NJShore Guide

Beach Parking Guide

Find parking at 45 Jersey Shore towns. Prices, locations, and insider tips.

45Towns
30Free Options
$8-25Daily Range
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45

Towns Covered

30

Free Options

$8-25

Daily Range

9 AM

Arrive By

General Parking Tips

Timing

  • • Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends
  • • Weekdays are much easier for parking
  • • After 4 PM, spots open as beachgoers leave
  • • Holiday weekends fill earliest

Payment

  • • Download ParkMobile app before your trip
  • • Many lots are cash-only—bring bills
  • • Meters often don't give change
  • • Some towns require separate beach badge

Strategic Parking by Scenario

Knowing when and where to park can mean the difference between a relaxing beach day and a frustrating hour circling lots. Here's insider knowledge from locals who've mastered the shore parking game.

🌞

Peak Summer Weekend

Arrive by 7:30-8:00 AM

Best lots: Primary beach lots fill first—try secondary lots 2-3 blocks away

Backup plan: Head to neighboring town if primary choice is full

💡 Pro tip: Many locals arrive at sunrise, set up chairs, then go for breakfast nearby

🎆

July 4th / Labor Day Weekend

Arrive by 6:30-7:00 AM

Best lots: Some lots are pre-sold as seasonal—check in advance

Backup plan: Consider less popular beaches (Bay Head over Point Pleasant)

💡 Pro tip: The day AFTER holidays is often perfect—crowds thin dramatically

☀️

Weekday Summer

Arrive by 9:00-10:00 AM

Best lots: Almost any lot will have spaces until mid-morning

Backup plan: Street parking often available on residential streets

💡 Pro tip: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the emptiest beach days

🍂

Shoulder Season (May/September)

Arrive by Anytime before noon

Best lots: Many beach lots are free or reduced price

Backup plan: Metered street parking is often unlimited

💡 Pro tip: Some towns don't even enforce parking until Memorial Day

🌧️

Rainy Morning, Clearing Afternoon

Arrive by 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Best lots: Early birds leave when rain starts—spots open up

Backup plan: Wait in car with packed lunch until clearing

💡 Pro tip: The 1-2 hours after rain clears are magical—empty beaches, fresh air

🚗 When Every Lot Is Full

Don't panic when you see "LOT FULL" signs. Shore veterans have backup plans that can save your beach day.

🏘️

The Neighboring Town Pivot

Every popular shore town has a less-crowded neighbor. When Belmar fills up, try Lake Como or Spring Lake Heights. When LBI is packed, check Harvey Cedars or Ship Bottom.

⏱️ 10-15 minutes💰 Often cheaper parking

The Afternoon Shift

Kill time with breakfast or shopping. Serious beachgoers leave around 2-3 PM. Circle back and you'll often find a primo spot.

⏱️ 1-2 hours (but you were eating anyway)💰 Some lots switch to free after 4 PM
🚂

The Train Station Trick

Towns with NJ Transit access (Long Branch, Belmar, Bay Head) have station lots. Park there, walk to beach, or catch shuttle during peak season.

⏱️ 5-10 minute walk💰 $5-10 vs $20+ beach lot
🏪

The Downtown Detour

Park in downtown areas (often 2-hour meters) and walk. Many downtown lots allow all-day parking for a fee lower than beach lots.

⏱️ 5-15 minute walk💰 Often $5-10 cheaper
🌅

The Bay Beach Alternative

Bay beaches (Barnegat Bay, Tuckerton) have calmer water and dramatically easier parking. Perfect for families with small kids.

⏱️ Different destination💰 Often free or very cheap

Some towns operate overflow lots or shuttle services on peak days:

Point Pleasant Beach: Shuttle from Jenkinson's overflow lot
Seaside Heights: Remote lots with boardwalk shuttle
Wildwood: Free tram runs entire boardwalk length
Cape May: Trolley connects beach lots to downtown

📱 Parking Apps & Payment Guide

The days of feeding quarters into rusty meters are (mostly) over. Here's your tech toolkit for shore parking.

📱

ParkMobile

Most North Jersey shore towns (Monmouth County especially)

Download app, create account, add car and payment. Enter zone number from signs, select time, confirm.

Pro Tips:

  • Enable notifications to extend time remotely
  • Link multiple cars for family trips
  • Some lots offer ParkMobile-only sections

Watch Out:

  • Service fees ($0.35-0.50 per transaction)
  • Requires cell signal
💳

PayByPhone

Growing coverage in Ocean County and South Jersey

Similar to ParkMobile. Some towns use one or the other exclusively.

