
Monmouth County beaches, situated at the northernmost end of the Jersey Shore, are among the busiest, often attracting day-trippers and visitors from northern New Jersey.
With the exception of Sandy Hook and Seven Presidents Park in Long Branch, the beaches in Monmouth County are managed by their respective local municipalities.
The guide compares Monmouth 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
Asbury Park
--- Features restaurants, entertainment and a spot where people can spread out on blankets and beach chairs to listen to live music from the Stone Pony Summer Stage
Keansburg - A private Amusement park on the boardwalk along Keanburg Beach located on Lower New York Bay
Long Branch - Small strips of boardwalks In and around and adjacent to upscale Pier Village, with many fine dining and casual restaurants and shops. Nearby metered parking can be a struggle.
Avon By The Sea - A small low key boardwalk with old fashioned global lamps and a restaurant with good food and good people watching
Belmar
- A mile long Boardwalk with a few shops and small eateries
Bradley Beach
- A well kept, attractive promenade with stone pavers with a few small stands to get a bite to eat and a mini-golf course
Manasquan - A mile-long asphalt boardwalk/promenade surrounded by the beach on one side and condos on the other.
Ocean Grove
- A half-mile wood planked boardwalk with a Boardwalk Pavilion that hosts worship services and concerts during the summer months, and a small indoor food cafe.
Sea Girt - A half-mile boardwalk along the beach with a paviiion on the northern end with some stands serving comfort foods and wraps
Spring Lake - A six mile boardwalk without honky-tonk shops. There are a few small rest room pavilions and affluent Victorian homes across the street.
Asbury Park’s mile long beachfront blends classic Jersey Shore energy with a lively boardwalk, great food, and wide sandy beaches. Summer 2026 brings daily badge requirements, convenient online purchasing, and multiple parking options for an easy beach day.
Beach Fees (2026)
Where to Purchase
Parking
Restrooms
Clean, seasonal restrooms located along the boardwalk and near major beach entrances, including facilities close to Convention Hall and central beach access points.
Avon's quiet, well kept beachfront offers wide sand, and family friendly swimming areas.
Beach Fees (2026)
Where to Purchase
Borough Office (301 Main Street). Beachfront Booths, Seasonal and daily badges available in spring and throughout the summer during operating hours.
Parking
Avon offers street parking near the beachfront; spaces can fill quickly on peak weekends. Additional parking is available along Ocean Avenue and nearby residential streets (observe posted regulations).
Restrooms
Seasonal restrooms are available along the beachfront and maintained during lifeguard hours. Facilities are located near major beach entrances and close to the boardwalk area.
Belmar offers a classic Jersey Shore summer with wide, well kept beaches, a lively boardwalk, and easy access to food, shops, and oceanfront activities. It's one of the Shore's most popular beach destinations.
Beach Fees (2026)
Where to Purchase
Online: Text “Badges” to (844) 984-4826. Digital purchasing encouraged. On Site: Badge booths located along the Belmar beachfront during operating hours. And the Taylor Pavilion 500 Ocean Ave N
Parking
Belmar enforces paid parking rules in designated beachfront zones. Multiple metered areas and municipal lots are available near Ocean Avenue.
Restrooms
Seasonal public restrooms are located along the beachfront and boardwalk.
Town Link
Bradley Beach offers a classic Jersey Shore experience with wide, well kept sand, a relaxed boardwalk, and a family friendly vibe.
Beach fees (2026)
Where to Purchase
Badges available online prior to the season and at beachfront ticket booths along Ocean Avenue once the season opens. Online Purchases Enter Bradley Beach as your Community or Organization, then follow prompts.
Parking
Metered parking along Ocean Avenue and nearby side streets, plus several municipal lots. Arrive early on weekends for the best availability.
Restrooms
Clean, seasonal restrooms located at key access points along the boardwalk, with additional facilities near the beachfront pavilions.
Deal Beach offers a quiet, well kept stretch of shoreline known for its peaceful atmosphere and uncrowded feel. Access is limited, giving the beach a private, residential character throughout the summer. Borough of Deal municipal beaches include access to Conover Pavilion, Roosevelt Ave, Casino South, Deal Esplanade, Darlington Rd., Hathaway Ave. and Neptune Ave. beach access points.
