First Time at the Jersey Shore
Everything you need to know for your first Jersey Shore trip. Beach badges, parking, the best starter towns, and common mistakes to avoid.
Miles of Beach
Beach Towns
Wildwood Beaches
Aug Water Temp
Essential Knowledge
Beach Badges
- •Required at most beaches Memorial Day-Labor Day
- •Cost $5-15/day, $20-30/week, $25-90/season
- •Free beaches: Wildwood, Atlantic City, Sandy Hook
- •Children under 12 usually free
- •Buy at beach entrance or town hall
Parking
- •Beach parking can be expensive ($15-30/day)
- •Arrive before 9am for street parking
- •Some towns have free lots inland
- •Many beaches have paid meter parking
- •Download ParkMobile app for meters
What to Bring
- •Sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours)
- •Beach chairs/blanket (most don't have rentals)
- •Umbrella or tent for shade
- •Cash for badges, parking meters, boardwalk
- •Water and snacks (boardwalk food is pricey)
Beach Rules
- •No alcohol on most beaches (Wildwood excepted)
- •Dogs usually not allowed Memorial Day-Labor Day
- •Surfing in designated areas only
- •No glass containers
- •Lifeguard hours typically 10am-5pm
Best Towns for First-Timers
Ocean City
FamiliesNo alcohol town with 2.5-mile boardwalk. Clean, family-friendly, and well-organized.
Why first: Safe choice with everything you'd expect from a beach vacation.
Wildwood
Entertainment seekersFREE beaches, 100+ rides, 2-mile boardwalk. Maximum shore experience.
Why first: No badge hassle and tons to do beyond the beach.
Cape May
History & charm loversVictorian architecture, fine dining, wine tours. Works year-round.
Why first: More than just beach - great if weather doesn't cooperate.
Point Pleasant Beach
Day trippers from NYCJenkinson's Boardwalk with rides, aquarium, and beach. Easy access.
Why first: Great day trip option with everything in one place.
Long Branch
Upscale visitorsPier Village shopping and dining. Ocean Place Resort. Modern feel.
Why first: Feels more polished than typical boardwalk towns.
Asbury Park
Music & arts fansEclectic arts scene, great food, LGBTQ-friendly nightlife.
Why first: If typical beach town isn't your style, this is different.
Common First-Timer Mistakes
❌ Not bringing cash
✓ Many boardwalk vendors, parking meters, and beach badge sellers are cash-only.
❌ Arriving after 10am on weekends
✓ Beach parking fills early. Arrive before 9am or take a later lunch.
❌ Forgetting sunscreen
✓ Shore sun is intense. Buy SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours.
❌ Not checking badge hours
✓ Badges usually required 10am-5pm. Arrive early or late to avoid fees.
❌ Over-scheduling the first day
✓ Beach + boardwalk dinner is plenty for day one. Save activities for later.
❌ Expecting warm water in June
✓ Ocean water is 60-65°F in June. July-August hits 70-75°F.
Day Trip vs. Weekend vs. Week
Day Trip
Best: Point Pleasant, Belmar, Sandy Hook, Seaside Heights
Best from NYC/North Jersey. Arrive early, leave by sunset. Budget $50-100/person for parking, badge, food.
Weekend
Best: Ocean City, Wildwood, Cape May, Asbury Park, LBI
Better value than day trip. Stay 2-3 nights. Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Monday.
Week
Best: LBI, Cape May, Avalon/Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City
Saturday-Saturday rental is standard. Book 3-6 months ahead for summer.
Our Top Pick: Ocean City
For first-time visitors, we recommend Ocean City. The 2.5-mile boardwalk has everything - amusements, food, and shopping. Beaches are clean and well-organized. The alcohol-free policy means a family-friendly atmosphere. It's the quintessential Jersey Shore experience without any rough edges.
Explore Ocean City