Pro Tips:

  • Check zone signs for which app is accepted
  • Often can call number on sign instead of using app

Watch Out:

  • Different account than ParkMobile
  • Not as widely adopted
🎫

Passport Parking

Select Cape May County towns

Zone-based like others. Some municipalities prefer this platform.

Pro Tips:

  • Wildwood area towns often use this
  • Can also pay via web browser

Watch Out:

  • Yet another app to install
  • Limited geographic coverage

💵 Still need cash for some lots and all attendant-staffed parking:

  • Bring exact change when possible—many machines don't give change
  • Keep a $20 bill emergency stash in car for cash-only lots
  • $1 and $5 bills work best—some machines reject $20s
  • Beach towns often have ATMs with high fees ($3-5)—withdraw before you leave
🆕

First-Timer's Stress-Free Parking Guide

First time navigating Jersey Shore parking? Don't stress. Follow this checklist and you'll be beach-bound without the headache.

🏠 Before You Leave Home

1

Download parking apps

Get ParkMobile and PayByPhone—you'll need one or both

2

Check lot info online

Many towns post real-time lot status on their websites

3

Have cash backup

$40 in small bills covers most scenarios

4

Check beach badge requirements

Some lots are beach access only—need badge to stay

5

Screenshot lot addresses

Cell service can be spotty—have addresses saved offline

🏖️ When You Arrive

1

Follow "Beach Parking" signs

Most shore towns have clear signage to main lots

2

Note your zone number

Posted on signs—needed for app payment

3

Photo your spot

All beach lots look the same—snap a photo of nearest landmark

4

Set parking reminder

Add 15 minutes before expiration to avoid tickets

5

Check posted rules

Some lots close at dusk—your car could get locked in

⚠️ Common Mistakes (And Their Consequences)

Parking in residential zones

Instant $50+ ticket plus tow risk

Ignoring meter expiration

$25-75 ticket, strictly enforced

Blocking driveways (even slightly)

Towed immediately in most towns

Parking on beach access paths

Illegal and dangerous—fire lanes

Assuming free after Labor Day

Many towns enforce through September

Peak vs. Off-Peak: What to Expect

Timing matters more than you think. Here's how your experience changes based on when you go.

FactorPeak Summer (Jul-Aug weekends)Shoulder (May/Sep)Off-Season (Oct-Apr)
Lot AvailabilityFull by 9 AM weekendsSpots available all dayGhost town—park anywhere
Daily Rate$15-25 typical$5-15 or freeFree almost everywhere
EnforcementConstant patrolsModerate enforcementMinimal to none
Street ParkingForget about itWorth tryingEasy to find
Meter Hours7 AM - 8 PM typical9 AM - 5 PMOften not enforced

Monmouth County

Asbury Park

Asbury Park has a mix of metered street parking and municipal lots. Summer weekends fill up fast—arrive before 10 AM for best spots.

Parking Options

Ocean Avenue Lot

$15/day ($3/hr)

🚶 1 min to beach

~200 spots

Accepts: cash, card, app

Sunset Avenue Lot

$10/day ($2/hr)

🚶 3 min to beach

~150 spots

Accepts: cash, card, app

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 2-5 min to beach

Accepts: card, app

Max 4 hours at most meters

Local Tips

  • Download the ParkMobile app for meter payments
  • Lot on Ocean Ave near Convention Hall is largest
  • Free street parking available west of Main Street
  • Meters enforced 9 AM - 9 PM in summer

⚠️ July 4th and summer concert weekends can see lots fill by 9 AM

Belmar

Belmar requires beach badges AND parking permits. Daily parking passes available at beach entrances.

Parking Options

Taylor Pavilion Lot

$10/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~100 spots

Accepts: cash

10th Avenue Lot

$10/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~75 spots

Accepts: cash

Main Street Meters

Free!

🚶 5-10 min to beach

Accepts: card, app

Free after 6 PM

Local Tips

  • Buy parking pass at the same booth as beach badges
  • Street parking requires resident permit in most areas
  • Taylor Pavilion lot fills fastest
  • Consider parking on Main Street and walking

Long Branch

Pier Village has paid garage parking. Public beaches have municipal lots requiring daily or seasonal permits.

