Ocean County NJ Beaches 2026 Guide: Badge Fees, Boardwalks, Parking, and Restrooms.
Ocean County beaches attract both day-trippers and vacationers. While they tend to be less crowded than those in Monmouth County, they are busier than the beaches in Atlantic and Cape May counties.
Like most New Jersey beaches, access requires a beach badge, a fee-based system that helps Jersey Shore towns maintain clean and safe shorelines. This cost is shared by both residents and visitors.
Except for Island Beach State Park, Ocean County beaches are managed by individual local towns.
The guide compares Ocean County beaches with badge fees, parking, restrooms, and boardwalk access by town for 2026.
Beach badge fees, parking, and seasonal facilities can change. Suggest verification with town website links to the official source.
Updated March 30, 2026
Ocean County Beaches with
Large Commercial Boardwalks
Point Pleasant - This family friendly boardwalk is alive with Jenkinson's Amusement park and Jenkins Aquarium for kids, and evening night life with Martell's Tiki Bar and Jenks Club for the 21+ crowd
Seaside Heights - One of the few NJ shore destinations with a ferris wheel, roller coaster, ski lift, a water park, and lots of rides and food stands, and more.
Ocean County Beaches
with
Small, Less Commercial Boardwalks
Island Beach State Park - One of NJ's smallest and nature friendly boardwalks. At one-tenth-mile-long the boardwalk, referred to as the Fisherman's Walkway trail, it connects Barnegat Bay and the ocean beach, winding through American holly, pitch pine, bayberry and beach plum.
Lavallette- A 1.24 mile boardwalk is totally without commercial, honky tonk shops, midway along the boardwalk is a shaded pavilion with seating.
Ortley Beach - A small, laid back boardwalk with no attractions, shops, or places to eat.
Seaside Park- Located just south of Seaside Heights, this boardwalk is more laid back than Seasidxe Heights, though it has a small variety of of arcade games and food stands.
Ocean County Beach Badge Fees, Parking, Restrooms, with Official Links by Town
Barnegat Light - LBI
Barnegat Light offers a peaceful, uncrowded stretch of LBI with wide dunes, soft sand, and a laid back, family friendly vibe. It’s a perfect choice for visitors who prefer a quieter beach day near the iconic Barnegat Lighthouse.
Beach fees (2026)
- Daily badges: $10 | Senior– $12 (65 years or over with proof of age)
- Weekly badges: $25 (Saturday through Friday)
- Seasonal badges: Pre-Season Rates– $40 (through June 5th) | Season– $50
- Children: Badges required for ages 12+
Where to purchase
Badge booth at the beach entrance or from roaming badge checkers
Parking
Free street parking throughout town; lots near the lighthouse area
Restrooms
Public restrooms available near the lighthouse and select beach entrances
Beach Haven - LBI
Beach Haven offers a classic LBI summer experience with wide, clean beaches, gentle surf, and a lively small town feel. Families love its easy walkability, charming shops, and relaxed island pace.
Beach fees (2026)
- Daily badges: $10.00
- Weekly badges: $20
- Seasonal Badges: Pre-Season – $40 (Jan. 1st to May 31st) | Seasonal – $50 (starting June 1st)
- Children: Under the age of 12 free
- Active Military: And their immediate family Weekly – Free
Where to Purchase
Buy badges at the Beach Haven Borough Office, on beach badge check stations, or through the official mobile app.
Parking
Free street parking throughout town; some areas fill early on peak weekends. No beachside municipal lots.
Restrooms
Public restrooms available near Centre Street, Taylor Avenue, and at select beach entrances; additional facilities located around the business district.
Brick Township
Brick Township’s beaches offer a quieter, family friendly stretch of the Jersey Shore, with calm surf and a relaxed neighborhood feel. It’s a great option for visitors looking for a low key day by the water without heavy crowds. Brick Township operates three ocean beaches: Brick Beach One , Brick Beach Two, and Brick Beach Three
Beach fees (2026)
- Daily badges: $10
- Seasonal Badges: (purchased before May 15) $30 | (after May 15) $45
- Children: Ages 12 and Under Free
- Seniors: 65 and older Free
- Veterans: Daily access Free. By showing a military ID at the beach. Limit one wristband per person.
Where to Purchase
Badge can be
purchased at the Recreation Office or Online
Parking
Municipal lots and on street parking are available near beach access points. Municipal lot parking: $45 Daily Parking $10 | Senior Citizen Parking $1 per day
Restrooms
Seasonal restrooms are available at select public access points. Portable restrooms may be added during peak summer months.
