The Ultimate Visitor's Guide to
Ocean County NJ Beaches: 2025 Edition

Ocean County Beaches

Barnegat Light - LBI
Unlike the more crowded Jersey Shore beaches, Barnegat Light offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those looking to relax away from the hustle and bustle. With large, untouched dunes and a more rugged coastline, making it feel more like a nature preserve than a typical tourist beach.

Guarded Bay Beach at 25th St. & Bayview.
Beach Badges are required on all Barnegat Light beaches for all beach patrons 12 years-old and over. Lifeguards are on duty beginning mid-June through Labor Day daily from 10:00am until 5:00pm.

Pre-Season Rate: $40 (through June 5th). Season: $50, Weekly:$25 (Saturday through Friday), Daily: $10 Senio, $12 (65 years or over with proof of age)
Badges can be purchased at the Borough Hall during the "off-season" Monday -Friday, 8:00am to 3:30pm.
During the spring the Beach Badge Booth opens for limited hours. During the season the Beach Badge Booth is open every day from 8:00am until 3:00pm and until 6:00pm on Saturdays, or badges can be purchased on the beach from a Badge Checker. All Veteran & Active Military badges must be obtained from the Beach Badge Booth before going to the beach.
*Beach Badge order forms can be downloaded

Free parking at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and along side streets where the borough has designated parking areas and 10th Street and Bayview Avenue and Barnegat Lighthouse State Park.
Food is prohibited on the beach. There are restaurants and stores along Long Beach Boulevard, Broadway and Bayview Avenue. Family oriented beach goers.
Barnegat Light offers a Beach Wheel Chair to any beach patron who has a mobility limiting disability
Dogs are not permitted on the beach from April 15th through September 15th.

Beach Haven - LBI
While popular, the beach it doesn’t get as overwhelmingly packed as some other Jersey Shore beaches, making for a more relaxed experience. The sand is soft and clean, and the beaches are well-maintained, making it a great spot for relaxation. especially for familes with children.

Beach badges are required within the Borough of Beach Haven from 12th Street to Nelson Ave, everyday, except Wednesday, during the season, and are only needed for ages 12 and above.

Pre-Season- $40.00, available for purchase from Jan. 1st up to and including May 31st, 2025.
Seasonal– $50.00, starting June 1, 2025
Weekly- $20.00, Daily- $10.00
Senior Lifetime- $10.00, available for those 65 and older, only available for purchase at the beach badge office

Both physical and digital beach badges are available.
1. In Person, at Borough Hall, in the Municipal Clerk's Office (until the badge office opens): with cash, check, or credit/debit card (processing fee applied, see below). Clerk's office open M-F, from 9am-4pm.
2. By Mail: fill out a form and pay by check,
3. Online Via Credit Card
4. Digital passes are stored as a fraud-protected QR code, on your mobile device. When a checker asks to see your badge, you show them the QR code. They can be obtained at he Clerk's office at Borough Hall: M-F, 9am-4pm, ID required, call before you come, to see if the badges arrived, bring your ID, only the person whose name is on the order form will be allowed to pick up your badges. The digital passes can also be obtained Centre St. Badge Office once it opens.
5, Digital passes can also be purchased on your phone, through the MY BEACH MOBILE app:
Apple Android

Life guarded beaches:
12th Street Taylor Ave., 5th Street, 2nd Street, Centre Street, Engleside Ave., Pearl Street, Belvoir Ave., Essex Ave., Liberty Ave., & Kentford Ave.
Public Parking within the Borough of Beach Haven is FREE. Taylor Ave., Centre St., Engleside Ave., Amber St., Coral St., Pearl St., and Marine St. all have parking areas on the ocean side.
Tents are not allowed on Borough beaches

Brick Township
Brick Township beaches are less crowded than the more commercialized shore towns. Many of Brick Township's beaches have protected dunes, adding to the scenic beauty while also serving as a natural barrier against storms and erosion.In addition to oceanfront beaches, Brick also has easy access to the Barnegat Bay, offering opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and crabbing.

