Seaside Heights is perhaps the most famous—or infamous—boardwalk town on the Jersey Shore. Made internationally known by MTV's "Jersey Shore," the town has worked hard to balance its party reputation with family-friendly improvements. Notably, iconic party spots Karma and Bamboo Bar were demolished in 2021-2023 for condos—signaling deliberate family-friendly repositioning. The result is a boardwalk that still delivers thrills and late-night energy but increasingly welcomes families during daylight hours.
Both Seaside Heights and neighboring Seaside Park rebuilt extensively after Hurricane Sandy's 2012 devastation and a 2013 boardwalk fire that destroyed nearly 50 businesses. The boardwalk now receives a $4.8 million upgrade, and the restored 1928 Dentzel/Looff carousel featuring 58 hand-carved wooden animals reopened in July 2024. The recovery story is remarkable—what was underwater rubble a decade ago now buzzes with the same energy that's drawn crowds since Casino Pier opened in 1932.
Casino Pier anchors the boardwalk with Hydrus (a Euro-Fighter roller coaster replacing the storm-lost Star Jet), the Giant Ferris Wheel, and Air Race with 3-G loops. Wristbands run $40-60 for all-day access, or pay per ride for shorter visits. Breakwater Beach Waterpark ($34-40 admission) offers slides and pools for cooling off. The Sky Ride chairlift gives aerial views of the whole operation. Despite its reputation, the wide beaches are surprisingly uncrowded compared to the bustling boardwalk—most visitors come for the rides, not the sand.
Beach badges run $13/day or $75/season (under 11 free, active military free). Parking is $1-2/hour at meters and lots, with peak summer rates 2-3x higher. Teen curfews are in effect—the town takes crowd management seriously. Lifeguards patrol through Labor Day. For quieter beach time, head south to Seaside Park's beaches, which offer the same sand without the boardwalk intensity.
The food scene leans toward boardwalk classics done right. Maruca's Tomato Pies has served Trenton-style pizza since 1950—cheese first, sauce swirled on top, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Midway Steak House draws lines for Italian sausage sandwiches and legendary cheeseballs. PJ's Place is the only BYOB with sit-down service on the boardwalk. Spicy Cantina's rooftop is a well-kept secret for tacos and margaritas with boardwalk views. For fine dining, Chef Mike's ABG in Seaside Park requires reservations 1.5+ weeks ahead and enforces a dress code. Expect $8-15 for boardwalk fare, $35-60 for sit-down spots.
On the bay side, Seaside Heights sits on the Barnegat Peninsula with access to Barnegat Bay. The T-docks along the bayfront are popular crabbing spots—bring a handline and chicken necks for blue crabs. Calm bay waters offer kayaking and paddleboarding away from the ocean energy. The February Polar Bear Plunge draws 8,000+ participants and raises millions for Special Olympics NJ. March's St. Patrick's Day parade is one of the largest on the East Coast.
Seaside Heights works best for thrill seekers, young adults looking for affordable entertainment, and families with older kids who want roller coasters and games. Budget travelers appreciate motels from $84/night and all-day wristbands that deliver genuine value. Skip this town if you want quiet beach relaxation—that's what Lavallette or Bay Head deliver. But for classic Jersey Shore boardwalk energy, updated for the modern era, Seaside Heights delivers exactly what it promises.
