Seaside Heights: Boardwalk's Back for 2013

It's one of the Jersey Shore's busiest shore towns, and its also where MTV called home for several seasons of "Jersey Shore."

But following Superstorm Sandy, the borough became known for its destroyed boardwalk, the iconic photo of the Jet Star roller coaster sitting in the ocean and a visit from Britain's Prince Harry.

The bad news: the Jet Star is gone forever.

The good news: the borough's entire boardwalk will be rebuilt by Memorial Day, the beaches are open, essentially all of the boardwalk attractions are back, and even Casino Pier's rides are returning one-by-one as the pier is rebuilt.

So welcome back to Seaside Heights. The oceanfront is – again – lined with a boardwalk, featuring rides, games of chance, boardwalk food and plenty of bars.

Seaside Heights offers seasonal beach passes for $50. Lifetime beach badges for seniors 65 and older are available for $10 and must be purchased at Borough Hall. Borough Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  It’s located at 901 Boulevard. Seasonal Beach Badges are also on sale every Saturday and Sunday at Borough Hall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Daily passes cost $6, and children younger than 11 are always free. In May and early June, seasonal beach badges also can be purchased at the Kearney Avenue Beach Control Headquarters on weekends. After mid-June, when the Kearney Avenue Beach Control Building opens full-time, they can be purchased between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. every day.

The beach opens and is staffed with lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day weekend. Lifeguards are on duty weekends only until mid-June. No swimming is allowed when lifeguards are off duty.

Kites, kayaks, frisbee throwing and other sport-related activities are generally prohibited when the beaches are open.

Public restrooms are located along the boardwalk at Webster, Kearney and Hiering avenues. Additionally, there are cold showers available at all ramps to rinse off. Hot showers, lockers, and changing facilities are available at Heiring Avenue and the boardwalk for a small fee.

Parking lots charge anywhere from $5 to $15, depending on if it is a weekend or holiday – then prices get higher. The lot fee covers the entire day for one charge. There also is metered parking in effect. A list of private parking lots is available at the borough's tourism website.

For additional questions, contact Borough Hall at (732) 793-9100.