As the Jersey Shore prepares for another busy summer, beach badge prices for 2026 remain largely consistent across South Jersey. Here’s a town-by-town guide that includes pricing and where to purchase your tags.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City continues to stand out as one of the few Shore towns offering completely free beach access, drawing large crowds each summer.
* Price: Free (no beach badge required)
Brigantine
Unlike Atlantic City, Brigantine requires tags for beach entry. Tags are available at the Beach Fee Office, 265 42nd St., from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Active military members, their families and seniors are eligible for free tags.
- Price: $10 before May 31, $20 thereafter for the season, free for active military and seniors
- Buy: https://brigantinebeach.org/beach-tags/
Ventnor – Beach Tags Go Digital!
Beachgoers have multiple options, including online purchase of physical tags through jerseycapetags.com, in-person pickup at Ventnor City Hall, or digitally through the My Beach Mobile App.
- Price: $10 before June 1, $20 thereafter for the season, $3.50 for seniors
- Buy: https://www.ventnorcity.org/beach-information
- Digital Tags: My Beach Mobile App (QR Code for validation)
Margate – Beach Tags Go Digital!
Margate’s offerings almost perfectly mirror those in Ventnor. In-person reservations and purchases can be made at the Martin Bloom Pavilion (Granville and the Beach). Beach badges will be sold Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (excluding holidays). Weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Saturday, April 4.
- Price: $10 before June 1, $20 thereafter for the season, $3.50 for seniors
- Buy: https://www.margate-nj.com/beach/pages/beach-badge-information
- Digital Tags: My Beach Mobile App (QR Code for validation)
Longport – Beach Tags Go Digital!
Like its Absecon Island sisters, Longport offers mailed tags ordered online, in-person purchases and digital beach tags through the My Beach Mobile App. If you prefer traditional tags, visit Borough Hall (33rd Ave. and Beach) or beach badge booths to make your purchase.
- Price: $15 before June 1, $25 thereafter for the season
- Buy: https://www.longportnj.gov/pages/beach-information
- Digital Tags: My Beach Mobile App (QR Code for validation)
Ocean City
Ocean City remains one of the Shore’s most popular family destinations, with robust beach patrols and a well-organized badge system.
Tags can be mailed via online ordering or purchased in-person City Hall, the Welcome Center on the Ninth Street Bridge, Henry Knight Building, Aquatic and Fitness Center, or the 46th Avenue Welcome Center, as well as the Boardwalk booths after Memorial Day.
- Price: Seasonal $30 pre-season / $35 after June 1. Daily $10, Weekly $20
- Buy: https://store.ocnj.us/
Sea Isle City – Beach Tags Go Digital!
Sea Isle City offers some of the more affordable seasonal rates in Cape May County, along with convenient online and in-person purchasing.
Complimentary passes are available for active military and veterans. Pick up your badges in-person at City Hall or the Welcome Center.
Sea Isle City also offers a beach badge vending machine, located in the lobby of City Hall, 233 JFK Blvd. and is accessible 24/7. The vending machine accepts cash only (fives, 10s and 20s) – please use exact change.
- Price: Seasonal $25 pre-season / $30 after May 15; Daily $10
- Buy: https://www.seaislecitynj.us/departments/BeachTag
- Digital Tags: My Beach Mobile App (QR Code for validation)
Strathmere
Strathmere remains a low-key destination with free beach access, though visitors should expect limited amenities and lifeguard coverage.
- Price: Free (no beach badge required)
Wildwood
Wildwood’s wide, iconic beaches continue to be free to the public, making it a top choice for budget-friendly Shore trips.
- Price: Free (no beach badge required)
Most towns offer discounted pre-season rates, so purchasing early can save money. With daily tags averaging around $10 and seasonal badges offering the best value, beachgoers have flexible options for enjoying the Shore all summer long.
