Millions of Mid-Atlantic visitors, locals and shoobies alike, relax on the sand between June and Labor Day. If you drive over the bridge on a Saturday morning, you will see what I mean.
As we enter the height of the summer season, it’s important to remember our manners. When everyone behaves appropriately, the beach is a peaceful natural wonder as well as a playground for the children-at-heart.
Here is the 2026 Shore Local guide to beach etiquette:
Pay attention while parking
We get it — you are in a relatively new town with a vacation state of mind, and parking comes at a premium. It’s easy to get distracted and forget your turn signal. You might cut someone off, take too long to accelerate at a green light, or park so poorly that you take up two spaces.
Please keep in mind that there are drivers in front of you and behind you looking for a parking spot. There are bikers and walkers on every corner.
So please, turn down the radio, use your GPS and be a good neighbor when driving.
Set-up standards
Setting up your spot on the sand can have a big effect on the well-being of those around you. It’s important to maintain a comfortable distance between you and other beachgoers whenever possible.
Be careful not to kick sand into the air, and keep your belongings compact and close. Do not sprinkle trash across the sand or pick a fight with your spouse about your distance from the tide. Set-up should appear effortless, even if hoisting your umbrella is frustrating.
Most importantly, do not camp directly in front of another family, which would block their view of the ocean. In extremely crowded situations, this would be all right, but when there is plenty of space on the sand, give people some room.
Beach behavior
Everyone enjoys the beach in their own unique way, but respecting the peace matters. While you may like background music, your neighbor may yearn for the sound of crashing waves. Mutual respect requires either headphones or low-volume speakers. Do not play explicit music that may offend others.
Keep an eye on your children. No sleeping sunbather wants to be covered in sand because your children are digging a ditch nearby. Keep all of the silly play within your inner circle, or on unclaimed sand closer to the water or farther up the beach.
The same notion applies to games and sports. If you are playing volleyball, pay attention to anyone getting close to you. Imagine taking a quiet stroll on the hard-packed sand and getting hit in the face. You never know if someone has underlying medical conditions or a bad temper.
Keep conversations courteous and at a reasonable volume. It’s wonderful to have a trip to the beach with friends, but loud gossip and crass language should be saved for another time.
Environmental impact
Do not feed the seagulls. This should be obvious, but the bad behavior of these birds is fueled by thoughtless feeding. The French fries you toss to a bird not only make the creature more brazen, but can also have negative health consequences. Seagulls need to stick to their natural diet, so don’t tempt them with pizza crusts. Many Jersey Shore towns prohibit feeding seagulls and other wildlife, with fines for violators. The rule exists for a reason: feeding birds encourages aggressive behavior and creates safety and sanitation problems for beachgoers.
Pick up your trash. If your plastic wrapper is pulled out to sea, you could harm an marine life. There are no maids to clean up your collection of bottles and snack wrappers, so kindly collect them and place them in the appropriate waste bin.
Do not step on the dunes. The dunes are a valuable part of the beach ecosystem and serve as protection against hurricanes and coastal flooding. They are also home to wildlife, including nesting birds, crabs and other small animals. Dunes are also protected throughout much of the Jersey Shore. Crossing, climbing or playing on dunes can damage fragile vegetation that helps prevent erosion and protects coastal communities from storms. In many towns, violating dune protection ordinances can result in hefty fines.
Shore safety
Always swim in front of a lifeguard. The ocean is beautiful, but it can also be powerful and unpredictable. Rip currents, changing tides, sudden drop-offs and rough surf conditions can develop quickly, even on days that appear calm. Lifeguards are trained to recognize dangerous conditions, respond to emergencies and provide assistance when seconds matter most. Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or just cooling off in the water, staying within sight of a lifeguard is one of the simplest and most important steps you can take to enjoy a safe day at the beach.
Anyone can get sunburned, so apply sunscreen. Skin cancer and sun poisoning are real threats, and UV rays are especially strong along the shore. Reapply every hour or two, or you may end up redder than a lobster, with painful peeling skin to show for it.
A beach umbrella can be a lifesaver on a hot summer day, but it can also become a nuisance — or even a hazard — if it isn’t used properly. Secure your umbrella deep into the sand and check it periodically, especially on windy days. A flying umbrella can cause serious injuries.
You never know who is on the beach near you, so keep an eye on your belongings. It’s easy to leave your wallet and keys under your towel while you take a swim, but anyone can walk up and take your valuables. For extra protection, pack your money, phone and keys in a lockable pouch or leave expensive, irreplaceable items at home.
Be kind
We get it — no one likes beach tags. But please do not berate the teenage workers asking to see your tag. Even if you feel annoyed, be a team player and pay for your pass. If you prefer free beaches, visit Atlantic City or Wildwood, which are among the nation’s most well-known free beaches.
Hundreds of seasonal workers make the Shore great. From lifeguards to boardwalk vendors to bathroom attendants, they help ensure that you have an enjoyable trip to the beach. Ask thoughtful questions, don’t complain to them about the rules and regulations.
And when a beachgoer breaks these etiquette rules, take the high road. When safety is at risk, address it with a kind tone or simply relocate to another spot on the beach. You can only control yourself, and when you model good beach behavior, others will hopefully follow suit.
Rules and regulations
Visitors should also familiarize themselves with local regulations regarding beach tags, smoking and vaping, alcohol consumption, pets, fires and overnight beach access. Rules vary from town to town, so check local signage before heading onto the sand.
When in doubt, follow posted regulations and remember that they exist to protect both people and the shoreline itself.
The bottom line
The Jersey Shore belongs to everyone, from year-round residents to first-time visitors making memories with their families. A little courtesy goes a long way toward ensuring that everyone can enjoy a relaxing day by the ocean.
Whether it’s keeping your music at a reasonable volume, giving your neighbors some space, picking up your trash or respecting local regulations, good beach etiquette helps preserve the Shore experience for future generations.
After all, the best beachgoers are the ones who leave nothing behind except footprints in the sand, and a few happy memories.
