Island Beach State Park Beaches
Everything you need to know about the beaches in Island Beach State Park, New Jersey.
Beach Badge Information
Daily
FREE
Weekly
N/A
Season
N/A
Kids Free Under
12
No beach badge required—beach access is FREE once inside the park. However, there is a STATE PARK ENTRANCE FEE per vehicle: NJ residents $6 weekdays/$10 weekends (Memorial Day–Labor Day), Non-residents $12/$20. Annual passes available.
Beaches in Island Beach State Park
Swimming Area 1 (A-1)
First guarded swimming beach in the recreation zone. Accessible from the main park road with restrooms and changing facilities.
Amenities
Best For
Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs available at nature center.
Swimming Area 2 (A-7)
Second guarded swimming beach with similar facilities. Less crowded than A-1 on busy days.
Amenities
Best For
Surf Fishing Beaches
Miles of pristine beach accessible by beach buggy permit. World-class surf fishing for striped bass and bluefish. No swimming, fishing only.
Amenities
Best For
Southern Natural Area
Pristine protected beach area near Barnegat Inlet. Limited access to protect nesting shorebirds. Walk-in access only during non-nesting season.
Amenities
Best For
Beach Parking
Parking Type: paid
Daily Rate: $10
Street Parking: Limited
Parking Lots: Yes
Meters: No
Entrance fee covers parking. NJ residents $6 weekdays/$10 weekends, Non-residents $12/$20. CRITICAL: The park reaches capacity and CLOSES to new vehicles almost every summer weekend by 9-10 AM. Once closed, you cannot enter until cars leave. Arrive by 8 AM on summer weekends or visit on weekdays. The park also closes during major storms and occasionally for special events.