Seaside Heights New Jersey Map
Introduction
Seaside Heights is a popular beach town located in the Ocean County area of New Jersey. It is a quintessential summer destination that offers a lot of fun and excitement for travelers of all ages. This comprehensive travel guide will help you discover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in Seaside Heights.
Top Attractions
Seaside Heights Beach
The most popular attraction in Seaside Heights is, of course, the beach. The wide stretch of sand is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach volleyball. There are plenty of rental options for beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment.
Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach
Casino Pier is a popular amusement park that offers a variety of rides, games, and attractions for visitors. Breakwater Beach is a water park with several water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot summer day.
Hidden Gems
Island Beach State Park
For a quieter and more secluded beach experience, head to Island Beach State Park. The park offers a pristine beach, hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and a nature center.
Seaside Heights Boardwalk
The Seaside Heights Boardwalk is a classic attraction that has been entertaining visitors for decades. It’s a great place to take a stroll, enjoy the ocean breeze, and indulge in some classic boardwalk treats like funnel cakes, saltwater taffy, and ice cream.
Food Scene
The Sawmill
The Sawmill is a Seaside Heights institution that has been serving up delicious pizza and other Italian-American favorites since 1972. It’s a great place to grab a slice or a whole pie after a day at the beach.
Spicy Cantina
The Spicy Cantina is a Mexican restaurant and bar that offers a fun and festive atmosphere, along with tasty margaritas and tacos. It’s a great place to relax and unwind after a day in the sun.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Beach Access
Seaside Heights offers free beach access for all visitors. You can bring your own beach gear and snacks to save money on rentals and food vendors.
Happy Hour Deals
Many of the bars and restaurants in Seaside Heights offer happy hour deals on food and drinks. Check out the Spicy Cantina, Hemingway’s, or Klee’s Bar and Grill for some great deals.
Outdoor Adventures
Fishing
Seaside Heights is a great place for fishing enthusiasts. You can fish off the beach, the pier, or even charter a boat for a deep sea fishing adventure.
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is a fun and exhilarating way to explore the waters around Seaside Heights. You can rent a jet ski from several local vendors.
Historical Landmarks
Casino Pier Carousel
The Casino Pier Carousel is a historic landmark that dates back to 1910. It’s a beautifully restored carousel that offers a nostalgic ride for visitors of all ages.
Seaside Heights Historical Museum
The Seaside Heights Historical Museum offers a fascinating look back at the history of the town. It’s a great place to learn about the early days of Seaside Heights and the development of the boardwalk and amusement park.
Family-Friendly Activities
Mini Golf
Seaside Heights has several mini golf courses that are perfect for a family-friendly activity. Check out Barnacle Bill’s Amusements or Lucky Leo’s for some fun and challenging courses.
Jetty Jumping
Jetty jumping is a popular activity for adventurous families. It involves jumping off the jetties into the ocean, but be sure to check for safety conditions and local regulations before attempting this activity.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Seaside Heights Ghost Tour
The Seaside Heights Ghost Tour is a spooky and fun way to explore the town’s history and legends. It’s a guided walking tour that takes you through some of the town’s most haunted locations.
Pinball Museum
The Silverball Pinball Museum is a unique and quirky museum that features over 600 pinball machines from different eras and styles. It’s a great place to relive some childhood memories and discover new games.
Natural Wonders
Barnegat Bay
Barnegat Bay is a beautiful and serene body of water that offers plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the bay on your own.
Island Beach State Park Dunes
The dunes at Island Beach State Park are a natural wonder that offer a unique landscape and habitat for wildlife. You can take a guided tour or hike through the dunes on your own.
Vibrant Nightlife
Klee’s Bar and Grill
Klee’s Bar and Grill is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It offers a lively atmosphere, live music, and a great selection of drinks and food.
Bamboo Bar
The Bamboo Bar is a classic beach bar that offers a fun and festive atmosphere, along with live music and a variety of drink specials.
Local Markets
Seaside Heights Flea Market
The Seaside Heights Flea Market is a great place to find unique and vintage items, along with handmade crafts and local souvenirs. It’s open on weekends during the summer season.
Asbury Park Boardwalk
The Asbury Park Boardwalk is a short drive from Seaside Heights and offers a variety of shops and markets, including the Asbury Fresh Farmers Market and the Asbury Park Bazaar.
Beaches and Mountains
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail runs through New Jersey and offers a variety of hiking and camping opportunities. You can access the trail from several points near Seaside Heights.
Island Beach State Park Beaches
Island Beach State Park offers several beaches that are less crowded and more secluded than the main Seaside Heights beach. They offer a beautiful setting and plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
Cultural Immersion
Seaside Heights Italian Festival
The Seaside Heights Italian Festival is an annual event that celebrates the town’s Italian heritage with food, music, and cultural activities. It’s a great way to experience the local culture.
Jersey Shore Film Festival
The Jersey Shore Film Festival is a summer event that showcases independent films and filmmakers from around the world. It’s a great way to discover new talent and support the arts.
Art and Music Scene
Exit 82 Theatre Company
The Exit 82 Theatre Company is a local theater company that produces a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year. It’s a great way to experience the local arts scene.
Seaside Music Festival
The Seaside Music Festival is an annual event that features local and regional bands and musicians. It’s a great way to discover new music and support the local music scene.
Walking Tours
Seaside Heights Boardwalk Walking Tour
The Seaside Heights Boardwalk Walking Tour is a guided tour that takes you through the history and attractions of the boardwalk. It’s a great way to learn about the town’s past and present.
Island Beach State Park Nature Walks
Island Beach State Park offers several guided nature walks that take you through the dunes, forests, and wetlands of the park. It’s a great way to discover the local flora and fauna.
Architectural Marvels
The Dr. Floyd Moreland Dentzel/Looff Carousel
The Dr. Floyd Moreland Dentzel/Looff Carousel is a historic carousel that dates back to 1910. It’s a beautifully restored carousel that features unique and intricate carvings.
The Jersey Shore House
The Jersey Shore House is a famous house that was featured on the MTV reality show “Jersey Shore”. It’s a unique and colorful building that has become a landmark in Seaside Heights.