Jersey Shore Town Guide and 2023 Beach Fees

Environment
* Overview
*  Air
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Recreation
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*  Home
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*  Wildlife
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* Beaches New!
* National Parks New!
* State Parks New!
* Amusement Parks New!
* Waterparks New!
* Swimming holes New!
* Arboretums   New!
More...
*   Gallery of images and videos
*   Fast Facts on key topics
* Timeline of dates and events
*   Anthology of quotes, comments and jokes
*   Links to other resources
*   NJ Presidential Quiz
*   Opinion

-- Jersey Shore Guide and 2023 Beach Fees

- Manasquan thru Wildwoods

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* Manasquan

$10 daily (12 and older)
$45 weekly (12 and older)
$85 seasonal for adults 17 and older
$30 seasonal for seniors age 65+
$40 seasonal for children 12-16
Veterans are free
Active military members and their families are free
One of most popular beaches for surfers, is Manasquan's Inlet Beach

* Borough in Monmouth County with 2020 census population 5,938, name of Lenape Native American origin, perhaps deriving from "Mënàskunk" meaning "Place to Gather Grass or Reeds". Incorporated in 1887 from portions of Wall Township. Situated on Manasquan Inlet dug in 1920s that connects Atlantic with Manasquan River, dividing counties of Ocean County and Monmouth County, passage to Bay Head Harbor and Barnegat Bay via Point Pleasant Canal, present day inlet northern terminus of Intracoastal Waterway which extends to Florida, also home to Squan US Coast Guard station. Public bathrooms, showers and beach wheelchairs available along beachfront.

* Mantoloking

$13 daily
$120 seasonal
Children younger than 12 are free

* Affluent small Ocean County borough on Barnegat Bay barrier island bordering Bay Head on north with Route 35 passing through 2-mile length. 2020 census population 331, median household income $177,813. Severely impacted by winds and storm surge of Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 as nearly all of over 500 homes either damaged or destroyed, but most now rebuilt or replaced by new construction. Mantoloking Bridge across Barnegat Bay connects borough to mainland at West Mantoloking. Large homes dominate beachfront, 13 public access points, no bathrooms or amenities and few parking spaces.

Image: City of Margate

* Margate City

$20 seasonal
$3.50 for seniors 65+
Children 11 and younger are free
Veterans/active military members are free
Ventnor badges also honored
No daily beach badges

* Situated on Absecon Island within Atlantic County, 2020 census population 5,317. originally incorporated as borough of South Atlantic City in 1885 from portions of Egg Harbor Township, reincorporated 1897, and in 1909 again reincorporated with name Margate City ,named for Margate in Kent, England. Absecon Island also home of Atlantic City and Ventnor City to northeast, and Longport on southwest. Stretches about eight blocks from Atlantic Ocean to bay at most points, home of Lucy the Elephant, 65-foot wooden elephant constructed 1881 as tourist attraction (currently closed for restoration), listed on National Register of Historic Places.

* Monmouth Beach

$100 seasonal
$12 daily
Children 11 and younger are free

* Monmouth County borough with 2020 census population 3,174, incorporated 1906, many early residents were professional fishermen with Norwegian backgrounds. Bordered by Shrewsbury River on west, Long Branch to south and Sea Bright on north. Median home value $847,300. Sea Bright–Monmouth Beach Seawall separates Ocean Avenue (Route 36) from ocean, Beach Pavilion provides beach access for seasonal members and daily badge holders.

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-- O

* Ocean City
• $10 daily
• $35 seasonal
• Children 11 and younger are free
• Veterans are free
• Active military members and their immediate families (children up to 23) are free

* “America’s Greatest Family Resort” official town slogan, also called “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living magazine. 2020 census population 11,229, but increases to well over 100,000 in summer. Founded, like Ocean Grove, in 1879 as a Methodist summer resort for religious camp meetings which continue to present, also prohibits sale or public drinking of alcohol. Nearly eight miles of shorefront, boardwalk runs for 2.5 miles; Gillian’s Wonderland Pier offers classic rides like Giant Wheel. Playland’s Castaway Cove features several roller coasters and themed mini-golf. Diverse schedule of summer events, including concerts and beauty pageants, Miss Crustacean Pageant, (hermit crabs in tiny costumes paraded on miniature floats), Ocean City Baby Parade held every August Doubled daily beach fee rates from $5 to $10 for 2023 season, first increase since 2002.

