Seaside Heights is perhaps the most famous—or infamous—boardwalk town on the Jersey Shore. Made internationally known by MTV's "Jersey Shore," the town has worked hard to balance its party reputation with family-friendly improvements. Notably, iconic party spots Karma and Bamboo Bar were demolished in 2021-2023 for condos—signaling deliberate family-friendly repositioning.
Both Seaside Heights and neighboring Seaside Park rebuilt extensively after Hurricane Sandy's 2012 devastation and a 2013 boardwalk fire that destroyed nearly 50 businesses. The boardwalk now receives a $4.8 million upgrade, and the restored 1928 Dentzel/Looff carousel featuring 58 hand-carved wooden animals reopened in July 2024.
Casino Pier anchors the boardwalk with Hydrus (Euro-Fighter roller coaster replacing the storm-lost Star Jet), the Giant Ferris Wheel, and Air Race with 3-G loops. Breakwater Beach Waterpark offers slides and pools for cooling off. Despite its reputation, the wide beaches are surprisingly uncrowded compared to the bustling boardwalk, and the town offers good value for budget-conscious visitors.