Best Free Beaches at the Jersey Shore
Not all Jersey Shore beaches require expensive badges. From Wildwood's wide expanses to Atlantic City's casino-adjacent shores, enjoy free access to sand and surf.
Top Free Beaches Ranked
Wildwood Beach
FREEThe widest beaches on the Jersey Shore, often exceeding 1,000 feet from boardwalk to water. Wildwood's beaches are completely free with no badge required, making them one of the best values on the East Coast.
North Wildwood Beach
FREESlightly less crowded than Wildwood proper while still offering the same wide, free beaches. The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse area is particularly scenic.
Wildwood Crest Beach
FREEThe quietest of the three Wildwoods, Wildwood Crest offers the same free, wide beaches in a more relaxed, family-oriented setting away from the boardwalk action.
Atlantic City Beach
FREEFour miles of free beach right next to the world-famous Boardwalk and casinos. Enjoy the beach by day and entertainment by night without paying a badge fee.
Sandy Hook Beach
FREEPart of the Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook offers pristine beaches with views of the NYC skyline. No badge required, though there is a per-vehicle entrance fee in summer.
Island Beach State Park
FREETen miles of undeveloped barrier island beach. While there's a state park entrance fee, no beach badge is required. One of the most natural beach experiences in New Jersey.
Strathmere Beach
FREEA hidden gem between Sea Isle City and Ocean City, Strathmere is a tiny community with completely free beaches and a very local, uncrowded feel.
Nearby: Sea Isle City, Ocean City
Brigantine North End Beach
FREEWhile most of Brigantine requires beach badges, the north end beaches near the wildlife refuge are free. Great for nature walks and less crowded beach time.
Why Are These Beaches Free?
Wildwood Area
The Wildwoods fund their beaches through hotel occupancy taxes and tourism revenue rather than badge fees. The strategy has worked - Wildwood attracts millions of visitors annually who spend money at boardwalk businesses, hotels, and restaurants. The unusually wide beaches are a natural phenomenon enhanced by jetty construction.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City beaches are funded by casino taxes and tourism revenue. The city made a strategic decision to keep beaches free to attract visitors who will then spend money at casinos, restaurants, and shops. It's part of the overall entertainment package.
National & State Parks
Sandy Hook (Gateway National Recreation Area) and Island Beach State Park charge vehicle entrance fees but no beach badges. These fees support park maintenance, lifeguards, and facility upkeep. It's a great value for groups since everyone in the car is covered.
Small Towns
Towns like Strathmere and parts of Brigantine keep beaches free due to limited tourism infrastructure. These communities are primarily residential with fewer visitors, so the cost of badge enforcement outweighs the potential revenue.
Tips for Visiting Free Beaches
Arrive Early
Free beaches attract more visitors. Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to secure parking and a good spot on the beach, especially in Wildwood and Atlantic City.
Budget for Parking
While the beach is free, parking often isn't. Expect to pay $10-20 for parking in Wildwood and Atlantic City. Strathmere has free street parking but limited spaces.
Bring Essentials
Free beaches may have fewer amenities. Bring your own umbrella, chairs, and plenty of water. In Wildwood, the walk to the water can be 10+ minutes on hot sand.
Check Lifeguard Hours
Lifeguard coverage varies by beach. Most free beaches have lifeguards from 10 AM - 5 PM in summer. Sandy Hook and Island Beach State Park have designated swimming areas.
Visit Weekdays
Free beaches are significantly less crowded Monday through Thursday. If your schedule allows, a weekday visit offers a much more relaxed experience.
Explore All Options
Each Wildwood has a different vibe. Try Wildwood Crest for quiet, Wildwood for action, and North Wildwood for a middle ground. They're all free and connected.
Free Beach FAQ
Why are Wildwood beaches free?
Wildwood beaches are funded through hotel taxes and tourism revenue rather than badge fees. The wide beaches (over 1,000 feet in places) are a result of natural sand accumulation and jetty construction, and the towns have chosen to keep them free to attract more visitors.
Are Atlantic City beaches really free?
Yes, Atlantic City beaches are 100% free with no badge required. The beach is funded through casino and tourism taxes. You can access any part of the 4-mile beach at no charge.
What is the entrance fee for Sandy Hook?
Sandy Hook charges a per-vehicle entrance fee of $20 on summer weekends and $15 on weekdays (as of 2024). However, there is no additional beach badge required. The fee is free after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.
Do I need a beach badge for Island Beach State Park?
No beach badge is required at Island Beach State Park. You pay a vehicle entrance fee ($10-20 depending on residency and day) which covers beach access. This makes it a great value for groups.
Which free beach is best for families?
Wildwood Crest is the best free beach for families with young children due to its quieter atmosphere and gradual water entry. Wildwood is great for families who want boardwalk entertainment, while North Wildwood offers a middle ground.
Are there any completely free beaches with free parking?
Strathmere and parts of Wildwood Crest offer free street parking along with free beach access. The north end of Brigantine also has free parking. However, parking can be limited during peak season.
What are the drawbacks of free beaches?
Free beaches tend to be more crowded, especially on weekends. They may have fewer amenities like restrooms and lifeguards compared to badge-required beaches. The walk to the water in Wildwood can be very long due to the wide beach.
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