Fourth of July in Seaside Park
The quieter, family-friendly south end of the barrier-island boardwalk
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Fourth Of July Weekend at a Glance
Late June
Confirm 2026 Date
Dusk
Fireworks Start
South Boardwalk
Best Viewing
Badges Required
Beach Access
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While You're in Seaside Park
Don't Miss
- Funtown Beach — Family-owned beach with cabana rentals, tiki hut, and BYOB allowed. Called "the best beach in North Jersey."
- Island Beach State Park — Gateway to 10 miles of undeveloped barrier island. One of the last wild beaches on the Atlantic coast.
- Seaside Park Boardwalk — Quieter, family-friendly boardwalk without the carnival atmosphere of Seaside Heights.
Quick Links
Parking Tips
Staying overnight?
Find hotels and B&Bs in Seaside Park
Why Seaside Park for July 4th?
Seaside Park is the calmer, family-oriented neighbor of Seaside Heights, sharing the south end of the same barrier-island boardwalk. Its beaches are wide and laid-back, making it a favorite for families who want the shore energy of Seaside without the peak-summer chaos.
The borough has historically held its own fireworks celebration in late June, with food trucks rolling in around 6 PM, live entertainment around 7 PM, and fireworks at dusk — always confirm the 2026 date with the borough, since it often falls before the 4th itself. Either way, you are perfectly placed for the holiday.
Just to the north, Seaside Heights runs its famous boardwalk fireworks on summer Wednesday nights (around 9:30 PM) plus a July 4th show, so visitors can often catch two displays in one trip. And to the south sits the entrance to Island Beach State Park — one of New Jersey's last undeveloped barrier-island stretches.
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How to Spend the Fourth
Morning Beach Time
Claim a quieter spot on Seaside Park's family beach — badges required, but the crowds are gentler than Seaside Heights.
Afternoon Boardwalk
Stroll the south boardwalk and walk north into Seaside Heights for rides, games, and a jumbo slice at the Sawmill.
Sunset Dinner
Dinner at Berkeley Fish Market or JR's Ocean Bar & Grill, with a stop for fudge at Hershey's before the show.
Fireworks Magic
Catch Seaside Park's late-June dusk show, or the Seaside Heights boardwalk fireworks (~9:30 PM). Confirm dates before you go.
Where to Eat
Park Bakery
$Bakery / Breakfast
Seaside Park morning staple for fresh pastries and crumb cake — go early on holiday weekends
Berkeley Fish Market
$$Seafood / Market
Local fish market and casual seafood — great for a relaxed beach-day dinner
The Sawmill
$Pizza / Boardwalk
Famous south-boardwalk spot for jumbo pizza slices — a Seaside Park rite of passage
JR's Ocean Bar & Grill
$$American / Bar
Casual oceanfront bar and grill — busy and fun on holiday nights
Klee's Bar & Grill
$$Pizza / Bar
Nearby Seaside Heights institution known for its pizza and lively atmosphere
Hershey's Ice Cream
$Ice Cream / Dessert
Boardwalk fudge and ice cream — the classic walk-and-eat treat
Where to Stay
Windjammer Motor Inn
Oceanfront Seaside motel
Pool and beach access near the boardwalk
Aztec Ocean Resort
Seaside Heights resort
Family amenities a short walk north, close to the boardwalk fireworks
Hershey Motel
Classic shore value stay
Pool, family-friendly, walkable to beach and boardwalk, peak demand on holidays
VRBO Vacation Rentals
Home away from home
Full kitchens, multiple bedrooms for families
Choose your stay
Choose a place in Seaside Park, then check the room and full price for your dates.
Check dates, full price, room details and terms.
Powered by Booking.com
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Things to Do
fourth of july Weekend Tips
Getting There
- • The barrier island is reached via Route 37 from Toms River — expect heavy holiday traffic
- • Seaside Park sits at the south end, past Seaside Heights — allow extra time
- • Island Beach State Park is a dead-end road south, so plan around its closures
Parking
- • Pay lots near the boardwalk are your best bet on the busiest nights
- • Park once and walk between Seaside Park and Seaside Heights
Beach Access
- • Beach badges are required in Seaside Park
- • Day badges are sold at beach entrances
- • Confirm the borough fireworks date — it often falls in late June, not on the 4th
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More July 4th Shore Towns
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Seaside Park fireworks in 2026?
Seaside Park has traditionally held its fireworks celebration in late June rather than on July 4 itself, with food trucks around 6 PM, live entertainment around 7 PM, and fireworks at dusk. Confirm the exact 2026 date with the Borough of Seaside Park before planning your trip.
Can I see Seaside Heights fireworks from Seaside Park?
Yes. Seaside Heights, directly to the north, runs boardwalk fireworks on summer Wednesday nights around 9:30 PM plus a July 4th show. From Seaside Park you can walk north along the boardwalk to catch them, making a one-trip, two-display weekend easy.
Is Seaside Park good for families on July 4th?
Seaside Park is the quieter, family-friendly south end of the barrier island, with calmer beaches than Seaside Heights and easy access to Island Beach State Park. You get the shore's holiday energy nearby without the peak boardwalk crowds. Beach badges are required.
Plan a Family July 4th in Seaside Park
Quieter beaches, two nearby fireworks shows, and the gateway to Island Beach State Park make Seaside Park a relaxed Independence Day base.