Brick Township operates three ocean beaches and one bay beach:
* Brick Beach One is located at 310 Route 35 North. Amenities include outdoor shower heads, concessions, lockers, parking and restrooms.
* Brick Beach Two is located at 354 Route 35 North.  There are no concessions, bathrooms or parking at this beach.  To access Brick Beach Two, you must park at either Beach One or Three and walk to Brick Beach II
* Brick Beach III is located at 440 Route 35 North. The beach has restrooms, showers, concessions and lockers.
* Windward Beach is located on the bay at 265 Princeton Avenue. Amenities include playgrounds, volleyball nets, restrooms, fishing and crabbing piers, bocce courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and a gazebo. They also allow BBQing but is only permitted by reserving a table. The BBQ must be a charcoal grill. Swimming is not permitted at Windward Beach.

2025 Beach Fees:
(before May 15) Season Badge $30, Season Parking $30
(after May 15) Season Badge $45, Season Parking $45
(after May 15) Daily Wristband $10, Daily Parking $10, Senior Citizen Parking $1 per day, Children 12 and Under FREE Senior Citizen Beach Passes Free

Beaches are staffed with lifeguards on weekends beginning Memorial Day Weekend and then staffed 7 days a week from mid-June through Labor Day.

Island Beach State Park
The park features 10 miles of white sandy beaches with dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests, making it one of the most well-preserved barrier islands on the East Coast. Unlike more developed beaches, it has a wild, natural feel with limited commercial interference. Compared to nearby Jersey Shore beaches, Island Beach State Park is less crowded and has a more relaxing atmosphere. No boardwalks, high-rises, or amusement parks—just pure nature. Miles of sand dunes and white sandy beaches offer habitat to maritime plants and diverse wildlife that is almost the same as it was thousands of years ago.

Beach access is free. You are required to pay a per vehicle entry fee when you enter Island Beach State Park.Parking Fees: 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

Swimming is only permitted on State Park Service property in designated areas when lifeguards are on duty.

Two refreshment pavilions are located approximately 1/4 mile apart, one off each parking area in the bathing beach section. Showers, dressing rooms as well as restrooms are available. Pavilions are handicapped accessible with ramps onto the beach, and you can rent surf chairs to take you right to the surf line. There is a concession stand, where you can purchase hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream as well as sundries.
You can also rent beach umbrellas and beach chairs here too. There are parking lots approximately 3.5 miles from the gate next to the two swimming beaches.
A small fire is allowed on the beach from parking area A2 south and must be at least 50' east of the dunes. There are no fires allowed from the northern park property boundary through the swim areas, no fires allowed in the Gillikin's fishing area.
Island Beach is a Carry In- Carry Out park.
Alcohol, tents, and canopies are not Permitted.
Pets are allowed in the park on leashes only and are not permitted on lifeguard patrolled beaches during the summer.

Lavallette
Compared to other Ocean County beaches like Seaside Heights or Point Pleasant, it tends to be quieter and less commercialized, making it perfect for families and relaxation. The town has a well-maintained boardwalk (actually a wide wooden walkway) along the beach—great for morning jogs or sunset strolls.

2025 Beach Bathing Season is June 14, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Beach fees: No fee for children under the age of twelve (12) years.
Now Available $15 Until May 30, 2025: Season Badge $60, Senior Badge, $20 Parking Stickers $15
Begining June 1, 2025 Season Badge $65, Senior Badge $25.

$35.00 per person per week or fraction thereof. A "week" is defined as the period from Saturday through the following Saturday. $13.00 per person for each daily badge. $25.00 per person for the entire bathing season for any person whom is 65 years of age or over. $15.00 pre person for any totally disabled person. ID Required. No Charge for all veterans of any military service and all military service personnel on active duty status. ID Required. Parking Stickers for Bay Front Lots $15

Badges can be purchased at the Lavallette Municipal Building Monday through Friday 8am-4pm 1306 Grand Central Avenue

On street parking is on a first come first served basis on the side streets and the ocean blocks. The Borough of Lavallette has residential parking permits in certain areas throughout town these spots are designated by sign and by permit only. Along the highway there are sections of two hour parking, please keep this in mind when parking along the highway. Handicap Accessible spots available all throughout the town and at the oceanfront on several streets, the most being on the wide streets of Trenton, New York, Philadelphia, & President Avenues.

