Ocean Park

Ocean Park Review

A world away from the beach scene lies Ocean Park, on the southwestern edge of town. Locals and visitors like to keep the separation distinct, touting their area as a more peaceful and wholesome family-style village (to that end, there are no alcohol or tobacco sales in this little haven). This vacation community was founded in 1881 by Free Will Baptist leaders as a summer assembly with both religious and educational purposes, following the example of Chautauqua, New York. Today the community hosts an impressive variety of cultural happenings, including movies, concerts, sand sculpture contest, and workshops. Interdenominational religious services featuring guest preachers are held in the 1881 octagonal Temple, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Although the religious nature of the place is apparent in its worship schedule and some of its cultural offerings, most of its programs and activities are secular; all are welcome. There's even a public shuffleboard area for vacationers not interested in the neon carnival attractions about a mile up the road. Get an old-fashioned raspberry lime rickey at the Ocean Park Soda Fountain (near the library, at Furber Park); it's also a good place for breakfast or a light lunch.