Boardwalk Bites
One of my favorite things about the Ocean City Boardwalk is that no matter your age, it has a way of bringing out your inner child. Whether you’re carrying a bag of saltwater taffy home as a souvenir, stopping for a piece of creamy fudge after dinner, or letting kids fill a candy bag with their favorite treats, there’s something about a sweet treat that completes a day at the shore.
As a kid, a trip to the candy store always felt like a reward after a day on the beach or an evening spent riding the amusement rides. Even today, I find myself stopping for a piece of chocolate or browsing the colorful displays just for the nostalgia. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, here are a few Boardwalk favorites worth visiting.
When people think of the Jersey Shore, one of the first treats that comes to mind is saltwater taffy, and Shriver’s has been a Boardwalk tradition for generations.
Located on Ninth Street, Shriver’s is known for its colorful window displays and wide variety of classic saltwater taffy flavors. Every summer, I have friends visiting from out of town who never leave without picking up a box to bring home for family and friends. Beyond the taffy, visitors will also find chocolates, gummies, nostalgic candies, homemade fudge, and even gelato, making it easy to satisfy every sweet craving in one stop.
Walking past the windows at The Original Fudge Kitchen is enough to make anyone stop. Watching fresh fudge being poured and cut while the smell of chocolate fills the air is part of the experience.
Located across from the Ocean City Music Pier, the shop offers a variety of fudge flavors made fresh throughout the day. While there are plenty of creative options to choose from, I always find myself going back to the classic chocolate. Sometimes you just can’t beat a timeless favorite.
Bright colors, oversized candy displays, and shelves packed with sweet treats make IT’SUGAR hard to miss.
Located on Ninth Street, this candy store offers everything from nostalgic favorites to trendy treats and novelty candies. One of the best parts is creating your own mix-and-match candy bag, letting you fill it with exactly what you’re craving. You’ll also find fun candy creations that look like everyday foods, making it just as entertaining to browse as it is to shop.
After an evening of rides at Playland’s Castaway Cove, Jilly’s Candy Factory is always a fun stop.
One of my favorite features is the chance to create your own Pixy Stix by mixing different flavored powders into one tube. It’s become a tradition whenever I’m babysitting. We spend the evening on the rides, then end the night picking out candy before heading home. With its colorful characters, welcoming atmosphere and endless selection of sweets, it’s easy to see why families return year after year.
While many visitors know George’s for its ice cream, the candy selection inside deserves just as much attention.
Located on Seventh Street, the shop offers chocolates, candy, and chocolate-covered treats, including pretzels topped with colorful sprinkles and other fun toppings. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a gift to bring home, there’s plenty to choose from.
Just steps from the Surf Mall, Douglas Candies has welcomed Boardwalk visitors for generations.
As soon as you walk through the doors, you’re greeted by the rich aroma of chocolate. The shop offers homemade fudge, chocolates, saltwater taffy, and beautifully packaged assortments that make great gifts or the perfect late-night snack after a day on the Boardwalk.
Known for its hand-dipped waffle cones and premium ice cream, Kilwins is also one of my favorite places to satisfy a chocolate craving.
Located in the heart of the Boardwalk, the shop offers handcrafted chocolates, caramel apples, fudge, and other sweet treats. While the ice cream often steals the spotlight, don’t overlook the chocolate display. As someone who loves chocolate, Kilwins is always near the top of my list.
Some traditions never change, and for many families, stopping for a sweet treat before heading home is one of them. Whether it’s a box of saltwater taffy to share with family, a piece of fresh fudge after dinner, or or a bag filled with your favorite childhood candies, the Ocean City Boardwalk has no shortage of ways to end the day on a sweet note.
Sometimes it’s not just about the candy itself — it’s the memories made while picking it out, sharing it with loved ones and carrying on traditions that keep families coming back to Ocean City year after year.