Island Beach State Park
Island Beach State Park offers one of New Jersey’s most pristine stretches of coastline, with miles of untouched dunes and wide, natural beaches. Summer 2026 brings classic shore days with lifeguarded swimming, scenic trails, and a peaceful, undeveloped atmosphere perfect for families and nature lovers.
Beach fees (2026)
Daily badges: Not required
Seasonal badges: Not required
Entrance fees apply per vehicle: From Memorial day weekend thru Labor Day Weekdays NJ Residents $6.00, Non Residents $12.00 | Weekend and Holidays NJ, Residents $10.00, Non Residents $20.00 | Off-Season Daily Fee NJ Residents $5.00, Non Residents $10.00
Where to purchase
Fees are collected at the park entrance gate upon arrival
Parking
Multiple parking areas are available throughout the park, including lots near the designated swimming beaches and bathhouse pavilions. Some areas may have seasonal closures due to maintenance projects.
Restrooms
Restrooms, changing rooms, showers, first‑aid stations, and concessions are located at the main swimming beach complexes and open during lifeguarded hours.
Lavallette
Lavallette’s beaches offer a classic, relaxed Jersey Shore experience with wide sand, gentle surf, and a strong community feel. It’s an easygoing spot ideal for families looking for a quieter stretch of coastline.
Beach fees (2026)
- Daily badges: $13
- Weekly badges: $40 From Saturday through the following Saturday.
- Seasonal Badges: $65 | Senior Badge $25
- Children: Kids under the age of twelve (12) years Free
- Disabled: $15.00 for any totally disabled person. ID Required.
- Veterans: Free for veterans of any military service and all military service personnel on active duty status. ID Required.
Where to Purchase
Badges sold at the municipal badge office, and on beach badge check stations.
Parking
Free street parking throughout town. A sticker is required on motor vehicles parked in any of the Municipal parking lots on the bay front. Parking Stickers for Bay Front Lots $15
Restrooms
Public restrooms available along the boardwalk at designated access points; portable units added during peak season.
Long Beach Township-LBI
Long Beach Township offers miles of wide, peaceful beaches perfect for families, sun seekers, and anyone looking for a classic LBI summer. Each neighborhood has its own charm, with easy ocean access and a relaxed island feel.
Beach fees (2026)
- Daily badges: $10
- Weekly badges: $20, Saturday – Friday
- Seasonal badges: $40, purchased on/before June 15, 2026 | $50, purchased June 16, 2026 and after. Seniors 65+, $5
- Children: Kids under 12, Free
- Military: Active military (and their spouse and children) Free. Id required
Where to Purchase
Badges can be purchased from on beach badge checkers, local badge offices throughout the township, or via the official LBI mobile app for quick digital access.
Parking
Most areas offer free street parking, though availability varies by neighborhood. Arrive early on weekends, as popular access points fill quickly.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available at designated beach entrances and township facilities, with additional portable units placed at high traffic sections during peak season.
Ortley Beach
Ortley Beach offers a classic, family friendly stretch of the Jersey Shore with a relaxed pace and easy access to nearby boardwalk attractions. Its wide, well kept sand makes it a favorite for low key beach days.
Beach fees (2026)
- Daily badges: Not yet posted by the town as of March 30, 2026
- Seasonal Badges: $50, pre-season if purchaed by May 15th | $65, Regular season if purchased after May 15th.
- Senior badges: $15, lifetime rate
- Children: Age 12 and under Free.
- Military: All military veterans, spouses, and children under 17 Free.
Where to Purchase
The beach at Lord House/Fort/Fielder Ave., the Youth Services office, The Tax Collectors office, and the Toms River Senior Center
Parking
Metered street parking near beach entrances; additional residential area parking with posted restrictions.
Restrooms
Public restrooms available at designated beach access points; portable units added during peak season.
Point Pleasant - Jenkinson Beach
Point Pleasant’s Jenkinson’s Beach delivers a classic Jersey Shore summer—wide, lively, and family friendly, with the boardwalk just steps away. Expect a bright, energetic scene perfect for beach days, rides, and evening strolls.
Beach fees (2026)
- Daily badges: $14 (weekdays) | $15 (Weekends & Holidays)
- Seasonal Badges: $95 Half Season Pass (Memorial day to July 18, July 19 to labor day) | $130 Full season. Seniors 65+ $95
- Children: Under 12, Free
Where to Purchase
Available at beach entrances and Jenkinson’s ticket booths along the boardwalk.
Parking
Metered street parking, municipal lots, and private lots near the boardwalk; arrive early on weekends for best availability.
Restrooms
Restrooms located along the boardwalk and near beach access points, with additional facilities inside Jenkinson’s Pavilion.
