Beach Badge Prices
Complete guide to Jersey Shore beach badges for 2026
Most Jersey Shore beaches require a beach badge (also called a beach tag) for access during summer months. Prices vary significantly by town, from completely free in Wildwood and Atlantic City to $15/day in upscale communities.
Below you will find a complete comparison of 2026 beach badge prices across all Jersey Shore towns, tips for saving money, and information about where to purchase badges.
🆓Free Beaches (No Badge Required)
These beaches never require a badge. 12 towns offer completely free beach access all summer long.
Complete Beach Badge Price Comparison
Click column headers to sort. Prices are for 2026 and subject to change. Free beaches are listed first.
💡Money-Saving Tips
Buy Early for Discounts
Many towns offer 10-20% off seasonal badges if purchased before Memorial Day. Check town websites in April and May.
Consider Weekly Passes
If visiting for a week, weekly badges often cost less than 5 daily badges and save hassle.
Check Age Exemptions
Most towns exempt children under 12 and seniors 65+. Some towns offer military discounts too.
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Before 10 AM and after 5 PM, most beaches do not check badges. Early morning beach walks are free.
Go Off-Season
September through May, all Jersey Shore beaches are free. Fall beach days are uncrowded and often warm enough to swim.
Choose Free Beaches
Wildwood and Atlantic City never require badges. Great option for budget travelers.
Where & When to Buy
Where and when you buy badges can save you significant money and hassle.
Beach Entrance
Pros: Convenient, no planning needed
Cons: Often cash only, may have lines, full price
Best for: One-time visits, spontaneous beach days
Town Hall / Borough Office
Pros: All badge types available, can pay with card
Cons: Limited hours, may need to go out of way
Best for: Seasonal badges, early-bird discounts
Online (Town Website)
Pros: Buy from home, often best discounts, no waiting
Cons: Need to pick up or wait for mail, not all towns offer
Best for: Pre-planned trips, seasonal passes
Local Businesses
Pros: Sometimes available when town hall is closed
Cons: Selection may be limited
Best for: Convenience when other options closed
Best Time to Buy
Check town websites for exact dates
Checkers arrive around 10 AM
Weekends have longest waits
Don't buy weekly on Thursday
How Beach Badges Work
Understanding how beach badges work helps you plan better and avoid surprises.
How Enforcement Works
Age Exemptions by Town
Always ask about discounts when buying. Many aren't advertised.
Badge Validity Rules
Legal Ways to Save
Family Beach Badge Planning
Beach badges can add up for families. Here's how to minimize costs.
Typical Family Costs
| Scenario | Daily | Weekly | Seasonal | Break-Even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids under 12) Spring Lake ($12/day) | $24/day (kids free) | $55/week (2 weekly badges) | $110/season | Seasonal pays off after 5 days |
| Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teens) Belmar ($10/day) | $40/day (all need badges) | $120/week (4 weekly badges) | $300/season | Seasonal pays off after 8 days |
| Family of 4 in Wildwood Wildwood (FREE) | $0/day | $0/week | $0/season | Always the cheapest option |
Family Strategies
Stay in free beach towns
Wildwood, Atlantic City, Sandy Hook (parking fee only)
Split your trip
Stay at paid beach town, day-trip to free beaches some days
Use age exemptions
Kids under 12 are free almost everywhere
Buy seasonal early
Early-bird discounts can save 15-20%
Beach morning, pool afternoon
If your rental has a pool, split time to reduce beach days
Badge Strategy by Trip Length
Plan your beach badge strategy before your trip to avoid surprises.
Day Trip
Daily badges or visit free beach
Arrive before 10 AM for free morning hours, then decide if you want to stay.
Weekend (2-3 days)
Daily badges or weekly if 3+ days
Weekly badges often cost 4-5x daily—do the math for your group.
Week Vacation (5-7 days)
Weekly badges for main beach, day-trip to free beaches
Mix paid beach days with free beach day trips to save money.
Summer Season
Seasonal badges with early-bird discount
If you'll visit 8+ times, seasonal pays for itself.
Visiting Multiple Towns
- •Badges don't transfer—you'll need separate badges for each town
- •Plan which towns you'll beach at vs. just visit for dining/attractions
- •Use free beach towns as your "beach days" and paid towns for evening boardwalks
- •State parks (Island Beach, Sandy Hook) charge per-vehicle, not per-person—better for groups