Get Crazy, Get Wild. Let’s Party, Get Loud! Touring the Jersey Shore House in Seaside Heights
“It’s T-shirt time!” Cab’s are here!” We got a situation” “Gym, Tan, Laundry.” “Yeah Buddy!” “Party’s here!” If these quotes are immediately recognizable to you, then you have probably watched Jersey Shore a time or 2. As one of the most popular reality TV shows of all time, these catchphrases are forever stuck in our mind. In 2009, MTV introduced the world to 8 strangers who would share a summer vacation home in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. The wide appeal of the cast led to the series being renewed for 6 seasons as well as several spin offs.
With over the top partying, guidos, tanning, hilarious sayings, fist pumping, grenades, Sammi and Ron fighting constantly, the duck phone, The Shore Store, and the overall crazy antics of the cast, the unique show was sometimes crazy, always memorable, and anything but boring. After all those years following the cast and their crazy adventures at The Shore, it’s a fun experience to visit The Jersey Shore for yourself and take in the excitement. And while you are here, you can explore the actual house where The Situation, Ronnie, Sammi, Snooki, Pauly D, JWoww, Vinnie, Angelina, and Deena lived, laughed, fought, cried, and shared some hilarious times together.
The Jersey Shore
The Shore is a nickname for the 140 miles of Atlantic coastline from Cape May Point to Perth Amboy, New Jersey. With beaches, boardwalks, tacky tourist shops, arcades, amusement park rides, it’s a popular summer destination. From Vegas style casinos in Atlantic City, to charming Victorian Inns in Cape May, there is something along The Shore for everyone. Because of its’ central Northeastern location, The Shore is a popular destination for not just New Jersey locals, but also for many New England tourists.
Seaside Heights
Seaside Heights became more famous after Jersey Shore aired. Many tourist shops, arcades, and food stands line the 2 mile wooden boardwalk. You will find lots of places where you can indulge on comfort foods like ice cream, French fries, and pizza. Casino Pier offers a number of amusement rides including bumper cars, swings, and a Ferris Wheel. And of course, the beach is gorgeous. Unfortunately, there is a $10 per person admission fee to help keep crowds and cleaning costs down.
Tip: Visit before 10am for free beach access.
The Shore Store
To stay at Danny Merk’s boardwalk property, the cast had to work at The Shore Store. According to this In Touch article, Vinnie told reporters that the cast made nothing the first season except profits made by working at The Shore Store. Danny paid the cast $10-15 an hour during Season 1, but the real benefit was getting to live in the house rent free for the entire summer! As the show gained popularity, the cast’s salary increased monumentally. In comparison, The Situation and Pauly D made over $150,000 each episode for Jersey Shore: Family Vacation!
As the store was featured prominently on the show, Jersey Shore fans will definitely want to take a look around. Not only will you be able to sign up for the house tour, but they sell some really cool Jersey Shore TV show themed merchandise. T-shirts, magnets, mugs…basically anything and everything. On a site note, as of 2022, Danny is still the owner of The Shore Store.
Touring the famous Jersey Shore house
At The Shore Store, you can purchase tickets for a 15-20 min tour of the actual house that the cast filmed at. Tours are usually only available in the summer. Tours cost only $10, so a great budget friendly activity for fans. Note that you can rent out the house for a whopping $3000! Because tours bring in more money, the house is not available for rentals during the summer months. Just goes to show how many dedicated Jersey Shore fans still exist today!
Below are a few pics from the house. You will have plenty of time to take photos. Your tour guide will be nice enough to take photos of your party together. Of particular interest: the duck phone, the wall where cast members spray painted their names, the Sunday dinner table, and the confessional.
A few more photos from around the house:
Also, if you would like to just see the exterior of the house with the famous Italian flag painting on the garage, simply walk over and take your picture. It will cost you nothing.
Sky Lift Rides
The famous boardwalk chairlift rides have been a favorite of visitors for decades. The ride is relaxing and offers fabulous views of the beach and boardwalk. From here you will pass over The Shore Store. It’s a great opportunity to take a look at the entire boardwalk from above. Of particular interest, you can see the infamous roof top with hot tub (actually located on top of The Shore Store, not the house).
Casino Pier opened in 1932, was partially destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and since, then has been restored and expanded. The boardwalk and sky lift often featured in episodes.
Additional Info
The Shore Store is located at: 1209 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751. Hours are 7 days a week, 9am-Midnight. Metered parking and all day lots available in the area. Visit The Shore Store website for more info about tours and to shop for Jersey Shore souvenirs.