* Ocean Grove

$12 daily
$95 seasonal
$50 seasonal for seniors 65+ and young adults 12-17
Free for children 11 and younger
Beaches closed Sundays until noon

* Legally a part of Neptune Township, but all land owned by Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, which issues 99-year leases to tenants for homes, hotels, shops and other buildings. Founded 1869 as summer retreat for Methodists who would live in tents to hear noted preachers and gather for services, later evolved to more permanent structures with religious proscriptions against loud music, alcohol, gambling enforced through terms in leases, state legislation authorized autonomy in governance, law enforcement. NJ Supreme Court decision in 1979 held that NJ law granting town authority to operate own court and enforce rules, such as bans on vehicles in town on Sundays, unconstitutional, but some remain such as prohibition on beach access until after noon on Sunday, ban on alcohol sales, ban on alcohol sales. 2022-23 controversy over reconstruction of ocean pier in form of cross, but re-opened April 2023 despite criticism. Listed in national, NJ Register of Historic Places for most extensive collection of Victorian and early-20th century architecture in US, Auditorium built 1894, hosted talks by presidents, preachers, concerts by choirs, gospel groups, popular artists.

Ocean Grove tents leased for use during summer. Image: NewJersey Almanac.com

-- See also Day Trips: Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove Victorian homes and inns. Image: NewJerseyAlmanac.com

Interior of Ocan Grove Auditorium with capacity exceeding 6,000. Image: Wikimedia Commons/James G. Howes

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* Point Pleasant Beach

Daily $13 weekdays, $14 on weekends and holidays for those 12 and older,
$4 weekdays and $5 weekends for children ages 5 to 11, no charge for children younger than 5.
Seasonal $130 for ages 12 to 64, $95 for those 65 and older, and $55 for children ages 5 to 11. Half-season badges (July 18 or from July 19 to Labor Day) cost $35 for ages 5 to 11 and $95 for others * Traditional boardwalk with arcades, amusement park, aquarium, fun house, mini-golf, rides, restaurants, bars. much of it founded and operated by Jenkinson family since 1928, later sold in 1970s to Pat Storino, still operated under Jenkinson's Pavilion name. $13 daily beach fee tied with Lavallette for highest in NJ.

Image: Jenkinson's Boardwalk

Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk. Image: NewJerseyAlmanac.com

-- Point Pleasant Beach Webcam

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* Sea Bright

$8 daily
$100 seasonal
$35 seasonal for seniors 65+
$35 seasonal for disabled people
Children 11 and younger are free
Active military members and immediate families are free

* Monmouth County borough incorporated 1889. Located just to south of entrance to Sandy Hook, situated between Shrewsbury River and Atlantic, subject to periodic flooding, sea wall on southern section protects from ocean surges, but restricts public access to and views of beach except over stairs at designated access points. Public, municipal beach in center of town protected by lifeguards with parking and restrooms, entry limited to those with beach badges, also surfing beach area known as Anchorage. Seven members-only beach clubs with high fees and waiting lists for acceptance. Bridge over Shrewsbury River leads to Rumson, also borders Monmouth Beach and Highlands. 2020 census population 1,449.

* Sea Girt

$12 daily
$115 seasonal
$70 seasonal for seniors age 65+

* Borough within Monmouth County incorporated 1917 from portions of Wall Township, also borders Manasquan, Spring Lake and Spring Lake Heights. 2020 census population1,866, Named for estate of naval Commander. Robert F. Stockton, member of prominent Princeton family who had purchased property in area in 1853. Beach pavilion at Beacon Boulevard and boardwalk with restrooms and snack bar. Free street parking.

* Sea Isle City

$5 daily
$10 weekly
$25 seasonal ($20 if bought by May 15)
Free on Wednesdays
Veterans are free
Active military members and their families are free

* 2020 census population 2,104, but peak summer population some 40,000 Located in Cape May County on Ludlam Island, which also contains Strathmere section of Upper Township. Incorporated as a borough 1882 from portions of Dennis Township, later reincorporated 1907 as City of Sea Isle City with additional sections annexed from Dennis Township and Upper Township. Name derives from location on Atlantic Ocean, historic role as major fishing port, "Fish Alley" section at entrance features seafood restaurants and markets, as well as marina with small fleet of fishing boats. Original wooden boardwalk replaced 1962 after destruction by periodic storms with asphalt promenade. Surfing, kayaking, fishing, kiteboarding, volleyball permitted on designated beaches, accessible restrooms, beach wheelchairs available, metered parking. Annual February Polar Bear Plunge attracts thousands for swim in ocean.

