Seaside Heights Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Seaside Heights with this comprehensive tour guide featuring must-visit places, food and drink, accommodation options, and more.


Introduction to Seaside Heights

Located in Ocean County within the Jersey Shore region of New Jersey, Seaside Heights boasts a plethora of attractions ranging from natural wonders to cultural heritage. With a picturesque boardwalk, scenic beach, and exciting activities, Seaside Heights is the perfect destination for travelers seeking variety.

List of Places to Visit in Seaside Heights

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Casino Pier, an amusement park which has been an entertainment destination for over a century.
  • Seaside Heights Boardwalk, a boardwalk running with attractions, shops, and restaurants.
  • Seaside Heights Beach, a scenic and relaxing beach that’s perfect for lounging and enjoying the sun.
  • Museum of NJ Maritime, this museum showcases the significant maritime heritage of New Jersey.

Natural Attractions of Seaside Heights: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Island State Beach Park, a state park with sandy beaches, vegetation-covered dunes, and well-maintained boardwalk paths.
  • Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, which features a historic lighthouse and offers a perfect view of the surrounding natural landscape.
  • Seaside Walking Trail, a walking trail that leads to Island Beach State Park and Sunset Beach; this scenic trail is perfect for nature lovers and hikers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Seaside Heights

  • Island Beach State Park Trail, it’s a challenging 8 miles long trail with breathtaking views of the ocean and sand dunes.
  • Barnegat Lighthouse and Jetty Trail, this trail combines a lighthouse climb, an opportunity for birdwatching, and a stretch of beach to offer a moderate hike with beachside views.
  • Cattus Island Trail, this trail offers birdwatching opportunities along the freshwater lakes and tidal marshes.

Best Things to Do in Seaside Heights: Activities and Tours

  • Skycoaster, an adrenaline-pumping amusement ride that drops people from a 100-foot height.
  • Jersey Shore Jet Ski Rental, jet skiing lessons and rentals are offered starting from sunrise to sunset.
  • Seaside Heights Beach Yoga, yoga classes offered throughout the day on the beach.

Week-Long Itinerary for Seaside Heights

Day Activity
Day 1 Begin by exploring Casino Pier and its various amusement rides.
Day 2 Take it easy and relax at the scenic beaches of Seaside Heights.
Day 3 Visit the Museum of NJ Maritime to learn about the maritime heritage of NJ.
Day 4 Enjoy a more active day with a hike along Island State Beach Park Trail.
Day 5 Experience the adrenaline rush with Skycoaster.
Day 6 Rent jet skis and spend some time on the ocean.
Day 7 Wrap up your holiday with some souvenir shopping in the boardwalk shops.

Food and Drink Scene of Seaside Heights

Seaside Heights is famous for its delicious food and robust nightlife. Here are a couple of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Boardwalk Pizza, Seaside Heights has no shortage of boardwalk pizza shops each of which serves their specialty pizza.
  • Seafood Platters, with a vast coastline, Seaside Heights is an ideal location for fresh seafood lovers.
  • Saltwater Taffy, a dessert that’s quintessential to the Jersey Shore region.

Local Beverages

  • Jersey Devil Martini, this cocktail is made with Jersey Devil whiskey, raspberry syrup, and cranberry juice to create a sweet and spicy taste.
  • Jersey Tomato, unique cocktails that feature both vodka and tomato juice, the perfect drink for warm weather.

Where to Stay in Seaside Heights: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Seaside Heights offer numerous accommodation options that cater to a variety of budgets and preferences.

Luxury Accommodations

  • La Fontana Motel, a luxury hotel that offers a private entrance, balconies with views of the ocean, and a swimming pool.
  • Aztec Ocean Resort, a luxury resort that provides a variety of updated amenities and private balconies facing the ocean.

Budget Accommodations

  • Anchor Motel, a budget-friendly motel that is located within walking distance of the beach and offers free parking.
  • Sunset Motel, a family-run property that’s within close proximity to the boardwalk and beach and offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

What to Buy in Seaside Heights: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Salt Water Taffy, this ubiquitous Seaside Heights candy is present in almost every shop on the boardwalk.
  • Jersey Shore Shot Glasses, these are popular souvenirs that tourists love to buy thanks to their creativity and design.
  • Jersey Shore T-Shirts, a must-have souvenir as they feature icons and symbols of Seaside Heights and the Jersey Shore.

Local Culture and Customs of Seaside Heights

  • Seaside Heights is a family-friendly vacation spot and welcomes every kind and age group.
  • Keep the beaches clean by picking up all trash.
  • Respect the local laws and regulations.

Best Time to Visit Seaside Heights

Mid-June to Labor Day (1st Monday in September) is peak tourist season when Seaside Heights is bustling with events and activities. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and is ideal for sea swimming. The shoulder season from May to mid-June and September to October is a great time to enjoy Seaside Heights sans the crowds with a mild climate.

Do’s and Don’ts of Seaside Heights

Do:

  • Enjoy the Boardwalk and all that it offers.
  • Take a hike and explore nature trails.
  • Spend some time at the beach and relax.

Don’t:

  • Litter beaches or boardwalk areas.
  • Drink and drive.
  • Get too loud or rowdy.

Safety and Health

Safety in Seaside Heights

  • Follow the Seaside Heights Beach Patrol’s instructions for safety guidelines and precautions.
  • Be cautious of the rip currents of the ocean.
  • Always keep a vigilant watch over your children when in the water.

Health in Seaside Heights

  • Always use sunscreen before going out in the sun and wear appropriate protective gear.
  • In case of a medical emergency, call 911.

Getting to Seaside Heights: Transportation Options and Logistics

Seaside Heights is easily accessible through multiple modes of transport including:

Airports Near Seaside Heights

  • Atlantic City International Airport is the closest major airport, situated approximately 60 miles from Seaside Heights
  • Philadelphia International Airport is situated approximately 85 miles from Seaside Heights.

Bus Stations Near Seaside Heights

  • Seaside Heights is served by the New Jersey Transit Bus No. 137 which runs between Tom’s River and Seaside Heights.

Other Options

  • Parking is available for visitors in Seaside Heights with both covered and uncovered parking options.

How to Get Around in Seaside Heights

  • Travelling by bike is the best way to get around Seaside Heights as most of the attractions are bike-friendly.
  • Public transportation options include the Shore Shuttle and public buses.

Where to Go Next from Seaside Heights: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Six Flags Great Adventure, an amusement park located in Jackson, NJ, 27 miles north of Seaside Heights.
  • Asbury Park, a beach town located 19 miles north of Seaside Heights.
  • Wildwood, a popular beach town located 87 miles south of Seaside Heights.

Conclusion

Seaside Heights is a perfect vacation spot for tourists seeking variety. Whether you’re looking to explore nature trails, take a dip in the sea, or experience some thrill-seeking activities, Seaside Heights has something for everyone. Its picturesque boardwalk, scenic beach, and a host of exciting activities make it the ideal getaway destination.

Seaside Heights Seaside Heights Damage after hurricane Sandy in October 2012 Damage after hurricane Sandy in October 2012 Boardwalk, one year after Sandy Boardwalk, one year after Sandy