Cape May Beach Badges 2026

In Cape May, daily badges are $10, weekly badges are $25, and season badges are $40. 3-day pass $20. Season $30 before April 30. Under 11 FREE. Military/Veterans FREE.

Children under 11 do not need a badge in Cape May.

Daily badges are typically sold right at the beach entrances by badge checkers (bring cash — many don't take cards). Season badges are usually available at the municipal building or borough hall, often with early-bird discounts in spring.

Budget for two charges, not one. A daily beach badge is $10 per person, and beach-lot parking runs $15-$20 per car. For two adults driving in, that is roughly $35-$40 for the day before food. Street parking is free in some blocks but usually resident-permit only near the beach.

Cape May beach lots charge $15-$20 for a day. Lots nearest the sand fill first on summer weekends.

Cape May beaches are patrolled by lifeguards through the summer season, typically 9 or 10 AM to 5 PM. Badge checkers work those same hours, which is why early mornings and evenings are effectively free — the beach itself stays open, there is simply nobody selling or checking badges.

Like most Jersey Shore towns, Cape May requires badges during the summer season — typically Memorial Day through Labor Day, roughly 9 AM to 5 PM when checkers are on duty. Early mornings, evenings, and the off-season are free.