I used to work with an ex-hippy who said he lived in OC during the mid 70’s when it was little more than a collection of sleazy hotels. Then a bunch of lincolns and caddilacs showed up with New Jersy license plates carrying large guys in suits from Atlantic City. These Mafia type guys started buying up ocean front property and chased all of the hippies out through direct intimidation. So those nice hotels in OC are now (so he claims) making money that directly or indirectly flows into the pockets of the Atlantic City mafia.

Otherwise the place is a over comercialized and lower qualty version of spencer gifts with sand and ocean thrown in just so you dont feel like you are on Jerry Springer.