Parking Options

Pier Village Garage

$25/day ($5/hr)

🚶 2 min to beach

~500 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Seven Presidents Park

$10/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~300 spots

Accepts: cash

Weekdays $8, weekends $10

Local Tips

  • Pier Village garage is convenient but pricey
  • Seven Presidents Park has large municipal lot
  • Street parking limited near beaches
  • Seasonal permits available at City Hall

Spring Lake

Spring Lake has very limited parking. Street parking requires permits; day visitors should use municipal lots.

Parking Options

Third Avenue Lot

$15/day

🚶 2 min to beach

~40 spots

Accepts: cash

Very small, fills early

Street Parking

$12/day

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: cash

Daily permit required from Borough Hall

Local Tips

  • Purchase daily parking permit at Borough Hall
  • Beach badges also required
  • Only 2 small municipal lots available
  • Consider parking in Belmar and walking

⚠️ One of the most difficult shore towns for parking

Allenhurst

Tiny, exclusive borough with very limited public parking. Most street parking is permit-only for residents.

Parking Options

Street Parking

Free!

🚶 2 min to beach

Accepts: cash

Limited metered spots on Ocean Ave

Local Tips

  • Consider parking in Deal or Long Branch and walking
  • Beach access restricted to badge holders
  • Very few spots available for non-residents

⚠️ One of the hardest shore towns to find parking

Avon-by-the-Sea

Small beach town with metered street parking. Popular with families and less crowded than neighboring towns.

Parking Options

Ocean Avenue Meters

Free!

🚶 1 min to beach

Accepts: card, app

ParkMobile accepted

Norwood Avenue Lot

$10/day

🚶 3 min to beach

~50 spots

Accepts: cash

Local Tips

  • Meters along Ocean Avenue and side streets
  • Free parking on Main Street with short walk
  • Beach badges required in summer

Bradley Beach

Family-friendly beach town with metered street parking and a small municipal lot. Less crowded than Belmar.

Parking Options

Main Beach Lot

$12/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~100 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 1-3 min to beach

Accepts: card, app

Local Tips

  • Meters run along Ocean Avenue
  • LaReine Avenue has some free parking west of Main
  • Mini-golf and arcade area has separate lot

Deal

Affluent residential community with very limited public beach access and parking. Most parking restricted to residents.

Parking Options

Phillips Avenue Beach

$15/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~30 spots

Accepts: cash

Very limited public access

Local Tips

  • Public beach access is limited
  • Consider neighboring towns for easier parking
  • Private beach clubs dominate the shorefront

⚠️ Beach access very limited for non-residents

Loch Arbour

Tiny village with shared beach access through Deal. Very limited parking available.

Parking Options

Street Parking

Free!

🚶 3 min to beach

Accepts: card

Very limited spots

Local Tips

  • Beach shared with Deal and Allenhurst
  • Street parking only - no lots
  • Consider parking in Asbury Park

Manasquan

Popular surf town with beach parking lots and metered street parking. Known for consistent waves.

Parking Options

Main Beach Lot

$15/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~150 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Inlet Lot

$12/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~80 spots

Accepts: cash

Popular with surfers

Local Tips

  • Main Beach lot fills fast on weekends
  • Inlet lot popular with surfers
  • Street meters along Main Street
  • Beach badges required

⚠️ Surf competitions draw large crowds

Monmouth Beach

Quiet residential beach town with limited public parking. Beaches require badges.

Parking Options

Beach Parking

$15/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~50 spots

Accepts: cash

Limited to badge holders

Local Tips

  • Street parking mostly permit-only
  • Beach club parking for members
  • Consider Sea Bright for easier access

Ocean Grove

Historic Methodist community with unique parking rules. Neptune Township enforces no driving on Sundays until 12:30 PM (separate from beach closures that ended in 2025).

Parking Options

Main Avenue Meters

Free!

🚶 3 min to beach

Accepts: card, app

Auditorium Lot

$10/day

🚶 5 min to beach

~75 spots

Accepts: cash

Near Great Auditorium

Local Tips

  • Neptune Township rule: no vehicle movement on Sundays until 12:30 PM
  • Main Avenue has metered parking
  • Overflow parking in Asbury Park
  • Beach badges required

⚠️ Neptune Township Sunday rule: no driving until 12:30 PM (beach is now open all day)

Sandy Hook

Part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Large lots but fills early on summer weekends. FREE beach access!

