Great Weekend in Ocean City Without the Big Crowds

With most public schools in southern New Jersey just finishing up this week or early next, June 18 and 19 will be the last of the relatively quiet weekends in Ocean City.

The season will start in earnest June 25 and 26 and the Shore mayhem will continue through Labor Day.

So here are a few things in store if you can sneak away:

• A warm ocean: Lots of sun and easterly winds have combined to keep the ocean temperature in the 70s all week. That's not exactly tropical, but for mid-June it's pretty toasty. Check the .
• Ocean City Restaurant Week: The island is in the midst of a rancorous debate over allowing in town, but if you want to sample Ocean City's finest sans alcohol, you can check out the two-for-one deals during June 20-26.
• Miss New Jersey: The Miss America Pageant sailed from Atlantic City to Las Vegas in 2006, but you can still watch the in Ocean City. The winner represents the state in the national pageant in January.
• Family Fun Day: If the pageant isn't your style, check out the on 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. The event takes place on the beach and Boardwalk from 9th to 12th streets and includes pony rides on the beach, live music on the boardwalk, a father-son look-alike contest and more. Johnson's Popcorn sponsors the event, and the best part: It's free.

Don't forget that are now required at all Ocean City beaches.