Cape May County NJ Beaches 2026 Guide: Badge Fees, Boardwalks, Parking, and Restrooms.

The beaches of Cape May County, located at the southern end of the Jersey Shore, are renowned for their wide stretches of fine, powdery sand, making them some of the best along the Atlantic coast.

Each beach in Cape May County is managed by its respective local city or town.

This guide compares Cape May County beaches by badge fees, boardwalk type, parking, restrooms, and official town links for 2026

Beach badge fees, parking, and seasonal facilities can change. Suggest verification with town website links to the official source.

Updated April 1, 2026

Cape May County Beaches with Large Commercial Boardwalks

Ocean City - Boardwalk stretches 2 1/2 miles long along the island's eastern edge, creating a lively mix of family friendly attractions, ocean views, and classic shore nostalgia. it has many eateries, taffy and fudge shops.
In the early morning, the boardwalk is frequented by joggers and bikers, and as afternoon approaches, they begin to attract many teenagers, and by evening, the families dominate.
Despite the bustle, the boardwalk maintains a clean, well kept atmosphere, with easy beach access.

Wildwood- Its Two miles and 38 blocks of one of the best family boardwalks in NJ, made with wooden boards with a concrete pathway in the middle to accommodate the tram car. Here you can find the famous Morey's Piers with three amusement park with more than 100 rides and attractions including a roller coaster, extreme thrill rides, kids rides, a water park, and lots of tacky T-shirt shops, pizza joints, ice cream stands, a convention center, and more.

Cape May County Beaches with Small, Less Commercial Boardwalks

Avalon - This 10 block boardwalk is a pleasant nature walk with dunes on one side and thick shrubs on the other. The only concession stand are a pizza shop and ice cream stand,

Cape May - Its a two-mile asphalt promenade past the beautiful Cape May Beach on the east and many Victorian homes, B & B's and and grand hotels on the west. There a a small number of concessions, restaurants and small shops.

North Wildwood - A low key alternative to the nearby Wildwood Boardwalk, It runs from 16th Avenue south to 26th Avenue where it connects with the Wildwood boardwalk. Attractions include newly opened Sea Port Pier, a multi-purpose venue with resort-style amenities including entertainment, restaurants, and activities for visitors of all ages.

Sea Isle City - Its a wide, asphalt - promenade that runs from 29th Street to 57th Street. It's low key, no amusement park, with a number of small concessions, and an attractive outdoor amphitheater at 40th Street for summer concerts.

Cape May County Beach Badge Fees, Parking, Restrooms, With Official Town Links

Avalon

Warm ocean breezes, soft sand, and that classic Seven Mile Island charm make Avalon’s beaches a standout summer escape. Long, sunny days and calm surf set the tone for a relaxed coastal getaway.
Avalon and Stone Harbor have a reciprocal agreement with the use of beach tags.

Beach Fees (2026)

Daily badges: $10
Weekly badges: $18
Seasonal badges: $37, pre-season price until May 31st, 2026. As of June 1st, 2026, the price for a seasonal tag will be $42.
Military: Free. For any individual who has served in any of the Armed Forces of the United States who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable and who either have served at least 90 days in active duty or have been discharged or released from active duty by reason of a service-incurred injury or disability.
Children: Free, under the age of 12

Where to Purchase
Badges can be purchased at beach entrances, from roaming tag inspectors, or online through Avalon’s official beach tag portal.

Parking
Street parking is available throughout town, with some areas requiring meters or time limits. Arriving early helps secure the best spots.

Restrooms
Public restrooms are located at select beach access points and near popular recreation areas, typically open during peak daytime hours.

Town link

Cape May

Warm breezes, soft sand, and classic Victorian charm make Cape May’s shoreline a perfect summer escape. Expect well maintained beaches, active lifeguards, and easy access to food, shops, and restrooms.

