Seaside Heights may have a party reputation, but one-mile south there’s another “Seaside” town with a peaceful, family-friendly vibe: Seaside Park. This oceanfront destination, just 80 miles from Hoboken, is one of the best places to visit in the Jersey Shore. It has all the frills of neighboring Seaside Heights — think restaurants, ice cream shops, and beaches — without the late-night noise. If Seaside Park is on your Jersey Shore getaway list, here’s how to make the most of your visit. Read on to learn all about a summer weekend getaway to Seaside Park down the Jersey Shore.
Where to Stay
Renting a home through VRBO is the best way to experience the laid-back Seaside Park. And, even better, many of the homes are dog-friendly.
The best rental homes in Seaside Park come with beach passes, which are a must during summer vacation. Those with ocean-view balconies and screened-in porches are perfect for morning coffee or post-beach drinks, too.
If booking a hotel is more your speed, Seaside Park does have a few options, including Luna-Mar Motel and Desert Palm Inn. These are both smart choices for beachgoers on a budget.
See More: Your Guide to The Best Jersey Shore Beaches
Where to Eat
Bum Rogers Crab House {2207 Central Avenue}
For fun, beachy vibes, grab a table at Seaside Park’s Bum Rogers Crab House, a local staple with deliciously fresh bites like — you guessed it — crab. Additionally, Bum Rogers specialties include lobster, clams, oysters, and a variety of fish. The local eatery also has cold brews available daily, which makes it tough to leave this laid-back hang out.
Surf Taco {212 South East Central Avenue}
Sure, Surf Taco is far from new for Hobokenites {it opened here in September 2017}, but given that it offers take-away options — perfect for eating on that VRBO balcony — it’s definitely worth mentioning. Surf Taco is walking distance from most Seaside Park homes + the service is quick and efficient, and the tacos are tasty as ever.
Crabby Rick’s Shore Shack {3626 Route 35 North Normandy Beach}
While this one’s a bit of a hike — it’s located five miles north of Seaside Park — Crabby Rick’s Shore Shack is well worth the drive. This unassuming roadside staple in Normandy Beach almost always has a line. With one bite of the lobster roll or crab cake sandwich, though, you’ll understand why. The food is fresh and delicious enough to attract diners from all over the Shore.
Charlie’s Homemade Ice Cream {47 8th Avenue}
Nothing caps off a beach day quite like a cup of Charlie’s Homemade Ice Cream. This tiny ice cream shop attracts major crowds, and it’s been doing so for years—35 to be exact. Charlie’s opened in 1984 and has built a loyal following of Seaside Park beachgoers who love the shop’s old-fashioned aesthetic and creamy, homemade ice cream.
Heavy Reel Brewing Co. {613 Boulevard}
A drive up to Heavy Reel Brewing Co. is well worth the effort; it’s the only brewery within miles. This casual taproom is family friendly {including pups} with a variety of rotating taps, including a key lime pie IPA and a new pizza beer — as in beer actually brewed with pizza. Heavy Reel Brewing Co. also has a variety of board games for patrons.
Things to Do
Ok, you’re down the shore which means…you must go to the beach. Well, it’s not actually a requirement to head over to the sandy terrain, but if you’re DTS for the summer, hitting the beach is a fun activity to do. Check out these beaches to visit when down in Seaside Park.
Seaside Park Beach
Seaside Park is among the area’s best beaches. While it requires beach badges — which many VRBO owners offer guests — visitors can also purchase day passes. This beach is not dog-friendly, but if you want your pup to join in the fun, we’ve got just the place for you.
Island Beach State Park
This dog-friendly park allows pups on select parts of the shores {as long as they’re kept on a six-foot leash}. A visit to Island Beach State Park is a must for anyone traveling with pups, but be warned: ticks are prevalent in this area. Keep your dog off of the tall grass and check them before heading back home.
Read More: A List of Dog-Friendly Beaches + Day Trips in New Jersey
Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Enjoy beach views and family-friendly fun in an oh-so-Jersey-Shore way — an afternoon or evening at the Seaside Heights Boardwalk. The boardwalk has everything from carnival games to a Ferris wheel, and not to mention the iconic Maruca’s Tomato Pies, which was featured on the Travel Channel.
Getting There
Since NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line stops at Bay Head — still a 20-minute drive from Seaside Park — the best way to get to Seaside Park is by car {and, once you’ve arrived, you’ll be happy you have a car — please see the aforementioned hike to Crabby Rick’s Shore Shack}. On a good day, this 80-mile drive from the Mile Square down to Seaside Park takes just under 90 minutes.
Have you been to Seaside Park? What’s your favorite place to go to in the area? Let us know in the comments!