A sticker is required on motor vehicles parked in any of the Municipal parking lots on the bay front In effect during the bathing season as established in § 7-9B. Car Stickers must be permanently affixed to the driver's side rear window.

Beach Wheelchair's Available on a first come first serve basis through the Lifeguard Headquarters 732-793-2566
It is unlawful to conduct or engage in any beach party, picnic or similar outing, cook, or take any alcoholic beverage, other than non-alcoholic beverages in cans or plastic containers.

Long Beach Township-LBI
Unlike some other parts of the Jersey Shore, much of Long Beach Township is residential, which makes its beaches feel more private and relaxed. Different sections of the township provide unique beach access experiences, from Holgate's natural wildlife refuge to the family-friendly atmosphere of Brant Beach.

Note: Long Beach Township badges are not valid in Barnegat Light, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, Ship Bottom or Beach Haven Borough. You can purchase those from their municipal offices.

2025 Long Beach Township Seasonal Beach Badges (Regular Seasonal, Senior Citizen Seasonal and free Lifetime Veteran Seasonal) for Long Beach Township only.
The preseason rate of $40.00 each for our regular seasonal badges ends on Saturday, June 15th.
Starting June 16th, the regular seasonal badges are $50.00 each.
Weekly and Daily badges will be available starting June 14, 2025. Badges are not required for children 11 years of age and under.
Senior Citizen Seasonal Beach Badge $5 (with valid proof of age, 65+, required in person at time of purchase),
Weekly Beach Badge $20, Daily Beach Badge $10, Veterans Free.

Seasonal beach badges can be purchased either at the Long Beach Township Beach Badge Sales Office in Brant Beach or on the mobile app MyBeachMobile (physical badges will still have to be picked up at Beach Badge Sales Office)
Daily & Weekly badges can be purchased at either the LBT Beach Badge Office, on 68th Street in Brant Beach, or on the mobile app or on the beach from one of our Beach Badge Checkers (in-season June 14th – September 1st).

Restrooms are near the Centre Street Beach, on the bay side at Taylor Avenue, at the public dock on Dock Road and the bay, at the tennis courts on Pearl Street and at the playground at Nelson and West avenues.
Free parking on Street.

Ortley Beach
(Toms River Township) Includes: Shelter Cove on the bay

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day with a mix of quiet serenity and easy access to fun activities, Ortley Beach is a great choice! It has a more relaxed and residential feel, making it great for families and those looking to avoid crowds.

Toms River is home to Ortley Beach/Dover Beaches South, which is located on the Barnegat Peninsula (also know as Island Beach Peninsula, and simply "The Barrier Island") between Lavallette and Seaside Heights. This 1/2 mile beach stretches along the Atlantic Ocean between 3rd Avenue and Harding Avenue and has multiple access points from the boardwalk to the beach.

Shelter Cove Beach, which is located on the Barnegat Bay on the mainland side, on Bay Avenue. A non-guarded beach is also located on Riviera Avenue along the Toms River - swimming and water entry is prohibited at this beach, this is a beach to lounge in the sand.

Beach badges are required to access the beach from Memorial Day Weelend through Labor Day Weekend

Before May 21st, 2025: Season Pass $50.

After May 21st, 2025: Full Season - $65, Daily - $11 weekdays, Daily $12 weekends and holidays, Weekly- $40,
Senior Lifetime ID - must be purchased at Recreation Department, one time fee. $15
Beach fees are waived for Children 12 or under, and all active U.S. military, military reservists and military retirees, their spouses or civil union partners and dependent children.

Badges can be purchased at the Recreation Administration Office at 1810 Warren Point Road, and the Toms River Senior Center on Garfield Avenue, and at the beach during the season.

Ortley Beach and Shelter Cove beaches have showers and can be used free-of-charge.

On street parking is on a first come first served basis on the side streets and the ocean blocks.

