SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — Following a turbulent Labor Day weekend in 2024 that saw large crowds and disruptive behavior, Seaside Heights has introduced a series of new ordinances to ensure a safer and more family-friendly boardwalk experience for the summer of 2025.
The changes, unanimously approved by the Borough Council, aim to curb unruly behavior and maintain the town’s ongoing shift toward a more welcoming, family-oriented destination.
New Boardwalk Rules for 2025The Borough of Seaside Heights has enacted several measures to enhance public safety and manage crowds effectively:
- Adjusted Boardwalk Hours: The boardwalk now has designated closing times to prevent late-night disturbances. From Sunday through Thursday, it will be closed to the public from midnight to 6 a.m. On Fridays, Saturdays, and federal holidays—including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day—the boardwalk will close from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. During peak holiday weekends, such as July 4, an earlier closure at 10 p.m. may be enforced.
- Backpack Ban: To address safety concerns, bags larger than 8 inches by 6 inches by 8 inches—such as backpacks, satchels, and coolers—are prohibited on the boardwalk from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., from April 1 through September 30. Exceptions are made for medical equipment, diaper bags, and other essential infant or toddler supplies. Adults violating the ban face fines, while minors receive warnings, and police may contact their parents.
- Increased Fines for Rental Violations: The borough has significantly raised penalties for property owners who violate rental ordinances. Fines for renting without a certificate of occupancy, operating without a mercantile license, or exceeding occupancy limits now range from $1,500 to $2,000 per offense, up from as low as $100 previously. These measures target large, unsupervised gatherings that have contributed to past chaos.
- Enhanced Police Presence: Following the success of increased patrols during the 2024 Fourth of July weekend, Seaside Heights plans to maintain a strong police presence throughout the summer. The borough will collaborate with state and county agencies, potentially including mounted police units, to deter unruly behavior and ensure rapid response to incidents.
Why the Changes?
The new rules come in response to a particularly chaotic 2024 season, with Labor Day weekend mirroring the disorder seen earlier during Memorial Day, when nearly 90 arrests were made, and three stabbings occurred.
Borough officials, led by Mayor Anthony Vaz, are determined to prevent a repeat of such incident who said the borough wants the boardwalk to be a place where families can enjoy themselves without worry, adding that the changes are about prevention, not punishment.
The ordinances also align with Seaside Heights’ broader redevelopment efforts. Over the past decade, the borough has worked to shed its former party-town image, replacing nightclubs and budget motels with upscale townhomes and condominiums.
The new regulations reflect a commitment to fostering a safer, more family-friendly environment.
What to Expect This Summer
Visitors to the Seaside Heights boardwalk in summer 2025 can still look forward to its classic attractions—arcades, rides at Casino Pier, and iconic Jersey Shore eats like pizza from Three Brothers or funnel cakes from Midway. The boardwalk’s Skyride offers stunning ocean views, and Seaspray Park provides a fun splash pad for younger children. However, guests should plan accordingly:
- Arrive Prepared: Leave large bags at home or in your accommodation after 7 p.m. to comply with the backpack ban.
- Check Hours: Be mindful of the boardwalk’s closing times, especially during holiday weekends, to avoid disruptions.
- Purchase Beach Badges: Beach access requires a badge, with 2025 season badges available at the Kearney Avenue Beach Control Office. Pre-season rates are $55 until December 24, increasing to $65 through May 15, and $75 thereafter. Senior badges (65+) are $15, or $25 for two when purchased together.
- Stay Informed: Follow the borough’s official website or social media for updates on events, such as summer concerts or the Floyd L. Moreland Carousel’s operating hours.
A Safer, More Enjoyable BoardwalkLocal business owners and residents have largely supported the new measures.
Seaside Heights is also gearing up for a major boardwalk renovation, with a $1.02 million contract awarded to Epic Management to replace timber and ramps starting after Labor Day 2025.
Funded by the state’s Boardwalk Preservation Fund, the project aims to have the boardwalk fully refurbished by next summer, enhancing its appeal.