Best Budget-Friendly Jersey Shore Towns
23 towns across 4 counties
Best Budget-Friendly Jersey Shore Towns
NJ Shore Guide
A great shore vacation doesn't require emptying your wallet. These budget-friendly destinations feature free beaches (no badge required!), affordable dining, and reasonable accommodations. Smart travelers know that some of the best shore experiences cost nothing at all.
💰 Budget-Friendly Towns
Atlantic Highlands
monmouth County
Gateway to Manhattan by Sea
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Free beaches
Highlands
monmouth County
Twin Lights and Clam Bars
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Free beaches
Manasquan
monmouth County
New Jersey's Surf Capital
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Free beaches
Port Monmouth
monmouth County
Historic Bayshore Community with NYC Views
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓Free beaches
Sandy Hook
monmouth County
National Recreation Area with Free Beaches
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Free beaches
Island Beach State Park
ocean County
Unspoiled Natural Beauty
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Free beaches
More Budget-Friendly Towns
Atlantic City
atlantic County
America's Playground with Free Beaches
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
Margate
atlantic County
Home of Lucy the Elephant
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
Somers Point
atlantic County
Gateway to the Shore & Back Bay Paradise
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
Ventnor
atlantic County
Where the Boardwalk Meets Calm
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
North Wildwood
cape may County
Free Beaches & Family Fun
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
Strathmere
cape may County
Where the Ocean Meets the Bay
- ✓Free beaches - no badge required
- ✓Free beaches
Book Your Budget Getaway
Find the perfect accommodation in these budget-friendly towns.
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Planning Tips for Budget Travelers
When to Visit
September offers the best value: warm weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices. Early June (before school ends) is also budget-friendly.
How to Get There
19 of these towns are accessible via NJ Transit from NYC or Philadelphia. If driving, expect heavy traffic on summer Friday afternoons.
Beach Badges
15 of these towns have completely free beaches. Others require beach badges ($5-15/day). Weekly and seasonal badges offer savings for longer stays.
Local Tip
Book accommodations early for summer weekends—popular towns sell out months in advance. Weekday stays are easier to find and often cheaper.
Budget-Friendly Beach Gear
Quality essentials without breaking the bank.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable, with backpack straps.
Beach Umbrella
UPF 50+ with sand anchor. Some NJ beaches require anchors.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself and the ocean. No oxybenzone.
Beach Cart / Wagon
Haul all your gear across the sand.
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