Point Pleasant - Jenkinson Beach
A beloved Jersey Shore destination known for its family-friendly atmosphere, pristine sandy shores, and a lively boardwalk packed with attractions. One of its standout features, the boardwalk is filled with amusements, arcades, restaurants, and shops, providing endless entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The Municipal beaches are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the East and the Manasquan River to the north and northwest. The ocean beaches are found in Point Pleasant Beach and the two beaches along the Manasquan River are maintained by the the borough of Point Pleasant

The Beach information described here applies to Jenkinson Beach (between Broad and Trenton Ave)
Daily beach badges can be purchased at any open beach gate. Prior to the opening of the beach season, Season Badges can be purchased on-site only at either the Jenkinson's Pavilion Office or the Jenkinson's South Arcade.
No one will be admitted to the beach without a daily wristband or season badge once the beach gates are closed for the day.

Note: 2025 Beach Badge Fees will be available later as the seaon appoaches opening
2024 Beach access fees: (Jenkinson Beach)
Daily-Weekdays- Adult $13, children 5-11 $4, children under 5 are free.
Weekends- Adult $ 14, children 5-11 $5, children under 5 are free.
Full seasonal pass, - $130,(ages 12-adult), $55 (ages 5-11). Half seasonal pass (ages 12-adult) $95 & (children 5-11) $35.

Men's and women's free public restrooms There are two bath houses (bathrooms and changing rooms) on the boardwalk. One is located at the end of the Broadway Avenue and the other at the end of Parkway Avenue. The bath houses are open from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Parking at Municipal Lot: Arnold and Ocean Avenues. On-street, Also at Jenkinson's lots, Manasquan River Inlet, Aquarium Parking Lot, Frank's Fun Center and Jenkinson's South Arcade.

Point Pleasant Beach has both public access and private beaches. The southern end of town is comprised of a public access beach.
Cooler Policy: No coolers larger than 13 inches in width, length or height will be permitted on the beach. All coolers will be checked before accessing the beach.
Dog restrictions - Not allowed to be or go upon the beach or in the water at any public bathing beach, except between October 1st and April 30th, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. of each year. Dogs must be under the control of a leash may utilize the municipal beach, and the approaches for access only,

Seaside Heights
Seaside Heights with its iconic boardwalk, features vibrant arcades, fun carnival rides, energetic nightlife, beach concerts, and seasonal festivals that bring in visitors from all over.
The beach itself has fine, soft sand and is a popular spot for surfing, jet skiing, and other water activities.

Beach badge purchase and control operations are located on the Boardwalk at Kearney Avenue. The staff includes dozens of beach attendants and cashiers.
Beach badge purchases are also available On-Line

Ocean Beaches: Daily fee - $13, Weekly badge - $50 (Sunday through Saturday), Season badge - $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 every day
Active and retired military personnel and their dependents - free every day with the appropriate Common Access Card, Uniformed Services ID Card, DD Form 214, or Veterans Benefit ID Card issued by the VA.

Beach access for the disabled Free Surf Chair use for those needing wheelchair beach access is available. Call (732) 793-4646 for a reservation.
Restrooms located in various sites along the boardwalk. For a small fee indoor hot showers, lockers, and other accessories are available at Hiering Avenue and the Boardwalk through a private entity. Changing is available for a small fee as well.
Metered parking on street, and some parking lots.
Beach umbrellas, lounge chairs, and inflatable rafts are available from privately operated concessions along the beach and boardwalk.

Seaside Park
The beach is known for its clean, well-maintained sandy shores and a more laid-back vibe, making it perfect for families and visitors looking for a peaceful beach experience. Unlike Seaside Heights, which draws large crowds with its amusement rides and bars, Seaside Park is much calmer and less congested, allowing for a more relaxing visit. The beach stretches along the barrier island with stunning ocean views, soft white sand, and rolling dunes that give it a picturesque coastal charm.
The boardwalk is perfect for quiet strolls. The planks run the entire length of the borough and have benches and gazebo's that have been erected every few blocks.

Season Beach Badges-Adults (purchased May 1 through June 14, 2025): $65
Seasonal Beach Badges -Adults: $70
Senior Seasonal Beach Badges: $20
Weekly Badge (Saturday to Saturday): $40
Daily Badges: $13
Children 11 & Under are Free. Active & retired military are free with proper ID.