Beach fees (2026)
Where to Purchase
Seasonal badges are typically available through the Deal Borough Hall prior to the season and at designated beachfront locations once lifeguards are on duty.
Parking
Parking is residential and limited. Most streets near the beach require permits, and enforcement is strict. Visitors should plan to park farther from the beachfront and walk in.
Restrooms
Public restroom access is very limited in Deal. Facilities are generally available only for badge holders at designated beach entrances.
Keansburg Beach offers a quiet, family friendly stretch of Raritan Bay with calm waters and sweeping views of the New York City skyline. Its free public access and nearby boardwalk attractions make it one of the most affordable beach days at the Jersey Shore.
Beach fees (2026)
Free admission; no daily or seasonal beach badges required.
Where to Purchase
No badges needed, simply walk onto the beach.
Parking
Free and paid municipal parking lots available near the bayfront; additional street parking throughout town. Arrive early on peak weekends for best availability.
Restrooms
Public restrooms located near the bayfront and along the boardwalk area; seasonal portable restrooms placed at key access points.
Loch Arbour offers a quiet, uncrowded stretch of shoreline ideal for beachgoers seeking a peaceful summer escape. Its small village charm and well kept beachfront make it a favorite for locals looking to avoid the bustle of nearby towns.
Beach fees (2026)
Where to Purchase
Parking
Restrooms
Long Branch Municipal Beach offers a lively, well maintained stretch of shoreline with easy access to dining, shops, and the bustling Pier Village boardwalk. It’s a popular summer destination with wide sand, amenities, and plenty of family friendly space.
Beach fees (2026}
Where to Purchase
Badges available through Recreation Office @ 231 Wilbur Ray Avenue, the Long Branch mobile app and at beachfront ticket booths along the promenade.
Parking
Metered street parking near the beachfront, municipal lots around Pier Village, and a large parking garage offering hourly and daily rates.
Restrooms
Clean, well maintained restrooms located along the promenade and near Pier Village, with additional facilities by staffed beach entrances.
Town Link
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park offers a wide, family friendly stretch of shoreline with a relaxed atmosphere and excellent on site amenities. A well run Monmouth County park known for clean facilities, easy access, and a calm, welcoming vibe.
Beach fees (2026)
Where to Purchase
Passes available through the Monmouth County Park System website and at the on site admission booths during the season.
Parking
Large on site parking lot adjacent to the beach. Daily parking fee $10 | Seasonal parking fee $75.
Restrooms
Modern, well maintained restrooms located near the pavilion, along with outdoor showers and changing areas.
Manasquan Beach offers a classic Jersey Shore experience with wide sandy beaches, family friendly vibes, and a lively summer atmosphere. Visitors enjoy well kept facilities, a charming boardwalk, and easy access to local shops and eateries.
Beach fees (2026}
Where to Purchase
Badges can be purchased at beach entrances, the Manasquan Beach Office (205 Beachfront (East Main Street & First Ave), or through the town鈥檚 online badge portal during the preseason.
Parking
Metered parking is available along the beachfront and nearby streets, with additional municipal lots throughout town. Arrive early on weekends for best availability.
Restrooms
Public restrooms are located along the beachfront and near the main pavilions, with facilities maintained regularly throughout the season.
Ocean Grove’s beach offers a peaceful, family friendly stretch of shoreline framed by Victorian charm and a slower summer rhythm. It’s an ideal spot for relaxed days by the surf with easy access to the historic boardwalk.
Beach fees (2026)
Where to Purchase
Buy online through the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association , or at beachfront badge booths.
Parking
Street parking only; free but limited—arrive early on weekends for the best availability.
Restrooms
Public restrooms located along the boardwalk and near major beach entrances.
Sandy Hook offers miles of wide, natural beaches within a protected national park setting, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring coastal trails. Its expansive shoreline and scenic dunes make it one of New Jersey’s most unique summer escapes.
Beach fees (2026)
No beach badges required; however, parking fees apply during the summer season.
Where to Purchase
Parking passes are purchased at the entrance kiosks upon arrival (daily or seasonal options).
Parking
Large designated lots at each beach area (A–G).
