Free Beaches
Skip the badge fee! These Jersey Shore beaches don't require beach badges.
Featured Free Beaches
Atlantic Highlands
monmouth County
Gateway to Manhattan by Sea
Highlands
monmouth County
Twin Lights and Clam Bars
Manasquan
monmouth County
New Jersey's Surf Capital
Port Monmouth
monmouth County
Historic Bayshore Community with NYC Views
Sandy Hook
monmouth County
National Recreation Area with Free Beaches
Island Beach State Park
ocean County
Unspoiled Natural Beauty
Atlantic City
atlantic County
America's Playground with Free Beaches
Margate
atlantic County
Home of Lucy the Elephant
Somers Point
atlantic County
Gateway to the Shore & Back Bay Paradise
Ventnor
atlantic County
Where the Boardwalk Meets Calm
North Wildwood
cape may County
Free Beaches & Family Fun
Strathmere
cape may County
Where the Ocean Meets the Bay
West Cape May
cape may County
Lima Bean Capital of the World
Wildwood
cape may County
Free Beaches & Retro Fun
Wildwood Crest
cape may County
Quieter Side of the Wildwoods
All Free Beach Options
Atlantic City
Atlantic County
Free beach access along the famous boardwalk. Enjoy the casino town's 4 miles of beach without paying a badge fee.
Parking: Metered street and casino lots ($5-30/day)
Sandy Hook
Monmouth County
Part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Free beach access, but parking is $20/day ($100 season). Includes Gunnison Beach, NJ's only legal nude beach.
Parking: $20/day, $100/season
Island Beach State Park
Ocean County
One of the last undeveloped barrier beaches in NJ. No beach badge required, but there is a STATE PARK ENTRANCE FEE per vehicle to enter. Great for fishing and nature. WARNING: Park fills to capacity and closes most summer weekends by 9-10 AM.
Parking: State Park Entrance Fee: NJ residents $6 weekdays/$10 weekends, Non-residents $12/$20 (covers parking)
Strathmere
Cape May County
"The town that can't be found" - a hidden gem with free beach and free parking. Perfect for those seeking seclusion.
Parking: Free
Sea Isle City (Wednesdays)
Cape May County
Beach badges are FREE every Wednesday all summer (except July 4th). A great mid-week budget option.
Parking: ParkMobile app
Free Beach Tips
- •Wildwood has the widest free beaches—up to 500 feet from boardwalk to water.
- •Atlantic City beaches are free, but parking near the boardwalk can be expensive. Consider casino parking validation.
- •Sandy Hook and Island Beach State Park have free beach access (no badge), but charge a state/national park entrance fee per vehicle—great value for groups. Island Beach often fills to capacity by 9-10 AM on summer weekends.
- •Most beaches are free before 9 AM and after 5 PM even during summer.
Best Free Beach for Your Activity
Families with Kids
Wildwood Crest
Wide, gently sloping beaches with calm waters. Nearby boardwalk entertainment.
Surfing
North Wildwood
Consistent waves and no badge hassle. Good for beginners and intermediates.
Fishing
Island Beach State Park
Premier surf fishing destination. Striped bass, bluefish, and flounder.
Nature & Wildlife
Sandy Hook
Part of national park. Holly forest trails, birding, and Fort Hancock history.
Nightlife
Atlantic City
Casinos, shows, dining, and clubs steps from the beach. 24/7 entertainment.
Solitude
Strathmere
"The town that can't be found." Quiet, uncrowded, and completely free.
How Much Can You Save?
Compare costs between free beaches and typical paid beaches at the Jersey Shore.
| Cost Type | Free Beach | Paid Beach | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Badge (Adult) | $0 | $8-15 | $8-15/day |
| Weekly Badge | $0 | $20-40 | $20-40/week |
| Seasonal Badge | $0 | $35-100 | $35-100/season |
| Family of 4 (1 week) | $0 | $80-280 | $80-280 |
| Parking (typical) | $0-25/day | $5-30/day | Varies |
More Ways to Save at the Shore
Arrive Early or Late
Most paid beaches don't check badges before 9-10 AM or after 5 PM. Perfect for sunrise/sunset beach time.
Try Free Badge Wednesdays
Sea Isle City offers free badges every Wednesday all summer (except July 4th). Great mid-week option.
Pack Your Lunch
Bring a cooler with snacks and drinks. Boardwalk food adds up quickly with a family.
Use Park-and-Ride
Some shore towns offer remote parking with shuttle service, saving on expensive beachfront lots.
Carpooling for State Parks
Sandy Hook and Island Beach charge per vehicle—more passengers means lower cost per person.
Bring Your Own Chairs
Beach chair and umbrella rentals cost $15-40/day. Invest in your own equipment.
Off-Season: When Every Beach is Free
Beach badges are only required from Memorial Day (late May) through Labor Day (early September). Visit during the off-season for a completely different—and free—experience.
Spring (Apr-May)
Birding migration, fewer crowds, comfortable weather
Early Summer (June)
Warm weather, lower rates, beach badges start mid-June
Fall (Sept-Oct)
Still warm water, Victorian Week, fall festivals
Winter (Nov-Mar)
Peaceful walks, whale watching, holiday events
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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