Let's keep it real, there isn't a boardwalk anywhe...

Let's keep it real, there isn't a boardwalk anywhere in this country that isn't inflating their prices for perks on the sand. Yes, it's a private beach and most will find a problem paying separately for the beach access, bathhouse, on top of the boardwalk activities, food, and drinks. If you go on a non-major-holiday you'll see the beauty of the inflation...less people come here. We went the weekend before labor day and faced none of the crowds and mayhem you'd see on a public beach like Far Rockaway, and with awesome rides and things to do like at Seaside. It was the best of both worlds. For a family, be prepped to spend a lot of money here during a multiple day trip unless your hotel/motel comes with beach passes and you figure out how to eat off boardwalk for a few meals out of the day. For couples, bring your own liquor to your hotel and pre-game there! This will easily save you a dent in your pocket as restaurants in the area are BYOB, and definitely save you from spending too much at the Tiki Bar! Try the Funhouse! It's a trippy short experience but so fun for a happy tipsy couple. You don't come here for the best of cheesesteaks and pizzas on a boardwalk, realistically at the volume they have to serve they do manage to dish out decent food...but like any boardwalk you're paying a few bucks more than you would at a franchise or local lunch spot. That's to be expected. All the staff we interacted with were great, lots stay near the beach, and the bartenders we spent time with were absolutely amazing to us. Thanks Jenkinson's! We managed to squeeze in one great final vacation this summer, and the fireworks on the boardwalk were the highlight of my fiance's birthday.