New Boardwalk Curfew, Rules In Effect At Popular Jersey Shore Town: What To Know

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — If you are headed to Seaside Heights for the Fourth of July weekend, take note: a new boardwalk curfew and new rules take effect this weekend.

The new rules, passed in the wake of a chaotic Memorial Day weekend, aim to curtail the unruly behavior that led to more than 80 arrests of adults and juveniles, more than half of which were people ages 18 to 20, officials have said.

The new rules are as follows:

The boardwalk shuts down at midnight on Sunday nights through Thursday nights. On Fridays, Saturdays and federal holidays, the boardwalk will close at 1 a.m. The boardwalk opens at 6 a.m. daily.

Beginning at 7 p.m., people are prohibited from carrying backpacks, cinch bags, coolers, briefcases, or similar that are more than 8 inches by 6 inches by 8 inches deep. There are limited exceptions for items such as diaper bags and medical equipment.

The curfew for children under age 18 remains 10 p.m.; those under 18 cannot be on the streets, the boardwalk or the beach unless they are accompanied by a parent, a guardian or are going to or from work.

Mayor Anthony Vaz said there will be some accommodations in place for bars whose entry and exit access is only via the boardwalk. The closing time for bars and restaurants in town remains 3 a.m., as set out in their liquor licenses, he said.

Seaside Heights also is holding its fireworks display on Sunday, July 6, instead of Friday, which may reduce some of the crowds that typically jam the boardwalk on the Fourth of July.

Seaside Heights is not the only community that has tightened restrictions in recent months and years.

In Wildwood, there is a 10 p.m. curfew for those under 18, and a ban on large bags and backpacks on the boardwalk after 8 p.m. and after beach hours. There also is a ban on alcohol possession on the beach and boardwalk, except for permitted events and designated restaurant areas.

In Ocean City, the city in 2023 banned backpacks and large bags on the boardwalk and beaches after 8 p.m. and has an 11 p.m. curfew for those under 18. The beaches close at 8 p.m. and boardwalk bathrooms close at 10 p.m.

Point Pleasant Beach also has a curfew of 10 p.m. for those under 18.