Seaside Heights Beach gained international recognition through the MTV reality series Jersey Shore, though the beach and boardwalk had been a fixture of New Jersey summer culture for more than a century before the show aired. The beach runs along Ocean Terrace, facing east across the Atlantic with fine pale-gold sand and a wide, gently sloping shore break that is moderate in energy and suitable for casual swimmers. A daily beach badge (approximately $9) is required for adults, with lifeguards posted from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The real identity of Seaside Heights is defined by the boardwalk that runs more than a mile parallel to the beach: over 60 amusement rides, carnival games, arcades, funnel cake stands, pizza windows, and bars animate the promenade from morning into the late evening hours on summer weekends. Casino Pier and Funtown Pier are the main boardwalk amusement concentrations. Superstorm Sandy in October 2012 caused severe damage to the boardwalk and Casino Pier — the iconic Star Jet roller coaster remained visible in the ocean for months — but reconstruction over subsequent years expanded and upgraded the facilities. Volleyball courts on the beach and seasonal water sports rentals near the main access points cater to active visitors. The crowd composition skews young, with college-age and twenties visitors dominating weekend evenings when boardwalk bars extend their hours. Families with children are the primary daytime beach users, particularly on weekdays. Seaside Heights is accessible by car via Garden State Parkway exit 82, then Route 37 East and Route 35 South; NJ Transit bus 137 provides a roughly 25-minute connection from Toms River.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- beach badge required (~$9/day)
- restrooms
- boardwalk with amusements
- rides
- arcades
- food stands
- volleyball courts
Good to know
- Best for
- partiers, families, swimmers, sunbathers, couples
Location
Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
39.9460, -74.0749 View on map
Highlights
- Classic Jersey Shore boardwalk with over a mile of amusement rides, carnival games, bars, and food stalls
- Wide, east-facing Atlantic beach with moderate shore break and lifeguard coverage in season
- Volleyball courts on the beach and seasonal water sports rentals near the main access ramps
- NJ Transit bus connection from Toms River for visitors without a car
- Lively weekend atmosphere drawing young crowds from across the New York–Philadelphia corridor
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by 09:00 on summer weekends to secure beachfront parking before lots reach capacity; rates are typically $10–$15 per day in municipal lots
- Beach badge kiosks open at 09:00 — buying a badge before setting up is faster than returning to the stand mid-session
- The southern section of the beach toward Seaside Park tends to be slightly less packed than the stretch directly behind Casino Pier
- Boardwalk bars are busiest after 21:00; families planning to depart before evening will find the beach experience calmer
- Food stands and most rides close in September, but the beach remains open and is far quieter post-Labor Day
When to visit
July and August for the full boardwalk and beach experience with warm water (68–74°F). June and September offer comfortable swimming with noticeably thinner crowds. Weekday visits are significantly less crowded than weekends throughout the summer season.
Accessibility
The main boardwalk is paved and accessible to wheelchairs. Beach access ramps descend from the boardwalk to the sand at several points along the promenade. The sand surface is soft and may be challenging for standard manual wheelchairs. Contact the Seaside Heights beach office to inquire about adaptive beach equipment.
Frequently asked questions
What made Seaside Heights famous?
While Seaside Heights had been a popular New Jersey resort for decades, it gained global recognition through MTV's reality show Jersey Shore, which filmed multiple seasons here between 2009 and 2012. The town has moved beyond this association and continues as one of the Shore's most visited summer destinations.
Was Seaside Heights damaged by Superstorm Sandy?
Yes. The October 2012 storm caused significant damage to the boardwalk, Casino Pier, and beachfront infrastructure. A portion of the roller coaster famously remained visible in the ocean for months. The boardwalk has since been fully rebuilt and expanded.
Is there a fee to use the beach?
Yes. A daily beach badge costs approximately $9 for adults. Season passes are available at a reduced rate. Children under 12 do not require a badge.
How do visitors get there from New York City without a car?
Take NJ Transit to Toms River station, then board bus 137 to Seaside Heights (approximately 25 minutes). Total journey from NYC is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. By car, take Garden State Parkway to exit 82.
Are there family-friendly areas on the boardwalk?
Yes. The northern end of the boardwalk near Funtown Pier has rides and games aimed at younger children. The beach itself is family-friendly during daytime hours. Weekend evenings are more oriented toward older teens and adults.