Beach Badge Prices
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.
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Free Beaches (No Badge Required)
No badge is sold at these 9 listings. Sandy Hook and Island Beach State Park still charge for parking or park entry.
Complete Beach Badge Price Comparison
Click column headers to sort. Prices are for 2026 and subject to change. Free beaches are listed first.
| Atlantic CityAtlantic | FREE | — | — |
| Atlantic HighlandsMonmouth | FREE | — | — |
| HighlandsMonmouth | FREE | — | — |
| Island Beach State ParkOcean | FREE | — | — |
| ManasquanMonmouth | — | — | $95 |
| MargateAtlantic | — | — | $20 |
| North WildwoodCape May | FREE | — | — |
| Port MonmouthMonmouth | — | — | — |
| Sandy HookMonmouth | FREE | — | — |
| Somers PointAtlantic | — | — | — |
| StrathmereCape May | FREE | — | — |
| VentnorAtlantic | — | — | $20 |
| West Cape MayCape May | — | — | — |
| WildwoodCape May | FREE | — | — |
| Wildwood CrestCape May | FREE | — | — |
| LongportAtlantic | $5 | $15 | $35 |
| ElberonMonmouth | $6 | — | $70 |
| Long BranchMonmouth | $6 | — | $70 |
| Cape May PointCape May | $6 | $15 | $25 |
| Asbury ParkMonmouth | $7 | — | $70 |
| Loch ArbourMonmouth | $8 | $20 | $60 |
| LavalletteOcean | $8 | $20 | $50 |
| AvalonCape May | $8 | $17 | $40 |
| Stone HarborCape May | $8 | $17 | $40 |
| Monmouth BeachMonmouth | $10 | $25 | $75 |
| Sea BrightMonmouth | $10 | $25 | $75 |
| Barnegat LightOcean | $10 | $25 | $50 |
| Beach HavenOcean | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| LoveladiesOcean | $10 | $25 | $85 |
| Ortley BeachOcean | $10 | $25 | $65 |
| Seaside ParkOcean | $10 | $25 | $55 |
| Ship BottomOcean | $10 | $25 | $45 |
| Surf CityOcean | $10 | $25 | $45 |
| BrigantineAtlantic | $10 | $15 | $25 |
| Cape MayCape May | $10 | $25 | $40 |
| Ocean CityCape May | $10 | $20 | $35 |
| Sea Isle CityCape May | $10 | $15 | $30 |
| AllenhurstMonmouth | $12 | — | — |
| Avon-by-the-SeaMonmouth | $12 | — | $110 |
| BelmarMonmouth | $12 | — | $80 |
| Bradley BeachMonmouth | $12 | — | $90 |
| DealMonmouth | $12 | — | $200 |
| Sea GirtMonmouth | $12 | — | $115 |
| Spring LakeMonmouth | $12 | — | $110 |
| Harvey CedarsOcean | $12 | $30 | $60 |
| Ocean GroveMonmouth | $13 | — | $100 |
| Point Pleasant BeachOcean | $13 | — | $130 |
| Seaside HeightsOcean | $13 | $50 | $75 |
| Bay HeadOcean | $15 | $35 | $100 |
| MantolokingOcean | $15 | $40 | $125 |
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Money-Saving Tips
Buy Early for Discounts
Many towns discount seasonal badges 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 with badges exempt children under 12, though the cutoff varies from under 5 to under 14.
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
Weekends have longest waits
Don't buy weekly on Thursday
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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 (2 badges) | No weekly badge | $220/season | Seasonal pays off after 10 days |
| Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teens 13+) Belmar ($12/day) | $48/day (4 badges) | No weekly badge | $320/season | Seasonal pays off after 7 days |
| Family of 4 in Wildwood Wildwood (no badge) | $0/day | $0/week | $0/season | No badge required |
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
Most towns set a free age; check your town’s page
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
Check the town’s badge hours before you go.
Weekend (2-3 days)
Daily badges or weekly if 3+ days
Not every town sells a weekly badge; 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
Divide the season price by the daily price to see how many days it takes to pay off.
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
Beach Badge Prices by County
Monmouth County
Cape May County
Beach Badge FAQs
What is a beach badge?
A beach badge (also called a beach tag) is a paid admission fee required to access most Jersey Shore beaches during summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Badges are typically worn on your swimsuit and checked by beach attendants. Prices range from $5-15 daily, with weekly and seasonal options available.
Where can I buy a beach badge?
Beach badges can be purchased at beach entrances, town halls, local businesses, and online through many town websites. Some towns offer early-bird discounts for seasonal badges purchased before Memorial Day. Beach attendants also sell daily badges directly on the sand.
Do kids need beach badges?
Most towns with badges let children under 12 on free. The cutoff is set town by town, from under 5 to under 14, and the table on this page lists each one.
What time are beach badges required?
Badge seasons and daily hours are set by each town, so check the town you are visiting.
Which beaches are free at the Jersey Shore?
Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Atlantic City, and Strathmere have completely free beaches with no badge required. Sandy Hook and Island Beach State Park have free beach access but charge a per-vehicle park entrance fee.
Can I use a beach badge at multiple beaches?
No, beach badges are town-specific. A badge purchased in Spring Lake is only valid for Spring Lake beaches. If you plan to visit multiple towns, you will need a separate badge for each, or choose free beaches.
What happens to beach badges during municipal boundary changes?
When towns annex or change boundaries, beach badge requirements may be in transition. For example, South Seaside Park is currently being annexed by Seaside Park Borough after a 53-year legal battle. During such transitions, check with local beach patrol or town offices for current badge requirements. Island Beach State Park (free beach access, parking fees) is a good alternative if badge requirements are unclear.
Are seasonal beach badges worth it?
If you plan to visit the same beach 10+ times per summer, a seasonal badge saves money. For example, a $75 seasonal badge in a town with $10 daily badges pays for itself after 8 visits. Consider your typical visit frequency before purchasing.
What if I lose my beach badge?
Most towns do not offer replacements for lost badges, so keep it secure on your swimsuit or bag. Some towns may offer a one-time replacement with proof of purchase. Daily badges are the safest option if you are prone to losing things.
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