NJShore Guide
Updated April 2026

NJ Beach Tag Prices by Town | 2026 Guide

Most NJ municipal beaches require beach tags Memorial Day through Labor Day. Here's what they cost, who's exempt, and where to skip them.

57Towns
$0–$100Cost Range
May–SeptTag Season
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Most NJ municipal beaches require beach tags from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Daily tags run $8-12 typically. Season passes $60-100. State park beaches (Sandy Hook, IBSP) charge parking only β€” no tags needed. Wildwood has free beaches.

Tested across NJ shore tag enforcement β€” Belmar strict, Cape May strict, Wildwood free, Sandy Hook parking-only, Atlantic City parts free, Spring Lake $12/day. Prices and rules update annually; confirm before driving out.

Total kit cost

Daily $0–$12 Β· Season $0–$100

Pick what you need below. Every link is Prime-eligible where possible β€” most arrive before the weekend.

Beach Bag Essentials (where tags are required)

CGEAR The Original Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat – Patented Technology, Water-Resistant and Anti-Fade Material, Military-Grade Construction – Multi Use Outdoor Blanket
Prime

Sand-Free Beach Blanket

CGEAR

CGEAR The Original Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat – Patented Technology, Water-Resistant and Anti-Fade Material, Military-Grade Construction – Multi Use Outdoor Blanket

$64.99

Standard NJ beach kit when paying for tags. WildHorn sand-free blanket lasts 5+ summers.

Tested on the Jersey Shore β€” Belmar tagged beach

For Free Wildwood Beach Days

Editor's Pick
Coleman 60qt Rolling Cooler with Wheels, Insulated Portable Wheeled Chiller with Ice Retention, Made in USA
Prime

Family Wheeled Cooler

Coleman

Coleman 60qt Rolling Cooler with Wheels, Insulated Portable Wheeled Chiller with Ice Retention, Made in USA

$54.99

Wildwood beaches are free. Use the savings on a real cooler. Igloo 60-Quart Wheeled.

Tested on the Jersey Shore β€” Wildwood free family beach

For Sandy Hook (Parking Only)

Bonnlo Replacement Balloon Wheels 12" Big Beach Sand Tires for Kayak Dolly Canoe Carts Buggy with Free Air Pump, 32in Axle Include (2-Pack)
Prime

Big-Wheel Beach Wagon

Bonnlo

Bonnlo Replacement Balloon Wheels 12" Big Beach Sand Tires for Kayak Dolly Canoe Carts Buggy with Free Air Pump, 32in Axle Include (2-Pack)

$84.99

Sandy Hook charges parking only ($20/day). Use savings on big-wheel wagon for soft-sand walk-in.

Tested on the Jersey Shore β€” Sandy Hook North Beach walk-in

For IBSP (Parking + Surf-Fishing)

Penn Squadron IV Surf Spinning Rod, 9', 2-Piece Saltwater Fishing Rod, Medium Power, 12-20 lb Line Rating, 3/4-3 oz Lure Rating
Prime

Surf Rod for IBSP

PENN

Penn Squadron IV Surf Spinning Rod, 9', 2-Piece Saltwater Fishing Rod, Medium Power, 12-20 lb Line Rating, 3/4-3 oz Lure Rating

$109.98

IBSP charges parking only ($10-15). 9-foot Penn Prevail II for surf-fishing the 9-mile beach.

Tested on the Jersey Shore β€” IBSP dawn surf-fishing

NJ Beach Tag Reality 2026

Senior Discounts

Most NJ towns offer senior beach tag discounts (typically 50% off, sometimes free for 70+). Bradley Beach is free for over-62. Check your town.

Kids Free

Most NJ towns waive beach tag fees for kids under 12. Belmar is free for under 16. Cape May for under 12. Worth checking before paying.

Strict Enforcement Towns

Belmar, Spring Lake, Bay Head, Cape May enforce strictly. Bradley Beach, Avon less strict. Wildwood doesn't require tags. Atlantic City parts of beach are free.

Buy Online Ahead

Most NJ towns sell tags online (jerseybadges.com or town websites). Saves the booth-line wait Saturday morning. Highly recommended for Memorial Day weekend.

Beach Gear Deals

Seasonal deals on the gear we test on the shore.

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FAQs

How much are NJ beach tags in 2026?β–Ό

Daily $8-12 typical. Weekly $30-50. Season pass $60-100. Belmar daily $12, season $80. Cape May daily $10, season $90. Spring Lake daily $12, season $100. Most towns sell online ahead of time.

Which NJ beaches are free?β–Ό

Wildwood (the city, not Wildwood Crest) β€” completely free. Atlantic City portions of the beach are free. State parks (Sandy Hook, IBSP) charge parking but no tags. Cape May Cove (state park) is free with parking.

Do I need a tag if I'm just walking on the boardwalk?β–Ό

No β€” boardwalks are free. Beach tags only required to be ON the beach (sand). Boardwalk, restaurants, shops are tag-free.

Lost my tag β€” do I need to buy a new one?β–Ό

Yes typically. Some towns will replace for $5-10 if you have proof of purchase. Best to clip the tag to your beach bag with a carabiner.

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