Visiting Seaside Heights, NJ, on Kick Scooters

[ KICK SCOOTING - Visit: August 2011. Article Published: 10/6/2011 - www.LetsKickScoot.com ]

>>  A big difference between Atlantic City's boardwalk and the one in Seaside Heights is that Atlantic City's casinos encourage you to play inside and Seaside Heights' merchants encourage you to play outside.

Seaside Heights is all about strolling along its boardwalk with hundreds of other happy people, playing games of chance, lounging on the beach, getting a tan, splashing in the surf, eating (eating, eating, and drinking) and, in general, enjoying the Atlantic Ocean coast. It's the perfect setting for the "reality" series, Jersey Shore, because what it has to offer are many steps away from reality (or, at least, the reality of everyday life).

We entered the boardwalk at Grant Avenue and Ocean Terrace.

• To the left of this location is Jersey Shore's famous Shore Store.
  
  
• Behind, is the huge Jenkinson's Breakwater Beach Water Park.
  
  
• Immediately in front is the Casino Pier.
  
  
• And to the right and left are numerous shops, games, snacks, diners, and bars. (To the far right is Fun Town Pier.)

Our objective for this trip was to see the entire length of the boardwalk, covering a distance of about 5 miles, round trip. We accomplished that on a Xootr Mg, which is the right size for most adults, and a Black Kick, which is a smaller scooter best sized for people 5' 5" and under, like myself.

You, of course, don't have to cover the entire boardwalk to get the most of it. The ocean side is clean and a convenient changing facility is available for a low fee (children under 5 are always free). As of summer 2011, daily beach fees were $5, with a seasonal pass priced at $35.

Ocean activities include swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, fishing, and boating, from paddleboats and sailboats, to large vessels. Don't have a swimsuit? You'll have no problem finding one to buy.

During the summer, bike access to the boardwalk is restricted to specific time periods, however, bikes and skateboards can be rented at Barooo Surf Shop. There are no restrictions on kick scooters, but if you want to ride one, you'll have to bring your own.

Seaside Heights features two exciting amusement parks. Below, you can see Casino Pier in the distance. It is located where we entered the boardwalk.

The second amusement park is Fun Town Pier (below), which is located toward the southern area of the boardwalk at Stockton Avenue.

The exceptionally high Sling Shot (see the two gold towers above, and its car, below), which is a two-person ride that combines the motion of bungee jumping with a fast, twirling car, is an example of one of Fun Town Pie's most thrilling rides. I dare you to go on it!

If you prefer more gentle, aerial sightseeing, climb aboard the boardwalk's famous Skyride. It'll take you on a long, overhead trip along the boardwalk's northern end.

This year, no report about Seaside Heights would be complete without a picture of Jersey Shore's Shore Store. During our visit, I had the opportunity to meet "The Situation."

The opportunity came about when one of MTV's producers announced it over a bullhorn and I followed his directions. Unfortunately, so did many others. After 20 minutes of standing in line, I left to get an Orange/White swirled cone at a nearby Kohr's Frozen Custard stand, and never returned.

NOTE: The line formed on the beach side of the boardwalk, out-of-sight on the right in the photo below.

Of all the Jersey Shore cities I've visited over the past ten years, I think that Seaside Heights is the most accessible for families and friends looking for out-of-the-ordinary shore experiences. Yes, the rides or rentals will cost a bundle, but at least they are available!

The best aspect of Seaside Heights is that most of its features are grouped within a mile, and there are a load of features. You won't break your back trying to take advantage of them all.

Should you decide to canvas the area by kick scooter, like we did, you'll find that the boardwalk is in excellent condition and is level throughout the entire five mile round trip. Most of the entertainment areas are found within the distance of one mile (two miles round trip). Sightseeing along the entire boardwalk on a bright, blue day (spring, summer, or fall) is a thrill in and of itself.

NOTE: Seaside Heights is open year-round. Check its official website for special events and entertainment ideas.

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