Seaside Heights
Seaside Heights is a lively, iconic Jersey Shore destination where the boardwalk energy meets wide, sun soaked beaches. Perfect for families, day trippers, and anyone who loves a classic shore vibe with plenty to do before and after the sand.
Beach fees (2026)
- Daily badges: $13
- Weekly badges: $50 (Saturday through Friday of following week)
- Seasonal badges: $75. Senior Citizen season badge – $15 for persons 65 years of age and older. Two badges are $25 if purchased at the same time.
- Children: 11 years of age and under - Free
- Military: Free. Active and retired military personnel and their dependents. Verification with Common Access Card, Uniformed Services ID Card, DD Form 214, or Veterans Benefit ID Card issued by the VA
Where to purchase
On site at beach entrances or via the Seaside Heights mobile badge app
Parking
Municipal lots, metered street parking, and private lots near the boardwalk
Restrooms
Available along the boardwalk and at designated beach access points
Seaside Park
A quieter stretch of the Barnegat Peninsula, Seaside Park offers wide beaches, soft sand, and a relaxed, family friendly vibe just south of the boardwalk bustle. It’s a favorite for those who want ocean views, easy access, and a calmer pace.
Beach fees (2026)
- Daily badges: $13
- Weekly Badges: $40 (Saturday to Saturday; sold beginning June 21st at bathhouse)
- Seasonal badges: $65 (May 1st through June 14th); $70 (June 15th through Labor Day) $20 Senior Badge (65 years of age and older
- Children: Ages 11 & Under are FREE
- Military: Free. Active & Retired Military and Dependents
Where to purchase:
Badge booths along the beachfront and at the Seaside Park Borough Office, and Mobile/online
Parking
Metered street parking near the oceanfront; additional residential area parking with posted regulations. Arrive early on peak weekends.
Restrooms
Public restrooms available at designated beach entrances and near the boardwalk area; seasonal hours apply.
Surf City-LBI
Surf City offers a relaxed, family friendly stretch of beach with calm surf, wide sand, and a classic small town LBI feel. Summer brings easygoing days, walkable access to shops, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Beach fees (2026)
- Daily badges: $11
- Weekly badges: $25
- Seasonal badges: $45 Preseason Badge through May 31st. Regular Seasonal Badge $55
- Children: Ages 11 and under Free
Where to Purchase
Surf City Borough Hall, beach badge booths, and designated beach entrances
Parking
Free street parking throughout town; fills quickly on peak weekends
Restrooms
Portable restroom facilities are available at the following locations: Behind Borough Hall at 813 Long Beach Boulevard. The 16th Street Bay Beach. The Division Street Boat Ramp
Frequently Asked Questions About
the Beaches in Ocean County, New Jersey
What makes the beaches in Ocean County different from other New Jersey county beaches?
Ocean County stands out because it has a long stretch of barrier-island shoreline with a wide mix of beach experiences packed into one county. Compared with many other parts of the New Jersey coast, you'll find everything from lively boardwalk-centered beach towns to quieter residential beach areas, plus access to bays, inlets, and protected natural spaces nearby. That mix gives Ocean County a broader range of beach styles than many counties have in one place.
If you want options, this county has them, from classic family beach days to calmer spots with a more laid-back feel.
Are Ocean County beaches good for families?
They usually are, especially for families who want easy beach access, nearby food, restrooms, and a predictable summer setup. Many Ocean County beach areas are built around summer visitors, so badges, lifeguards, snack stands, parking systems, and walkable commercial strips are common features during peak season. Still, conditions vary by town, so it's smart to check beach rules, hours, and access details before you go.
When is the best time to visit Ocean County beaches?
Late June through early September is the main beach season, because that's when lifeguards, badge checks, and full beach services are most common. If you want warm water and a lively atmosphere, mid-summer is your best bet. On the other hand, early June and September can feel less crowded, and the weather is often still pleasant for walking, relaxing, or enjoying the shoreline.
Do you need beach badges or permits at Ocean County beaches?
In many Ocean County beach towns, yes, seasonal or daily beach badges are required during the summer. Rules can change by municipality, and parking rules often change too, especially near popular oceanfront areas. Because of that, it's best to check the local beach patrol or town website before heading out, so you know the badge policy, lifeguard hours, and where you can park.
What should visitors know before spending a day at an Ocean County beach?
Plan for sun, wind, heat, and limited parking, especially on summer weekends. Arriving early usually makes the day smoother, and bringing cash or a card for badges, parking, food, and rentals helps. Also, pay attention to posted swim flags and lifeguard instructions, because surf and rip current conditions can change fast along the Jersey Shore.