Parking fees:
Private (non-commercial) vehicle 20 feet and less: $20/day Oversized vehicle over 20 feet: $50/day, [Oversized vehicles (over 20 feet in length) include vehicles with trailers and extended bike racks].lots fill early on weekends and holidays.
Restrooms
Restroom buildings and outdoor showers available at all major beach areas, with additional facilities near picnic and trail zones.
Seabright Beach offers a quieter, more relaxed stretch of shoreline along the northern Jersey coast, known for its soft sand and uncrowded feel. It’s a favorite for locals seeking a peaceful summer escape with easy access to the water.
Beach fees (2026)
Where to Purchase
Badges are sold at the municipal beach office and on site badge booths. Online
Parking
Limited street parking near the beach; arrive early, especially on weekends.
Restrooms
Public restrooms available near main beach access points during the summer season.
Sea Girt’s quiet, well kept shoreline offers a classic Jersey Shore experience with a relaxed, family friendly feel. Its boardwalk, dunes, and wide sandy beach make it a favorite for peaceful summer days.
Beach fees (2026)
Where to Purchase
Badges sold at the Pavilion and at designated beach entrances during the season.
Parking
Free street parking throughout town; arrive early on weekends for best availability.
Restrooms
Restroom facilities located at the Pavilion, with additional seasonal units near beach entrances
Spring Lake’s beach offers a peaceful, upscale stretch of shoreline framed by its iconic wooden boardwalk and beautifully maintained dunes. It’s a favorite for visitors seeking a quiet, refined summer escape.
Beach fees (2026)
Where to Purchase
Spring Lake Borough website, beachfront badge booths, or designated kiosks along the boardwalk. Online. Click on "Beach and Pools" and then click on "Community Pass". If you do not have an account on Community Pass, you may register for one. Payments can be made with credit cards or e-checks..
Parking
Free on-street parking throughout town; arrive early on peak weekends for best availability
Restrooms
Clean, well-maintained restroom pavilions located at key access points along the boardwalk
Monmouth County beaches have a quieter, more local feel than some of the state's busier shore spots. You'll find long stretches of sand, strong ocean views, family-friendly beach culture, and a mix of lively boardwalk areas and calmer beachfronts, depending on the town. Because the county runs along the Atlantic, swimmers also get steady surf, sea breezes, and broad summer beach access close to New York City and North Jersey.
One of the biggest draws is balance, Monmouth County offers classic Jersey Shore beach days without every town feeling exactly the same.
In most cases, yes, during the summer bathing season many Monmouth County beach towns charge for access and require a beach badge or daily pass. Rules usually change by town, season, age, and time of day, so it's smart to check the local beach office or municipal website before you go. Outside the main season, access is often easier and fees may not apply, but swimming may not be lifeguard-protected.
Most beach access is paid for through a mix of beach badge fees, local municipal funding, and public support for shore protection and maintenance. That money helps cover lifeguards, cleaning, trash pickup, restrooms, dune care, beach patrol, and seasonal operations. In some places, larger coastal projects such as sand replenishment also involve state and federal funding, because beach erosion and storm damage affect public safety and coastal infrastructure.
The short version is simple: your badge fee usually supports the day-to-day beach experience, while larger shoreline work often comes from broader public funding.
Start with the basics, check beach hours, badge rules, parking rules, and lifeguard schedules before leaving home. Then arrive early, especially on summer weekends, because lots fill quickly and afternoon crowds build fast. If you're planning to bathe, pick guarded hours only, watch posted surf conditions, and bring cashless payment if the town sells badges or parking digitally.
A few habits make the day smoother:
They often are, especially for people who want a straightforward beach day with lifeguards, restrooms nearby, and walkable shore access in season. Conditions still vary with wind, tide, and surf, so no ocean beach is risk-free, but many county beaches are set up for regular summer bathing and family use. For the safest visit, swim where guards are on duty, stay close to marked areas, and keep an eye on children even when the water looks calm.
For warm-water bathing, late June through early September is the usual sweet spot. July and August bring the fullest beach services, but they also bring the biggest crowds, higher parking pressure, and the most badge checks. If you'd rather trade peak heat for more breathing room, early season and early fall can feel calmer, though water temperatures and lifeguard coverage may be less dependable.
For the easiest beach day, aim for a weekday morning in season, when parking, sand space, and the shoreline all feel a little more open.