Beach Fees (2026)

Daily badges: $10
Three Day Badges: $20
Weekly badges: $25 (Saturday–Saturday)
Seasonal badges: $40 (May 1–Labor Day)
Children: Free. Ages 11 and under

Where to Purchase
In Person at Cape May City Hall, 643 Washington Street (Tax Office).
Online through the Jersey Cape Beach Tag website (processed by Jersey Cape staff).
By Mail discount mail order form available via the city’s website.

Parking
Beachfront meters active April 1–October 31. Metered parking runs along Beach Avenue and nearby streets; arrive early on weekends for best availability.

Restrooms
Public restrooms are located along the beachfront and near many beach entrances, with easy access from most sections of the 2.5 mile shoreline.

Town link

Cape May Point

A quiet, scenic shoreline where dunes, wildlife, and calm surf create a peaceful summer escape. Warm breezes, soft sand, and postcard worthy sunsets define the season.

Beach Fees (2026)

Daily badges: $10
Weekly badges: $25.00 (saturday to Saturday}
Seasonal badges: $ 40. Pre-Season purchased by May 31st) | $50. Purchased after May 31st
Children: Free. Ages 11 and under
Military: Free. Active duty military and their immediate families, and veterans

Where to Purchase
In person at Borough Hall, 215 Lighthouse Ave.
Online at the Jersey Cape Tags online store
At beach entrances: Starting June 20, tags sold daily at each entrance.

Parking
Cape May Point is a small residential borough with limited street parking near beach entrances. Parking is limited to street spaces near beach entrances.

Restrooms
Public restrooms are available near beach access points and municipal facilities.

Town link

Ocean City

Summer in Ocean City, NJ brings wide, clean beaches, warm Atlantic breezes, and a classic family friendly boardwalk atmosphere. Expect lively crowds, soft sand, and plenty of amenities to make long beach days simple and enjoyable.

Beach Fees (2026)

Daily badges: $10
Weekly badges: $20
Seasonal badges: $30 purchased by May 31, 2026,. $35 purchased starting June 1.
Children: Free. Ages 11 and under
Military: Free. Available to veterans and active military members.

Parking
Ocean City offers a mix of municipal lots, private lots, and metered street parking near beach entrances and the boardwalk. Lots fill quickly on peak summer days—arrive early for the best options.

Restrooms
Public restrooms are located along the boardwalk and at major beach access points.

Town link

Sea Isle City

Summer in Sea Isle City brings wide, sunny beaches, warm ocean water, and a lively boardwalk atmosphere perfect for families and day trippers alike. Expect classic Jersey Shore charm with easy beach access, plenty of amenities, and a relaxed coastal vibe.

Beach Fees (2026)

Daily badges: $10
Weekly Badges: $15 (Saturday - Saturday)
Seasonal: $25 if purchased by May 15; $30 after May 15
Children: Free. Ages 11 and under
Military: Free Weekly badges available for active duty military personnel and their family members, spouse/civil union partner, and dependent children age 12 years and older.

Parking
Sea Isle City offers a mix of metered street parking, municipal lots, and permit required areas near popular beach entrances. Arrive early on weekends for the best spots.

Restrooms
Public restrooms are available at the Promenade, Welcome Center, and select beach access points during the summer season.

Town link

Stone Harbor

Warm ocean breezes, wide sandy beaches, and calm family friendly vibes make Stone Harbor a perfect summer escape. Expect a classic Jersey Shore atmosphere with clean shores, great dining nearby, and plenty of space to unwind.
Stone Harbor and Avalon have a reciprocal agreement with the use of beach tags.

Beach Fees (2026)

Daily badges: $10
Weekly badges: $18
Seasonal badges: $37, pre-season price until May 31st, 2026. As of June 1st, 2026, the price for a seasonal tag will be $42.
Military: Free. For any individual who has served in any of the Armed Forces of the United States who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable and who either have served at least 90 days in active duty or have been discharged or released from active duty by reason of a service-incurred injury or disability.
Children: Free, under the age of 12

Where to Purchase
Beach Tag Office (95th St & the Beach) | Borough Hall (9508 Second Ave)| Online at Jersey Cape Tags

Parking
Stone Harbor offers metered street parking near beach entrances and municipal lots throughout town. Meters typically operate during peak season; arrive early on weekends for best availability.