Parking Options

Lot D (Main)

$20/day

🚶 2 min to beach

~500 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Vehicle entrance fee covers parking

Lot C (North)

$20/day

🚶 2 min to beach

~300 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Gunnison Beach Lot

$20/day

🚶 3 min to beach

~200 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Clothing-optional beach

Local Tips

  • Entrance fee per vehicle ($20/day summer)
  • Beach is free once parked
  • Lots close when full - arrive before 9 AM
  • Annual pass available for frequent visitors

⚠️ Gates close when lots fill - often by 10 AM on summer weekends

Sea Bright

Narrow barrier beach with limited parking. Most beach access through private clubs or municipal beach.

Parking Options

Municipal Beach Lot

$20/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~75 spots

Accepts: cash

Local Tips

  • Municipal beach has small lot
  • Street parking very limited
  • Beach clubs dominate the shoreline
  • Consider Sandy Hook for easier parking

⚠️ Very limited parking - lots fill early

Sea Girt

Upscale beach town with very limited public parking. Beach badges required and strictly enforced.

Parking Options

Beach Parking

$20/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~30 spots

Accepts: cash

Very limited availability

Local Tips

  • Parking permits required for most streets
  • Very few daily parking options
  • Consider Spring Lake or Manasquan

⚠️ Extremely limited parking for visitors

Cape May County

Cape May

Cape May has limited parking near beaches. The free trolley from remote lots is a popular option in summer.

Parking Options

Convention Hall Lot

$20/day ($4/hr)

🚶 2 min to beach

~200 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Lafayette Street Lot

$15/day

🚶 3 min to beach

~100 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Beach Avenue Meters

Free!

🚶 1 min to beach

Accepts: card, app

Very limited spots, 2 hour max

Local Tips

  • Use the free Cape May Trolley from remote lots
  • Beach Avenue meters are most expensive
  • Convention Hall lot offers all-day parking
  • Street parking near the mall is free but fills early

⚠️ Victorian Week and summer holidays require arriving before 9 AM

Ocean City

Ocean City has metered street parking and several municipal lots. The Music Pier area is most congested.

Parking Options

9th Street Lot

$15/day ($3/hr)

🚶 3 min to beach

~150 spots

Accepts: cash, card, app

Music Pier Lot

$20/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~75 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: card, app

Free October - April

Local Tips

  • Use ParkMobile app for all meters
  • Lots near 9th Street are central to boardwalk
  • Free parking available west of West Avenue
  • Meters enforced 10 AM - 10 PM, May-September

Wildwood

Wildwood has FREE beach access and relatively affordable parking. Large municipal lots serve the boardwalk.

Parking Options

Boardwalk Lot (Rio Grande)

$10/day

🚶 2 min to beach

~300 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Fox Park Lot

$8/day

🚶 5 min to beach

~200 spots

Accepts: cash

Convention Center Lot

$15/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~500 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Local Tips

  • Beach is free but parking is not
  • Arrive early for lots closest to boardwalk
  • Street parking on Atlantic Ave is metered
  • Many motels offer free parking for guests

Avalon

Upscale Seven Mile Island town with metered parking. Known as "Cooler by a Mile."

Parking Options

30th Street Lot

$15/day

🚶 2 min to beach

~100 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: card, app

Local Tips

  • Street meters take ParkMobile
  • Beach badges required
  • Upscale dining and shopping
  • 30th Street is main commercial area

Cape May Point

Small borough with lighthouse and state park. Parking at Cape May Point State Park.

Free Option

Parking Options

State Park Lot

$10/day

🚶 3 min to beach

~200 spots

Accepts: cash, card

NJ residents $5 on weekdays

Sunset Beach Lot

Free!

🚶 1 min to beach

~100 spots

Accepts: cash

Free for Sunset Beach visitors

Local Tips

  • State park lot is main option
  • Sunset Beach has its own lot
  • Street parking very limited
  • No beach badges required

North Wildwood

Northern end of Wildwoods with FREE beaches. Metered parking and municipal lots.

Parking Options

Hereford Avenue Lot

$8/day

🚶 2 min to beach

~150 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: card, app

Local Tips

  • Beaches are free - no badge needed
  • Hereford Inlet Lighthouse worth visiting
  • Less crowded than main Wildwood

Sea Isle City

Family-friendly beach town known for the Promenade. Multiple municipal parking lots.

