Seaside Heights isn’t a quiet beach town, and it never has been.
It’s a boardwalk-first, beach-second kind of place, built around food stands, arcades, and bars.
On a summer weekend, the crowd is a mix of families dragging boogie boards, day-trippers trying to win oversized stuffed animals, and groups looking for a night out that probably won’t end early, plus everything in between.
Though it’s no secret that the town has taken its hits over the years—Hurricane Sandy wiped out most of the boardwalk in 2012, and a fire took out what was left of Funtown Pier the following year.
And for a while, the only thing people associated with Seaside Heights was an MTV reality show.
But the boardwalk came back, and the same businesses that had been here for decades kept pulling in crowds.
If you’re heading down, it helps to know what’s worth your time, and this guide covers where to eat, where to drink, and what to expect if you’re staying out late.
Let’s get into it, shall we?
Getting to Seaside Heights, New Jersey
Getting to Seaside Heights, New Jersey, is easy enough—the hard part is getting in and out without sitting in traffic.
Driving
If you’re coming from New York City or North Jersey, the fastest route is taking the Garden State Parkway to Exit 82, which drops you onto Route 37 East.
From there, it’s about nine miles over the bridge before you hit the Seaside Heights entrance.
On a normal day, this takes about two hours from NYC—but summer weekends are another story.
From Philadelphia, take Route 70 East until it meets Route 37 in Lakehurst. Follow Route 37 East over the bridge, and you’re in.
Expect at least 90 minutes, but add extra time on Fridays and Saturdays.
Traffic & When to Avoid It
Route 37 is the biggest traffic choke point on the way in.
By late morning on a summer Saturday, what should be a five-minute drive over the bridge can turn into a stop-and-go nightmare that takes 45 minutes.
You’ll want to arrive before 10 AM to avoid traffic.
And if you’re heading out on a Sunday, leaving before 3 PM will save you from sitting in the usual mass exit of weekend crowds.
Public Transit
If you’re not driving, NJ Transit runs a bus from Port Authority in New York to Toms River.
And then you’ll need to take a local bus or taxi the rest of the way. It’s not the most convenient option, but it works if you don’t want to deal with parking or traffic.
Parking: What to Expect
From April to October, parking in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, is metered at $1-$2 per hour.
The closer you are to the boardwalk, the more likely you are to pay at a kiosk or meter.
But to avoid paying, there’s a free lot at Grant Avenue—though it’s about a four-block walk to the boardwalk.
In case you’re planning to stay all day, pay attention to the time limits on meters.
Some have restrictions, and the last thing you want is to come back from the beach and find a parking ticket waiting for you.
The Boardwalk: Attractions & Arcades
The Seaside Heights boardwalk is arguably what makes the town what it is.
It’s packed with arcades, rides, and game booths that have taken people’s money for decades.
While plenty are worth the time, others really aren’t. So, if you know what to skip, you won’t waste a dime on the wrong spots.
Casino Pier: What’s Worth It
Casino Pier is the main attraction, but most rides are forgettable.
That said, if you’re here for an actual thrill, you’ll get just that on the Hydrus coaster, with its 97-degree drop.
The Sky Ride is another one to consider, but not for excitement—a slow-moving chairlift that gives you a view of the beach and boardwalk.
Sure, it’s overpriced, but it’s a good way to take a break while still feeling like you’re in the middle of everything.
Breakwater Beach Waterpark
Attached to Casino Pier, Breakwater Beach is set up for families—you’ll find slides, a lazy river, and splash areas for younger kids.
So, if you’re spending the whole day in town and want a break from the ocean, it’s an option—but if you’re short on time, I’d stick to the beach if I were you.
Arcades: The Ones That Matter
There are plenty of arcades on the boardwalk, but Lucky Leo’s and Coin Castle are the ones that still feel like classic boardwalk spots.
They still run on paper tickets, have Skee-Ball and claw machines, and haven’t changed much in decades.
The prize counters are what you’d expect—cheap toys, stuffed animals, and the rare big-ticket item that almost nobody ever wins.
A few of the newer arcades switched over to digital tickets and touchscreen games, though if you want something that actually feels like a boardwalk arcade, go with the old-school ones.
Shops & Boardwalk Stands
Most boardwalk shops sell the usual beach gear, T-shirts, and souvenirs.
But for something more than the standard boardwalk merch, Island Soul has name-brand swimwear and casual clothing, and you’ll find jewelry and small gifts at Le Petit Garage.
Not to mention, visiting an NJ boardwalk without getting some saltwater taffy or fudge would be a crime, and Berkeley Sweet Shop is the go-to. It’s been around for decades and is known for its homemade candy.
Seaside Heights Beach: What to Expect & Costs
Spending the day on Seaside Heights beach isn’t free—you’ll need a beach badge to get on.
Daily passes cost $10 per person, while kids under 11 get in free. And if you’re coming regularly, a seasonal pass will save you money.
The beach itself has changed over the years. After Hurricane Sandy, a massive sand replenishment project expanded the shoreline.
