Seaside Heights Pushes Back Against Party Town Label After National Ranking

Seaside Heights leaders want to reduce partying. Hotels.com ranked Ocean County fifth for US beach parties. This photo doesn’t reflect Seaside Heights’ current situation, say locals. Infuriated, Mayor Tony Vaz said the borough has struggled for over 10 years to quit being a party town. Vaz’s statement listed extinct companies, which was untrue. Hotels.com removed obsolete lists.

From 2009 to 2012, MTV’s “Jersey Shore” highlighted Seaside Heights’ raucous summer crowds and bustling nightlife. A town is striving to modify its image. Local leaders have worked hard to create family-friendly areas. Seaside goes beyond pubs and clubs. Recently, the borough has added pyrotechnics, beach movie nights, outside music, and additional food for all ages. Many new residences are being built. Teen parties are decreasing as the neighborhood becomes more family-friendly.

Long-term, the town wants to strengthen its tourism image and shed its party beach image. Strategy embraces this modification. Seaside Heights residents want visitors to recognize it as a busy beach town with family-friendly activities, not just a party area.

Sources
Hotels.com
NBC Philadelphia
NJ Advance Media