Parking Options

Promenade Lot

$12/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~200 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: card, app

Local Tips

  • Promenade area has several lots
  • Street meters throughout
  • Beach badges required
  • Fish Alley popular for dining

Stone Harbor

Upscale Seven Mile Island town with metered parking. Known for bird sanctuary.

Parking Options

96th Street Lot

$15/day

🚶 2 min to beach

~100 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: card, app

Local Tips

  • 96th Street is main commercial area
  • Bird Sanctuary worth visiting
  • Beach badges required
  • Upscale boutiques and restaurants

Strathmere

Tiny fishing community with free street parking. Very quiet and undeveloped.

Free Option

Parking Options

Street Parking

Free!

🚶 2 min to beach

Accepts: cash

Free parking throughout

Local Tips

  • Free street parking available
  • Very quiet, locals-only feel
  • Deauville Inn is main attraction
  • No beach badges required

West Cape May

Residential borough with limited beach access. Known for birding and nature.

Free Option

Parking Options

Street Parking

Free!

🚶 5-10 min to beach

Accepts: cash

Free but limited spots

Local Tips

  • Street parking only
  • Limited direct beach access
  • Great for birding at nearby meadows

Wildwood Crest

Quieter southern end of Wildwoods with FREE beaches. Family-friendly with many motels.

Parking Options

Sunset Lake Lot

$8/day

🚶 3 min to beach

~100 spots

Accepts: cash

Beach Avenue Lot

$10/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~150 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Local Tips

  • Beaches are free - no badge needed
  • Quieter than main Wildwood boardwalk
  • Sunset Lake popular for families
  • Many Doo-Wop motels offer free parking

Ocean County

Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant Beach has beach parking lots that fill quickly on summer weekends. Jenkinson's Boardwalk area is busiest.

Parking Options

Jenkinson's Beach Lot

$15/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~200 spots

Accepts: cash

Broadway Beach Lot

$12/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~100 spots

Accepts: cash

Local Tips

  • Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends
  • Street parking requires town permits
  • Lots accept cash only
  • Overflow parking at train station lot

⚠️ Lots fill by 10 AM on summer Saturdays

Seaside Heights

Seaside Heights has both metered street parking and large municipal lots. Boardwalk lots are most popular.

Parking Options

Grant Avenue Lot

$10/day

🚶 3 min to beach

~400 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Boardwalk Lot

$15/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~150 spots

Accepts: cash

Local Tips

  • Grant Avenue lot is largest and cheapest
  • Street meters take quarters or the Parkmobile app
  • Free parking available on side streets if you walk
  • Lots fill fast during concerts and events

Barnegat Light

Northern tip of LBI with state park and quiet beaches. Parking at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park.

Parking Options

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

$10/day

🚶 3 min to beach

~150 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Weekends $10, weekdays $5

Street Parking

Free!

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: app

Local Tips

  • State park lot is main option
  • Street parking limited
  • Less crowded than southern LBI towns

Bay Head

Upscale beach community with extremely limited public parking. Most parking restricted to residents.

Parking Options

Street Parking

$20/day

🚶 2 min to beach

Accepts: cash

Daily permits at Borough Hall - very limited

Local Tips

  • Street parking requires resident permit
  • Very limited beach access points
  • Consider Point Pleasant Beach for easier access

⚠️ One of the most difficult LBI-area towns for parking

Beach Haven

Main commercial hub of LBI with Fantasy Island, shops, and restaurants. Multiple parking options.

Parking Options

Centre Street Lot

$12/day

🚶 3 min to beach

~100 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Beach Avenue Meters

Free!

🚶 1 min to beach

Accepts: card, app

Local Tips

  • Street meters throughout downtown
  • Fantasy Island has its own lot
  • Bay Avenue has free 2-hour parking
  • Beach badges required

⚠️ Fantasy Island and downtown get very crowded weekends

Harvey Cedars

Quiet LBI town with limited commercial development. Street parking and small lots.

Free Option

Parking Options

Sunset Park Lot

Free!

🚶 1 min to beach

~30 spots

Accepts: cash

Free parking, limited spots

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: app

Local Tips

  • Quieter alternative to Beach Haven
  • Street parking available
  • Sunset Park has small lot

Island Beach State Park

Pristine state park beaches with entrance fee. One of the last undeveloped barrier beaches in NJ.