* Seaside Heights

$10 daily
$35 weekly
$60 seasonal
$15 seasonal for persons 65 years of age and olde
Children 11 years of age and under free
Active and retired military personnel and their dependents free

* Ocean County borough located on Barnegat Peninsula that separates Barnegat Bay from Atlantic Ocean. 2020 census population 2,440, but population surges to estimated 65,000 during peak summer months, known particularly as younger partying destination spiked by popularity of hit "Jersey Shore" MTV show set in borough featuring boardwalk bars, restaurants, entertainment. Incorporated as borough 1913 from portions of both Berkeley Township and Dover Township (now Toms River Township). Amusement parks Casino Pier and Funtown Pier (partially located within both Seaside Heights and neighboring Seaside Park) situated on pier extending approximately 300 feet into Atlantic, part of 2-mile long boardwalk including arcades, games, food, Breakwater Beach water park situated across street from Casino Pier. Funtown Pier partially re-opened summer 2023 after reconstruction following destruction by 2013 boardwalk fire.

* Seaside Park

$13 daily
$40 weekly (to be sold staring June 25)
$70 seasonal
$20 seasonal for seniors age 65+
Children 11 and younger are free
Veterans are free
Active military members and their immediate families are free

* Ocean County borough situated on Barnegat Peninsula separating Barnegat Bay from Atlantic Ocean, borders municipalities of Berkeley Township and Seaside Heights. Two-mile-long beach has section of boardwalk to north with Funtown Pier Amusements with rides, games, food. Dunes south of Pier line mostly residential oceanfront, Metered parking spaces along Ocean Avenue. Designated beach sections for fishing. 2020 census population 1,436. Incorporated 1898 from sections of Berkeley Township, less than square mile in area.

* Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, Long Branch

$10 daily
$75 seasonal
$30 seasonal for seniors age 65+
$20 seasonal for disabled people
Children 17 and younger are free
* Part of Monmouth County Park System; Name derived from President Grant describing Long Branch as nation's “summer capital” in 1869, tradition of summer presidential visits. In the late 1800s Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park was site of "The Reservation" that Long Branch businessman Nate Salsbury built as camp for Buffalo Bill Wild West Show when not performing, with Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, and Chief Sitting Bull were among many performers.

* Ship Bottom

$10 daily
$25 weekly
$45 seasonal ($35 if bought before June 1)
$10 seasonal for seniors age 65+
Veterans are free
Active military members and their families are free
Children 12 and younger are free

* “Gateway To Long Beach Island” location at foot of only bridge over Manahawkin Bay onto island carrying traffic on Route 72 from Manahawkin section of Stafford Township boat ramp at 11th Street and the Bay also hosts evening concerts throughout summer; name derives from shipwreck in March 1817 when woman trapped on board inside until rescued with use of an axe to chop hole in ship's bottom.

* Somers Point

Free beaches

* Oldest community in Atlantic County, settled in 1693, incorporated as borough in 1886. Located on Great Egg Harbor Bay 17 miles south of Atlantic City; borders Egg Harbor Township, Longport and Linwood in Atlantic County; and both Ocean City and Upper Township in Cape May County. Name derived from John Somers, first European settler who in 1695 began ferry service in Bay connecting to Cape May. William Morrow Beach named after William Morrow, beloved police chief, “The Man Who Made a Difference,” also site of concerts, children’s events; complete with lifeguards, restrooms, free parking, outdoor showers, children’s playground and fishing pier. 2020 census population 10,469, total area of 5.23 square miles.

* Spring Lake

$12 daily
$110 seasonal
$80 seasonal for seniors age 65+
Two pavilions with showers, bathrooms and food at south end of town. Beach is wheelchair accessible.
No food allowed on beach

* Affluent Monmouth County community known as '"irish Riviera" with some 40% of residents of Irish heritage (highest in US); boardwalk without typical rides or snack bars of other shore towns, upscale stores located in business district several blocks from beach. 2020 census population 2,789. Incorporated 1892 from portions of Wall Township, borders Monmouth County municipalities of Belmar, Sea Girt, Spring Lake Heights and Wall Township.

-- Spring Lake Beach Webcam

Image: tripadvisor.com

Stone Harbor
$8 daily
$40 seasonal
$17 weekly (Saturday – Saturday)
Seasonal, weekly and daily tags may be purchased from inspectors on beach or from Beach Tag Office, by mail * * NY Times described Stone Harbor as place of "gleaming McMansions and elegant shops", named by AOL Travel as one of top 10 "secret beaches" in US for those looking to avoid crowds. seeking quieter, more relaxing experience without boardwalk amusements. Population about 800 in two square-mile borough midway on Cape May barrier island, bordered by Avalon on north; home sales typically well over million dollars. third-most expensive ZIP Code in NJ based on median home sale price. Taylor Swift spent summers from age 2 to 14 at home owned by parents, sang at local coffee shop, described Stone Harbor as "pretty magical place to grow up". .Attractions include 21-acre Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary registered as National Landmark by National Park Service, Beach in front of Villa Maria by the Sea convent called "Nun's Beach".

* Surf City

$50 seasonal (must be purchased in person at Badge Booth) * Located midway on Long Beach Island, just north of gateway bridge over Manahawkin Bay onto island carrying traffic on Route 72 from Manahawkin section of Stafford Township; only quarter mile wide, main road serving borough County Route 607 (Long Beach Boulevard) with shops and restaurants.

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Toms River
$65 seasonal
$11 daily, $12 weekends/holidays for ages 13 and older, 12 and under are free
$40 weekly
Seniors free ($15 one-time lifetime processing fee)
Margate badges also honored

* County seat of Ocean County since 1860 when Ocean County created from southern portions of Monmouth County. Township formerly known as Dover Township, original name derived from Dover, England, name changed to Toms River Township as result of 2006 referendum. 2020 census population 95,438, NJ's eighth-most-populous municipality. Beaches located in North Beach, portion of Toms River between Lavallette's northern border and Brick Township, and Ortley Beach, unincorporated area, also known as Dover Beaches South. Summer 2022 disorders mostly involving teen pop-up parties led to imposition of nightly teen curfews for summer 2023. Bordered by Lavallette to north and Seaside Heights to south, less than square mile in area. Boardwalk and two public beaches with Surf Club with separate beach charge. Downtown Toms River hosts world's second largest Halloween parade.

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* Ventnor City

$20 seasonal
$3.50 for seniors 65+
11 and younger are free
Margate badges also honored
No daily beach badges
surfing beach located next to Fishing Pier open during daylight hours. Kayak Beach at Princeton Avenue supervised by lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* Situated on Absecon Island within Atlantic County south of Atlantic City and north of Margate City, boardwalk runs along entire 1.7-mile beach front and connects to Atlantic City Boardwalk. Name derived from English seaside resort on Isle of Wight with same name. 2020 census population 9,220. 1,000-foot fishing pier located at Cambridge Avenue and Boardwalk, longest of NJ's ocean fishing piers, volleyball courts next to pier. Holds summer beach music jams. Surfing, kayaking and Hobie Cats allowed on designated beaches. Accessible restrooms and surf chairs for disabled. One of lowest seasonal beach fees of those which charge, but offers no daily badges.

Ventnor beachfront. Image: US Army Corps of Engineers

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* The Wildwoods

Free beaches * Collectively known as "The Wildwoods" comprising separate adjacent municipalities of North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, West Wildwood and Wildwood, feature five-miles of free beaches, 38-block boardwalk. with amusements, dining, shopping. Located on barrier island just north of Nj's southernmost point at Cape May. Wildwood home to over 200 motels, some built during 1950s-60s "Doo-Wop" era in area recognized by state as historic district for architecture, role in pop music evolution. Wildwood widest beach in NJ, extensive distance from boardwalk to ocean but beach taxis available at nominal fees, size and compacted sand of beach allows car, bike races. Beaches at North Wildwood impacted 2022-23 by extensive erosion by tides, storms as sand washed south down coastline to Wildwood,

Caribbean Motel in Wildwood Crest. Image: Wikimedia Commons/Smallbones

Video by EMONEY609

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- Asbury Park thru Longport

Recreation
* Beaches * Waterparks * Swimming holes/Lakes * Zoos/Aquariums * Amusement parks

Environment
* Overview * Air * Water * Waste * Wildlife * Climate * Associations

-- Jersey Shore Guide and 2023 Beach Fees - Manasquan thru Wildwoods

-- Jersey Shore Guide and 2023 Beach Fees

- Manasquan thru Wildwoods