So, there’s more space to spread out, but it also means a longer walk from the boardwalk to the water.
Where to Set Up
Of course, the right spot depends on the beach day you’re looking for.
For example:
- For surfing, the north end is the best bet. Sandbars create some of the better waves on this stretch of the coast.
- For quick access to food and the boardwalk, the central section is the most convenient.
- For a quieter spot, head south toward Seaside Park, where the crowds thin out.
Rules & Restrictions
There’s no alcohol, no smoking, and no glass allowed on the beach.
Lifeguards are on duty from 10 AM to 5 PM, and once they’re gone, swimming is off-limits.
If drinking on the sand is a dealbreaker, Funtown Beach in Seaside Park allows BYOB and is within walking distance.
Where to Eat: The Best Boardwalk & Local Spots
Seaside Heights isn’t known for high-end dining, but some places have built a solid reputation.
Maruca’s Tomato Pies has been on the boardwalk since the 1950s, serving Trenton-style pizza with a thin crust and a swirl of sauce.
But if you’re after size over tradition, Sawmill is where you’ll find oversized slices that are practically a meal on their own.
For a cheesesteak, Midway Steak House is the one to go for. It’s been there forever, the portions are solid, and the line usually tells you everything you need to know. Cheese fries are the move if you’re making it a full meal.
Seafood on the boardwalk can be questionable, but Park Seafood is one of the better bets.
They do lobster rolls, crab cakes, and fried clams without cutting corners. It’s pricier than most spots nearby, but that comes with getting fresh seafood instead of something that’s been sitting under a heat lamp.
If you need a break from fried food, Free Range offers fresh salads, sandwiches, and solid breakfast options. It’s one of the few places you won’t walk away feeling like you need a nap.
Also, bear in mind that most boardwalk spots only take cash, and the ATMs charge ridiculous fees.
And as you can probably guess, lines get long, especially in peak season, so if you’re eating between noon and 8 PM, expect to wait.
Nightlife & Bars
The Seaside Heights beach may clear out at sunset, but the bars don’t.
Spicy Cantina is always packed, especially on weekends, with margaritas, tacos, and a second-floor bar that overlooks the beach. You’ll find day drinkers and night crowds, but once it gets late, expect a louder, more party-heavy scene.
If you’re looking for a club-style spot, Hemingway’s Café is where people go to get their boogie on and dance the night away. As one of the bigger bars in town, it fills up fast, especially in peak season.
For something less hectic, Jimbo’s Bar & Grill is more of a sit-down spot. It’s still right on the boardwalk, but it’s a better option for grabbing drinks without dealing with a packed crowd.
After the bars close, the next stop is Sawmill for a late-night slice. It’s been a go-to for years—massive pizza slices that are exactly what you need after a few drinks.
Events & Annual Traditions
Seaside Heights draws big crowds in the summer, but the events here go beyond beach season.
From annual parades to free concerts, there’s always something happening, and some of the biggest turnouts come when it’s too cold to even think about swimming.
Parades & Festivals
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March is perhaps the biggest early-season event in town. It runs down the Boulevard, packed with floats, bagpipers, and local organizations.
Even if you’re not Irish, it’s a good excuse for a boardwalk day, and the bars fill up fast once the parade wraps up.
In October, you’ve got the Columbus Day Parade & Italian Festival. The parade includes traditional Italian heritage groups, marching bands, and local businesses, but the main draw is the food festival along the boardwalk.
Summer Events
July and August bring Movies on the Beach, with free outdoor screenings on Thursday and Sunday nights at Hiering Avenue Beach. Locals and visitors bring their own chairs and blankets, and it’s first-come, first-served—just grab a spot in the sand and settle in.
Live music is also part of summer here, with free tribute bands and local artist concerts on Monday and Thursday nights. Monday shows happen at the Franklin Avenue Stage, and Thursday concerts are right on the beach at Blaine Avenue.
Polar Bear Plunge
And we can’t forget to mention the Polar Bear Plunge; the event happens in February when thousands of people run straight into the freezing Atlantic.
It’s a charity fundraiser for the Special Olympics, but a lot of people do it just for the experience.
Some wear costumes, some do it for bragging rights, and everyone ends up freezing.
Do you think you could brave the plunge? Only one way to find out!
Seaside New Jersey: Final Thoughts
As we’ve seen today, Seaside Heights is predictable in the best way.
The same boardwalk spots that have been around for decades still pull crowds every summer, and when the season hits, the energy is the same as it’s always been.
Even in the off-season, the town doesn’t stay quiet for long. The Polar Bear Plunge, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and Columbus Day Festival keep the boardwalk packed when the weather isn’t beach-friendly.
Although it’s not for everyone, if you’re after packed beaches, late nights, and a boardwalk that still does things the old-school way, Seaside Heights delivers every time.
P.S. If you’re heading to Seaside Heights, why not check out one of the other best places to visit in New Jersey while you’re at it?
