Our History

In 1960, Jack Hughes, an accountant from Philadelphia along with a group of investors, purchased the Sea Shell Motel. Jack moved his wife Nancy and their young family from their summer home in Cape May and relocated to Beach Haven for the summer season. Over the next few years Mr. Hughes bought out the original investors and continued to operate the Sea Shell along with wife and children.

In 1992, Jack and Nancy sold the Sea Shell to sons Tom & John, who along with their wives Sherry and Susan, and their children continued the family tradition. Over the next two decades Tom, Sherry, John and Susan made many positive changes, turning the Sea Shell from a sleepy summer time motel, into a full service resort and banquet facility. Tom, Sherry and their daughters Jaimee and Brittany continue to realize the dream of providing a superior resort experience to their summer vacationers.

On October 29, 2012, Superstorm Sandy leveled the Sea Shell. The entire first floor was decimated. The storm’s waves crashed through the oceanfront windows and took everything out the front door with it. With a determined crew of Sea Shell employees and several amazing contractors, we worked day and night to rebuild.

On April 18, 2013 we reopened. Once again the Sea Shell has redefined itself and with the addition of “10 South”, our new martini lounge and wine bar and "Long Bar Sushi", our new oceanfront sushi bar. We are proud to offer our guests the best hospitality, entertainment and culinary experience available on Long Beach Island. To our wonderful employees who worked so hard to bring the Sea Shell back from the brink of destruction, thank you. To our loyal customers and friends, welcome back.