wish to stay in the area for the night! Well worth the trip to visit!"
Unfaded Entertainment
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playland's Castaway Cove is conveniently located on the Ocean City Boardwalk at 1020 Boardwalk, Ocean City, NJ 08226. You can access it directly from the boardwalk. Parking can be found in nearby lots or on the street, though it can be competitive during peak season.
Yes, there are parking lots and street parking available near the boardwalk. Be prepared for potential fees and competition for spots, especially on weekends and during summer.
Absolutely! If you're already in Ocean City, walking along the boardwalk is a fantastic way to reach the park. It's a central part of the Ocean City boardwalk experience.
Ocean City is accessible by car via the Garden State Parkway. Public transportation options include bus services that connect to nearby cities.
While there isn't direct public transport to the park itself, you can take buses to Ocean City and then walk or use local trolleys to reach the boardwalk where the park is located.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Playland's Castaway Cove is free; you pay per ride using tickets. Ticket bundles are available for purchase online and in the park, and they are a good value. Look out for off-season half-price sales for significant savings.
No, the tickets you purchase for Playland's Castaway Cove do not expire, so you can use them year after year.
Yes, ticket bundles can be purchased online in advance, which can sometimes offer a slight discount or convenience.
Operating hours vary seasonally and can change based on weather. It's best to check the official Playland's Castaway Cove website or their social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, look for off-season half-price ticket sales, which are a popular way to save money. Sometimes, special promotions or bundles are offered.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The Gale Force roller coaster is a major thrill and a must-ride for adrenaline seekers. The Cyclone roller coaster is a classic boardwalk thrill. There are also many rides suitable for younger children.
Yes, the park has a dedicated area with several rides specifically designed for younger children, making it a family-friendly destination.
It's a classic boardwalk amusement park atmosphere, lively and fun, especially when lit up at night. It's known for being family-oriented.
Yes, restrooms are available within the park, though some reviews mention they could be cleaner. They are generally functional.
Generally, amusement parks have restrictions on outside food and drinks. It's best to check their specific policy, but there are food stands within the park.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are various food stands within the park, including a Dairy Queen. You can find typical amusement park fare. Tipping the college students working the food lines is appreciated.
Specific vegetarian or vegan options are not widely advertised, but typical amusement park food like fries or pretzels might be available. It's best to inquire at individual food stands.
Since entry to the park is free, you can likely leave and re-enter, especially if you are just walking the boardwalk. However, confirm re-entry policies if you plan to exit and return.
Yes, there is a Dairy Queen located within or adjacent to the park, offering ice cream and other treats.
Food prices are typical for amusement parks and boardwalk locations, which can be a bit higher than off-site options.
📸 📸 Photography
The Gale Force coaster offers dramatic shots, especially at night when the park lights up. The boardwalk itself provides a classic Jersey Shore backdrop.
Yes, the park lights up beautifully at night, making it a great time for photography, especially for rides like Gale Force.
The large pirate sign at the entrance is a recognizable landmark. Capturing the energy of the boardwalk and the rides in action also makes for great photos.
Most parks prohibit loose articles, including phones and cameras, on rides for safety reasons. Check individual ride policies, but generally, handheld photography on rides is not allowed.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting. Nighttime provides a unique, illuminated perspective of the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that tickets don't expire, so you can buy them in advance or during sales for future visits. The park's location on the boardwalk also means you can easily combine your visit with other family-friendly boardwalk activities.
🎢 Thrill Seekers
Don't overlook the Cyclone roller coaster, a classic wooden coaster that still delivers a good thrill. Visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours will help you maximize your ride time on these popular attractions.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tickets don't expire, so buying a larger bundle during a sale means you're set for future visits too. Consider packing your own snacks or planning meals off the boardwalk to save on food costs, though there are food stands within the park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Gale Force
Redditors describe Gale Force as an 'utterly insane ride' with 'all gas, no brakes,' especially appreciating its compact elements that make it perfect for a boardwalk park. The ride's unique design and powerful launches contribute to its reputation as a must-try attraction for coaster enthusiasts.
For the best experience, consider riding Gale Force during off-peak hours to minimize wait times. Night rides are also highly recommended, as the park's lights create a spectacular atmosphere.
Family Fun on the Boardwalk
Many reviews highlight the park's suitability for children, with parents appreciating the variety of rides available for different age groups. The park's location directly on the Ocean City Boardwalk adds to its appeal, allowing families to easily combine a visit to the amusement park with a stroll along the shore.
While tickets can add up, the ability to purchase them in bundles or during off-season sales can make a family outing more affordable. The park's welcoming environment makes it a popular choice for creating lasting family memories on the Jersey Shore.
Navigating Tickets and Value
Savvy visitors often look for off-season sales, particularly half-price ticket promotions, which significantly reduce the cost per ride. This strategy makes frequent visits more feasible for locals and dedicated fans. While some reviews mention ticket prices can be a bit high during peak season, the non-expiring nature of the tickets and the availability of bundles help mitigate this.
For those planning multiple rides or a full day of fun, purchasing a larger ticket bundle is generally more economical than buying individual tickets. This approach allows families to enjoy more attractions without constantly worrying about running out of tickets.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit