By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
The familiar roar of crashing waves, shining sun and grainy softness of sand make the Jersey Shore special. Unfortunately, the beautiful space requires an admission fee in the form of beach tags.
Almost all New Jersey beach towns require beachgoers to purchase beach badges which pay for beach maintenance, the protection of swimmers along the coast and other costs associated with maintaining a seaside resource that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Beach fees differ from city to city, so it’s important to be aware of costs before planning your getaway. Here’s what you need to know about 2023 beach badges locally:
Atlantic City
No beach badges are required to enjoy Atlantic City’s beaches.
Ocean City
Seasonal tag price: $30 before June 1, then $35.
Purchase online, mail-in or in-person.
Seasonal dates: June 3 through Sept. 3.
Weekly and daily tags available for purchase in-person.
Where to buy: Boardwalk kiosks, Music Pier, the Henry Knight Building, OC City Hall, Aquatic and Fitness Center, Route 52 and 46th Street welcome centers.
Discounted for military members and veterans. See
Margate
Seasonal tag price: $10 before June 1, then $20.
Seasonal dates: June 3 through Sept. 3.
Weekly and daily tags available for purchase in-person.
Where to buy: Margate City Hall, Margate Library or through Viply app.
Free for military members and veterans.
Seniors: $3.50 until June 1, then $20.
See https://www.margate-nj.com/beach/pages/beach-badge-information
Longport
Seasonal tag price: $20 before June 1, then $35.
Seasonal dates: June 3 through Sept. 3.
Weekly and daily tags available for purchase in-person.
Where to buy: Longport City Hall.
Seniors: $5 before June 1, then $10.
Daily: $5 for anyone over the age of 12.
Weekly: $15, same guidelines as daily.
Veterans: Free with proper ID. https://www.longportnj.gov/beach/beach_badge.html
Ventnor
Seasonal tag price: $10 before June 1, then $20.
Seasonal dates: June 3 through Sept. 3.
Weekly and daily tags available for purchase in-person.
Where to buy: Ventnor City Hall (cash or check only), at most beach entrances, or through the Viply app.
Seniors: $3.50 before June 1, then $20.
Brigantine
Seasonal tag price: $20 by May 31, then $25.
Seasonal dates: June 3 through Sept. 3.
Weekly and daily tags: $10 daily, $15 weekly.
Where to buy: Brigantine Beach Fee Office.
Seniors: $8 for people between the ages of 60-64, free for those 65 and older.
Active military members and three family members are free.
Veterans are free.
Strathmere
No beach badges required on Strathmere beaches.
