Roadtrip to New Jersey, Summer 2020: Twice in what would have been the height of the summer season in Seaside Heights, NJ were it not for COVID-19, I venture to the boardwalk for an hours-long daycation. The first time, I am curious about what I will find and not even sure I will stay. Having heard that the boardwalk is crowded and the people on it are not wearing masks, I make the trip tentatively. But when I find parking within a block of the boardwalk—something fairly unusual unless I was willing to pay a hefty parking fee in prior years—I begin to think that tales of misbehavior during the pandemic are indeed just stories.
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The boardwalk when I arrive seems just about empty. Some businesses are open, but many are closed. It feels a bit like a ghost town. Seaside Heights right now feels a bit like Manhattan feels during the summer of 2020 when I visit there. Where is everyone? I can’t help but wonder. I know where they are, though: home.
Seeking a Garden State getaway? Seaside Heights may be your perfect destination. Just be certain to check current restrictions before you leave home.
For bolder adventurers, though, the boardwalk provides a much-needed escape, a different environment geared toward enjoyment. I’ve been coming to Seaside Heights pretty much since I was born, so I know what I will be in for: too much sun, the best beach food in the world, and plenty of amusements. But will there be too many people?
There are not. I visit on two Fridays during August and am stunned by how few people I see. I walk the length of the boardwalk wearing my mask during the entirety and have no problem maintaining a social distance. I guesstimate that a majority of people wear masks on the boardwalk and that far more than that just stay safely apart from others in their little pods. Pedestrian traffic always managed to control itself even in more crowded times. Walk up one side and down the other.
Boardwalk restrooms during my visits are open and feature attendants who limit admission. The bathrooms are clean and changing is not allowed. Note to those in need of a biology break: Tip the attendant! Outside the restroom, markers guided those in line where to stand safely apart.
Dining in Seaside Heights, NJ: Jimbo’s Bar and Grill
I choose Jimbo’s because of its size and the quality of its offerings. It has plenty of outdoor seating, some even in the shade, and the boardwalk side is completely open. I opt to sit outside both times. To gain admission, one must wear a mask unless seated at a table. The menu can be accessed via cellphone, and servers wear masks. Tables are placed far apart. I feel so safe I linger here, also because the food is so good.
What to order: I go for raw oysters and coconut shrimp and some white wine and then I wash all that down with a slice of the best pizza south of Manhattan. It is tempting to park yourself here for a while because the food is so compelling. The drinks are good, too! One of my fellow travelers orders some beachy concoction after having some oysters, some steamed clams, and a lobster roll of his own. One of the Youthful Adventurers with us chooses more steamed clams as well as sushi. We are so happy just to be out in the summertime.
We feel safe. The restrooms are clean. There isn’t too much touching of the table by servers and runners.
Eventually, though, it’s time to go on a ride.
Jimbo’s Bar and Grill, 715 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Casino Pier at Seaside Heights
On the days we are there, rides do not open until 2 pm. We arrive shortly after 2, and, again, there just aren’t that many people around. Everyone stays apart well. We see even little kids wearing masks. Only a couple of people are on any given ride. We wait in line for “credits” (AKA tickets) for the ferris wheel, and then head over to the line—only there is no line, it’s just us.
On board, the cars are clean and the few other passengers on the ferris wheel are in other cars far away. We can see the beach from this height and, again, it looks like people are remaining in their pods even though the beach is a bit more crowded than the boardwalk is.
Casino Pier, 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751
Browsing and Custard
Afterward, we browse at shops and at some of the games that are open, still featuring hawkers and prizes like days of old. We finish our visit with a stop at Kohr’s frozen custard. It’s hard to believe Kohr’s has been around since 1919—a time when the world was experiencing its last epidemic.
I go for the orange float; my traveling companions opt for soft serve in a cone with sprinkles.
Photo credit: The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. “Seaside Heights, N.J. 1909.” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1909. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e1-35cc-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99.
Why Go to Seaside Heights, NJ Now?
We want Seaside Heights to be here next year and forever after that.
Seaside Heights can be a perfect day trip for those in the New York City vicinity.
We notice plenty of hotels and motels that are open.
The boardwalk does not feel overcrowded or even crowded at all. We feel safe on our visits.
A little sun, a little fun, a little indulgence can be immensely good for the soul. We will go again.
—Lori Tripoli
Lori Tripoli is the editor and publisher of Bashful Adventurer. Based in the New York City vicinity, she writes about travel for a variety of publications. Contact Lori at loritripoli @ bashfuladventurer.com.
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