Ocean City Beach Badges 2026

In Ocean City, daily badges are $10, weekly badges are $20, and season badges are $35. Season $30 before June 1. Under 12 FREE. Military/Veterans FREE with ID.

Children under 12 do not need a badge in Ocean City.

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.

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

Ocean City 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, Ocean City 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.