History

1879

Park opens on August 5, as the last stop on the steam railroad. Picnic groves and the lakefront are the main attractions; mechanical rides arrive soon after.

1900

Rides are arriving by the dozen. The Long family, carousel concessionaires from Philadelphia, bring a carousel to the park – and with them, the whole future of Seabreeze.

1920

The decade of the “Charleston” is a great one for the park. Thousands visit to enjoy the Virginia Reel, the world’s largest salt water swimming pool, thrill acts on the Midway and four roller coasters, including the classic Jack Rabbit, and more. The Jack Rabbit turns 100 during the 2020 season – video link.

1940

A member of the third generation of the Long family, George Long, buys the park. He renames it “Dreamland”, and gets ready for the post-war era. Circus-style acts and band concerts become added attractions at the park’s bandstand.

1950

After W.W.II, new families (with lots of new babies) come to the park to check out the Lightning Bug ride, the Fairyland Zoo, live shows, and the goin’-upside-down Rock-O-Planes. George Long’s sons-in-law, Merrick Price and Bob Norris, run the park during this “decade of family fun,” when business is booming.

1970

After a few slow years, the grandchildren begin to rebuild the park, adding new and re-themed rides like the Gyrosphere, ManHandlers, Kaleidoscope, Loop-O-Planes, and the Paratrooper. The park’s name is switched back to Seabreeze, and that marks the start of a new generation of thrills.

1980

The park begins its second century of fun with several new changes. A new/old element makes a return to Seabreeze, with the addition of body flumes and the return of water-based activities. The Log Flume is modernized, a soft ice cream stand is built, regularly scheduled live shows return, Kids Kingdom is introduced, and a paid admission gate goes into effect.

1990

After a decade of exciting changes and tough challenges, the fifth generation of the original Long family moves the park into the Nineties with such new additions as the Raging Rivers Waterpark, the Quantum Loop, and the Screamin’ Eagle. After a devastating fire, the park creates a new wooden Carousel for the guests to enjoy.

2000

The new millennium begins with Seabreeze continuing to offer guests the latest in family fun attractions like the Wave Pool, a sight and sound revamp on the Gyrosphere, the up and down thrills of the Spring and a variety of live shows performed on the front lawn stage. The Seabreeze Passport program, offering an individual guest multiple visits, is introduced and is very well-received.

2010

Seabreeze continues to move forward by adding exciting new elements. New attractions during this period include: the Whirlwind spinning coaster, Music Express, Revolution 360°, Helix, Twirlin’ Tea Cups and Hydro Racer waterslide complex. Today, Seabreeze is recognized as the fourth oldest amusement park in America, and is experiencing its best years ever. Thanks for your support!

New Seabreeze History Book

"Images of America: Seabreeze Park"

Be sure to purchase a copy of the park’s new history book, written by author and amusement park historian Jim Futrell.  It’s loaded with photos and text that tell the story of this landmark attraction.

Copies are available at the park’s Gift Shop, at local Barnes & Noble bookstores, and online at Amazon.