Ocean Ave, Ocean Park

Ocean Avenue is just like it sounds: for the majority of its route, it is right on the Ocean. This, naturally, makes the buildings prime real estate which in turns makes everything insanely expensive. And, some of the places on the street are horrid and you end up pretty annoyed that you paid a small fortune but some of the places are fantastic and you get an ocean view! What's better than that?
As far as restaurants, there is a real run of the mill, but some of the best restaurants in the city are on this street. Capo is one of the most expensive restaurants I've ever eaten at, but it's also definitely the best restaurant I've ever been to in this city or anywhere else. If it can at all be afforded, this place is not to be missed. The Lobster has the most amazing view because it's literally on the pier so every table looks like it's surrounded by water. Unfortunately, the food is less than stellar, so I always go for a drink at sunset. That view is incredible and the ambience of the place is far less stuffy than many of its neighbors. The Ivy at the Shore, I can do without, but some people love it. The Ivy has never had food to write home about and I can't understand why anyone would go to the Ivy that wasn't the Robertson one if you're going at all; but, I will say that their Gimlet knocks my socks off every time. There are some less pricey restaurants on the street that are acceptable: i Cugini, Ocean Ave Seafood and One Pico are alright. One Pico is a little pricey for brunch but it's not terrible and the Shutters Hotel that houses it is so cute and the view really is amazing. Which brings me to the hotels . . .
Some of the hotels on Ocean are incredible. Casa Del Mar is one of the most beautiful and opulent hotels I've ever seen with sweeping ocean views. The Shutters is darling and looks very New England beach town in design. And the W is, of course, very cool and they let you bring your dog which is great for a beach hotel. All of these, though, while worth it in my opinon, are insanely expensive. You are definitely paying for that water view.
There aren't really any bars on Ocean and you can't live on the street (or, I wouldn't). But, as far as a tourist street, or tourist in your own city street, it's hard to beat Ocean. There are all walks of life roaming up and down the street trying to get a view of the famous pier with the ferris wheel or just strolling for the view of the water in general. It's a pretty beautiful street and you definitely won't go hungry traversing it.