Restrooms
Public restrooms are located at major beach access points, including near 95th Street, 96th Street, and other central beach entrances. Seasonal portable restrooms may be available at additional access points during peak summer months.

Town link

Strathmere

A quiet, free to access stretch of coastline where the ocean meets untouched dunes and the crowds never quite arrive. Strathmere’s beaches feel timeless—calm, natural, and refreshingly simple.

Beach Fees (2026)

Strathmere remains one of the rare free beaches on the Jersey Shore—no beach tags required.

Where to Purchase
No purchase needed. Since the beach is free, there are no badge booths or tag vendors. Visitors simply walk on.

Parking
Free street parking throughout the community. Spaces are limited—arrive before 10 a.m. on summer weekends for the best chance at a close spot.

Restrooms
Strathmere has minimal public facilities. Some access points may have portable restrooms during peak season, but amenities are limited compared to larger shore towns. Many visitors plan ahead or pair their beach day with stops at local establishments like the Deauville Inn.

Town link

North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest

Warm ocean breezes, wide stretches of soft sand, and a lively boardwalk make North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest a classic Jersey Shore escape. The best part? All Wildwoods beaches remain completely free—no tags, no badges, no hassle.

Badge fees (2026)
Free for all visitors in North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest. No beach badges required.

Where to Purchase
No purchase needed—these are among the few Jersey Shore beaches with year round free access.

Parking
Municipal lots and metered street parking available throughout the island. Expect higher demand near the boardwalk and major beach entrances during peak summer weekends. Many private lots also operate on a daily rate basis.

Restrooms
Public restrooms located along the Wildwood Boardwalk. Seasonal restroom facilities available at select beach entrances and parks in North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest.

Town link

Frequently Asked Questions About Cape May County NJ Beaches

What makes the beaches in Cape May County different from other New Jersey county beaches?

Cape May County beaches stand out because they sit at the southern end of New Jersey, where the Atlantic shoreline meets Delaware Bay. That gives the county a wider mix of beach settings than many other parts of the state, including broad ocean beaches, calmer bay-side stretches, stronger dune systems in some areas, and major bird and marine life activity during migration seasons. As a result, the beach experience can feel more varied here than in counties where the shoreline is more uniform.

Are Cape May County beaches good for families?

For many families, they are a strong choice because the county offers a mix of calmer areas, classic boardwalk-style beach towns, and quieter stretches away from heavy crowds. Conditions still vary by town and by day, so it's smart to check lifeguard coverage, surf conditions, restrooms, parking, and beach tag rules before you go. If you're visiting with kids, guarded beaches and easier access points usually make the day much smoother.

Do you need beach tags for beaches in Cape May County?

Many ocean beaches in Cape May County require beach tags during the summer season, especially during peak daytime hours. Rules depend on the municipality, and exemptions often apply for young children, active military, or certain times of day, but that isn't universal. Because each town sets its own policy, check the local beach patrol or municipal website before heading out.

When is the best time to visit the beaches in Cape May County?

Late spring through early fall is the main beach season, with the warmest water and the most services available in summer. June and September are often great picks if you want pleasant weather with fewer crowds than peak July and August. Early morning is usually best for easier parking, cooler sand, and a more relaxed feel.

What should you know before spending a day at a Cape May County beach?

Plan for a few practical details first, because beach access can differ a lot from town to town. Some beaches have limited parking, some have long walks over dunes or beach paths, and some offer stronger surf than others, so water shoes, sun protection, cashless payment options, and plenty of water are all smart to bring. Also, stay near lifeguards when swimming, watch posted flag warnings, and respect protected dune areas and wildlife zones, especially during nesting and migration periods.