In person badge sales Bathhouse on boardwalk between N and O Streets; Stockton Ave, L Street, F Street, Brighton Ave, 2nd Ave, 5th Bay, 7th Ave, 11th Ave, 14th Bay (Street Locations during beach season, credit card ONLY)

There is a small concession stand on Ocean Avenue, which has a snack bar and restrooms.
Parking is available along the ocean front beginning with parking lot #1, which is located on North Ocean Avenue between Farragut and Stockton Avenue. Lot #1 is equipped with parking meters, which only accept dollar coins and quarters and allow up to 7 1/2 hours of parking time. Parking is available in lots 2 and 3 and along the streets, which only except quarters and allow 4 hours of parking time. These Lots will be closed between 2:00 am and 7:00 am. There is also some meter parking available on the ocean blocks of Porter Avenue, Farragut Avenue, Stockton Avenue, Decatur Avenue, Lafayette Avenue and O Street. A Metered area is also available on North West Central

Bicycles are only allowed on the boardwalk: North of N Street until 9am Only South of N Street until 11am
Fishing is permitted south of H Street in between the lifeguard stands.

Ship Bottom-LBI
The beach is known for its relaxed and family-friendly vibe. The town itself is home to a mix of vacation rentals, cozy inns, and restaurants, contributing to a more laid-back, welcoming environment, especially for families with children.
The ocean beaches run from the southern end of 3rd Street to the northern side of 31st Street. Bay beaches run from 13th to 16th Street, located west of Barnegat Avenue. These beaches have shallow swimming areas with sandy beaches and stationed Lifeguards. Along side these beaches are a pavilion and a playground for your children.

Beach Badges are required at both bay and ocean beaches from mid June through Labor Day.
Note; 2025 Beach Badge Fee pricing will be available during the month of May
2024 FGees:
Season Badge $50
Weekly Badge $25.00
Senior Badge (65+) Yearly Seasonal Badgeظآظآ $10.00 Must be present to purchase with ID.
Children 12 and under do not need a Beach Badge.
Veterans do not need a beach badge. Bring your Veteran ID with you to the beach and show it to the badge checker

The badges may be purchased with check, cash, credit card (there is a small service fee with card purchases) at either at Borough Hall or by any badge attendant in season) Senior Badges are only sold at the Borough Hall

Beach openings with ramps for the physically challenged are located at: 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, and 30th Streets

Restrooms are available near the boat ramp between 10th and 11th streets and at the bay beach area between 13th & 14th streets.
Free parking along oceanfront side streets. Parking is also available at the Plaza between 18th & 22nd streets.
Beach showers are available at the SandBox Cafe at 2604 Long Beach Blv'd. Shower users also receive a 10% discount at the restaurant
Beach Wheels available from Ship Bottom Beach Patrol.

Surf City-LBI
Surf City has a welcoming vibe with wide, clean beaches perfect for families. Compared to some other areas on Long Beach Island, Surf City tends to be quieter and less crowded, making it a relaxing escape, especially during the busy summer months. The cozy downtown features local shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. It's perfect for a stroll after a day at the beach.

Surf City Beach Badges are only valid in Surf City

During May 1st through May 31st, 2025 Early Season Badges are $40 (purchased in person at the badge window off N. 8th Street)
Badges purchased after June 1st, 2025:
Seasonal Badge $50
Daily Badge $10
Weekly Badge $20

Beach badges are required for all individuals from 12 years of age to 64 years of age whenever lifeguards & badge checkers are on duty.

After June 1st, badges can be picked up at the badge window off N. 8th Street

All in-person sales are cash or check only.

Monoplole Shade Devices are permitted on the beach but may not exceed 8 feet by 8 feet with no sides. Shade devices may not be pre-set up on the beach to reserve a sitting area, and they will be removed at the owner's expense.

Parking is allowed on Long Beach Blvd. and all side streets unless otherwise posted. Each side street has two handicapped parking spaces at the beach entrance.
Restroom facilities are available at the following locations, changing rooms and showers are not provided:
Behind Borough Hall at 813 Long Beach Boulevard. The 16th Street Bay Beach. The Division Street Boat Ramp.
Surfing beaches are south of the First Street jetty to north of the Second Street flag. Surf fishing is allowed north pf the 23rd Street jetty to 24th Street flag.
The beach, which stretches from North 25th to South Third streets, is accessible at each street end.
The N. 12th Street beach is the designated ADA access location with a mat and slope to improve accessibility.