Seaside Heights Beach Info, 8 Important Facts

Top Beach in Ocean County

A one mile stretch of beach, Seaside Heights is famous for its soft white sand and ultimate boardwalk. The beach has received numerous awards over the years from the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium! And in fact in 2022 was once again the top beach in Ocean County. There is some important Seaside Heights beach info you need to know though before you visit.

One of the best times to visit Seaside Heights beach is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the water is perfect for swimming. However, it can get quite crowded during peak season, so plan accordingly. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder season in the spring or fall.

In addition to the beach itself, Seaside Heights offers a variety of amenities and attractions. The boardwalk features numerous shops, restaurants, and amusement rides, making it a fun destination for families. You can also rent bikes, play mini-golf, or take a stroll on the beach to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Beach Fees

Is the beach free at Seaside Heights?

Seaside Heights does charge daily beach fees in the summer. These fees help the town provide one of the cleanest and safest public beaches on the East Coast. During the off-season, access to the beach is free.

Beach Badges are in effect May 15th – September 15th. A beach badge or wristband is required to enter or remain on the beach from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm on the weekends and holidays. Monday to Thursday badges are needed from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can buy a wristband up until 5:00 pm when the cashier booths close. You can also buy badges online using Viply.

  • Daily fee – $10
  • Weekly badge – $35 (Sunday through Saturday)
  • Season badge – $45 if purchased on or before April 1st
  • Season badge – $50 if purchased after April 1st
  • Senior Citizen season badge – $15 for persons 65 years of age and older, or two for $25 if both persons are there at the same time
  • Children 11 years of age and under – free every day
  • Active and retired military personnel and their dependents – free every day with the appropriate Common Access Card, Uniformed Services ID Card, DD Form 214, or Veterans Benefit ID Card issued by the VA.

Lifeguards are on duty between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Swimming is only allowed if lifeguards are present. Read on for the most important Seaside Heights Beach info.

Free & Discount Days

Bay beach – free every day. You can drive to the bay, or use the cross walk that spans across route 35.

Seaside Heights offers beach fee discounts throughout the summer, including Mom and Me Days, Dad and Me Days, Bring a Friend Days, and Bring a Hero Days. You can find the exact dates on our events page.

Seaside Heights Beach Info

Can I bring a cooler to the beach?

Yes, coolers are allowed, but alcohol and glass are not permitted. Beach attendants will check bags and coolers as you enter the beach.

This is a critical piece of Seaside Heights beach info! If you bring items that are not allowed you will either need to take them back to your car or house or throw them away.

Are there beach wheelchairs?

Yes, beach wheelchairs are available. Unlike traditional wheelchairs, which can become bogged down in the sand, beach wheelchairs are designed with larger, wider wheels that make it easier to navigate on sandy surfaces.

Please visit the Visitor’s Center at Blaine Avenue to obtain a beach wheelchair.

Are pets allowed on the beach?

No, pets (including dogs) are not allowed on the beach at any time. Dogs are also not allowed on the Boardwalk at any time.

Is it ok to feed the seagulls?

No, actually it is illegal in Seaside Heights to feed the seagulls. This is perhaps THE most critical piece of Seaside Heights beach info we have to share! Feeding the birds makes them aggressive and a nuisance to everyone trying to enjoy the beach. So please, be kind to the other beach goers, and don’t feed the gulls.

Can I rent umbrellas or chairs?

Yes, umbrellas and chairs are available for rent directly on the beach. Someone will also bring the items to your spot and dig a hole for the umbrella.

Can I swim in the ocean if there are no lifeguards on duty?

No, swimming is not allowed when there are no lifeguards on duty in Seaside Heights. You may see people in the ocean after 5pm, if the ocean is not rough it’s likely you will be left alone. However, on red flag days the lifeguards still tend to patrol up and down the beach in an ATV making people leave the water.

If you are difficult and don’t listen, chances are you will receive a citation. Lifeguards are posted on the beach from 10 AM until 5 PM every day from mid-June to Labor Day. In May and early June, they are only on duty on the weekends.

Can I surf in Seaside Heights?

Yes! Surfing is allowed both north and south of Casino Pier. To the south of the pier, there is a dedicated stretch just for surfers.

Can I fly a kite on the beach?

Yes, you can fly a kite on the beach, however, you can only do so when the lifeguards are not on duty. The rest of the time it is not allowed. The same goes for playing ball and throwing objects. Generally, though the lifeguards will leave you alone if you keep the throwing toward the back of the beach and away from the other people.

Is parking free in Seaside Heights?

From October 31 to April 1 municipal parking is free in Seaside Heights. Certain locations are free all year around. For the remainder of the year, fees range from $2 to $3 an hour depending on the location.

Seaside Heights Beach offers a beautiful and exciting destination for beachgoers. With its wide range of amenities and attractions, it’s easy to see why this New Jersey gem is a popular vacation spot.

By following our guide, you can make the most of your trip to Seaside Heights and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a fantastic day at the beach! We hope you enjoyed our Seaside Heights beach info and FAQs!

THE AUTHOR

VENESSA REGALI

I have spent my whole life going to and loving the beach. I am a wife, a mom of 2, and a business leader with an MBA in Marketing from Seton Hall University. We have owned a home in Seaside Heights since 2012, and I have been writing about Seaside Heights and the beach for the past 10 years. I love discovering new things about our town and helping you make the most of your vacation. The only thing I love more than writing about Seaside Heights is being there!

Venessa Regali