Parking Options

Swimming Beach Areas

$10/day

🚶 2 min to beach

~400 spots

Accepts: cash, card

NJ residents $10, out-of-state $20

Local Tips

  • Vehicle entrance fee covers parking
  • Park closes when lots fill
  • Arrive before 8 AM on summer weekends
  • Annual pass saves money for frequent visitors

⚠️ Park closes when capacity reached - often by 9 AM on summer weekends

Lavallette

Family-oriented beach town between Seaside and Ortley. Metered street parking throughout.

Parking Options

Philadelphia Avenue Lot

$10/day

🚶 2 min to beach

~75 spots

Accepts: cash

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: card, app

Local Tips

  • Street meters throughout town
  • Free parking west of Route 35
  • Beach badges required
  • Less crowded than Seaside

Loveladies

Exclusive LBI community with limited public access. High-end vacation homes dominate.

Parking Options

Street Parking

Free!

🚶 2 min to beach

Accepts: app

Very limited spots at street ends

Local Tips

  • Very limited public parking
  • Beach access at street ends
  • Most visitors rent homes here

Mantoloking

Wealthy residential community with no public parking or beach access. Private beaches only.

Parking Options

Local Tips

  • No public beach access
  • No public parking available
  • Residents and guests only

⚠️ No public beach or parking access

Ortley Beach

Rebuilt after Sandy, this section of Toms River has metered parking and beach badge requirements.

Parking Options

Beach Lot

$10/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~60 spots

Accepts: cash

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 1-3 min to beach

Accepts: card, app

Local Tips

  • Street meters along Route 35
  • Some free parking west of highway
  • Quieter than neighboring Seaside

Seaside Park

Quieter neighbor to Seaside Heights with Funtown Pier. Less crowded parking options.

Parking Options

Funtown Pier Lot

$15/day

🚶 1 min to beach

~200 spots

Accepts: cash

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: card, app

Local Tips

  • Funtown Pier has its own lot
  • Street parking easier than Seaside Heights
  • Beach badges required

Ship Bottom

Gateway to LBI where the causeway meets the island. Good parking options for LBI.

Parking Options

Municipal Lot

$10/day

🚶 2 min to beach

~80 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: app

Local Tips

  • First town you hit on LBI
  • Popular surf spot
  • Street parking available

Surf City

Central LBI town known for surfing. Metered parking and beach badge requirements.

Parking Options

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 1-3 min to beach

Accepts: card, app

Local Tips

  • Popular with surfers
  • Street meters throughout
  • Less crowded than Beach Haven

Atlantic County

Atlantic City

Atlantic City has casino garages and municipal lots. Beach parking is available along the boardwalk.

Free Option

Parking Options

State Marina Lot

Free!

🚶 5 min to beach

~200 spots

Accepts: cash

Free parking!

Wave Garage

$5/day ($2/hr)

🚶 3 min to beach

~600 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Local Tips

  • Casino garages validate for slot play
  • State Marina lot is free for beach access
  • Boardwalk lots charge $10-20 in summer
  • Use Jitney for free rides between casinos

Brigantine

Quiet island north of Atlantic City with free street parking in most areas. Great alternative to AC.

Free Option

Parking Options

Beach Street Parking

Free!

🚶 1-2 min to beach

Accepts: cash

Free parking throughout most of town

Local Tips

  • Most street parking is free
  • Beach badges required
  • Much quieter than Atlantic City
  • Nice wildlife refuge nearby

Longport

Quiet southern tip of Absecon Island. Limited parking but less crowded than Margate.

Parking Options

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 2 min to beach

Accepts: card

Local Tips

  • Street parking available
  • Beach badges required
  • Very quiet, residential feel

Margate

Home of Lucy the Elephant! Street parking with meters. Popular family beach destination.

Parking Options

Lucy Lot

$10/day

🚶 2 min to beach

~50 spots

Accepts: cash, card

Near Lucy the Elephant

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 Varies to beach

Accepts: card, app

Local Tips

  • Lucy the Elephant has its own lot
  • Street meters throughout
  • Beach badges required
  • Less crowded than AC

Ventnor

Residential beach town adjacent to Atlantic City. Metered street parking and beach badges required.

Parking Options

Street Meters

Free!

🚶 2 min to beach

Accepts: card, app

Municipal Lot

$10/day

🚶 3 min to beach

~75 spots

Accepts: cash

Local Tips

  • Street meters along Atlantic Ave
  • Quieter than AC but close by
  • Beach badges required

Parking FAQs

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