Jersey Shore 2012 Beach Guide
Planning a vacation or just a day trip? Patch has all the information on the Shore's best beaches
Photos
With Memorial Day fast approaching, it's time to get ready for the best time of the year: beach season!
Wondering how much it will cost to buy badges to your favorite beach? Curious on where to park, if your dog is allowed on the boards, if you have to head back to the car for food and drink? All the answers are here.
Just click on the beach names below or on the right for full information on the Jersey Shore's beaches.
OCEAN COUNTY
Barnegat Light offers a touch of history with the beach experience, as it's home to 'Old Barney' — a lighthouse dating to 1859 at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park.
Seasonal beach badges are currently available for $35. Senior citizens, ages 65 and older, can purchase a seasonal pass for $8. Weekly badges also are available at a rate of $20 — with a week being defined as running from Saturday to Friday. The daily rate is $5 per person. Children under 12 are admitted for free.
Badges are currently on sale at Borough Hall, located at 10 East 7th Street. Beach badges also can be purchased at a booth on West 11th Street. For more information about beach badges call Borough Hall at 609-494-9196.
The "country village by the sea" offers active and passive recreation, swimming, watersports and shopping.
Seasonal beach badges are $70, with a half-season priced at $45. Beach-goers 12 and older are charged $7 for daily passes while those 12 and younger are free.
Badges can be purchased by contacting Bay Head Improvement Associates, Mount Street (next to Scow Ditch), P.O. Box 42, Bay Head, NJ 08742.
For more information, call 732-892-4179.
Beach Haven is one of the most popular locations on Long Beach Island, with the Fantasy Island arcade and Thundering Surf Water Park in addition to beach and restaurants.
Seasonal badges are $30 until June 22 and $40 starting June 23. Weekly badges are $20; daily badges are $5. Children 12 and under, adults 65 and over and active duty military personnel can use the beach for free. Those 65 and older must get a special permanent badge by visiting the Beach Badge Office; military personnel must show ID.
The order form is available online.
Brick boasts three family-friendly beaches on the Barnegat Peninsula, with one set aside for fishing.
Seasonal badges are $25 before June 15 and $30 after June 15 and are good for Brick Township’s three ocean beaches along Route 35 and the bathing area at Windward Beach Park on Princeton Avenue. A daily wristband is $5. There are no weekly badges sold. Children under 12 are admitted free.
Badges and parking stickers can be purchased at the township recreation office at Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road.
Tucked away on the northern end of Long Beach Island, the small town of Harvey Cedars can provide a relaxing and quiet beach experience with both bay and ocean beaches to choose from.
Seasonal passes are $30 in the preseason and $40 after June 15. Senior citizens, ages 65 and older, may get a seasonal pass for $9. Weekly badges also are offered at a rate of $20. There is a day rate of $6. Badges are currently on sale at Borough Hall, which is located at 7606 Long Beach Blvd.
More information about beach badges can be obtained by calling Borough Hall at 609-361-6000, or the Sunset Park booth at 609-361-9733.
The 3,003-acre Island Beach State Park two ocean beaches, surfishing, hiking, kayaking on Barnegat Bay and the nearby Sedge Islands and much more.
Island Beach State Park charges a per vehicle daily fee rather than beach badges. New Jersey residents pay $6 on weekdays and $10 on weekends for park access from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Visitors from out of state pay $10 on weekdays and $20 on weekends.
Call 732-793-0506 for more information.
While not oceanfront, Lacey boasts four beaches that will open Saturday, June 18: Cedar Creek Beach on Forrest Avenue in Lanoka Harbor, Bamber Lake Beach in Bamber Lake, Deerhead Lake Beach on Deerhead Lake Drive in Forked River and Lake Barnegat Beach on Lakeside Drive in Forked River.
Beach badges are $5 and are required for those older than 7. Badges will be available starting June 1 in the Recreation Office. Proof of residency is required. Badges will be required starting Saturday, June 25. Call 609-693-1100, ext. 2203 for more information.
Lavallette has both an active ocean beach and bay scene. Activities on the beach include swimming, surfing and ocean kayaking.
Seasonal passes are $45 per person, $7 daily. Visitors 65 and older, disabled and military personnel are offered passes at $14 per season. Badges are free for children younger than 12.
For more information, call 732-793-2566.
Long Beach Township's 12 miles of oceanfront makes up much of LBI. Whether you are visiting Brant Beach's St. Francis Center, the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts in Loveladies, frequenting the township's many boutiques, mini-golf courses and restaurants, there is always something to do here.
Beach badges are $30 for the season when purchased before June 15; $40 when purchased June 15 and later. Weekly badge is $20 and daily badge $5. Children younger than 12 are free. Senior citizen badge is $5. Badges can be purchased at the Beach Badge Office on 68th Street in Brant Beach, next to town hall.
For more information, call the town hall at 609-361-1000.
Mantoloking offers one public beach and two private beaches, with public access from Mathis Place through Herbert Street, accessible by four walkways on East Avenue, one on Lyman Street, and one on Ocean Avenue, which are all on the Bay Head side of town.
Beach badges are available for $12 for the season, and are free for all active military members as well as children 12 and younger. For more information, call the municipal building at 732-899-6600 ext. 100 or visit Mantoloking's municipal website.
Toms River has its own oceanfront, in the Ortley Beach section of town. The municipal beach is centered around 2nd and 4th streets.
Seasonal passes to Ortley Beach are $35 in the pre-season. The price increases to $50 on May 29. Daily badges cost $7 and $8 on the weekends, and are available at beach entrances. Children under 12 are free. Toms River residents age 62 and older are entitled to a lifetime senior beach pass for free.
Seasonal and senior passes can be purchased now at the Toms River Recreation Administration Building, 1810 Warren Point Road. During the summer, season passes may also be purchased at 4th Avenue Lifeguard Headquarters in Ortley Beach. For more information, call 732-341-1000 Ext. 8415.
The ever-popular Point Pleasant Beach offers five bathing beaches, with boardwalk, shops and restaurants to be found throughout the Beach and Point Borough.
For specific beach badge prices at the five beaches — Jenkinson's, Risden's, Martell's, Bradshaw's and the Maryland Avenue beach — click the link above.
Seaside Heights, one of the busiest locations on the Shore, boasts two amusement piers, food, boardwalk and beach.
Seasonal beach passes are $45. Daily passes cost $5, and children younger than 12 are always free.
Lifetime beach badges for seniors 65 and older are available for $10 and must be purchased at Borough Hall. Borough Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It’s located at 901 Boulevard.
For additional questions, contact Borough Hall at (732) 793-9100.
Heights' more laid-back neighbor, Seaside Park, offers quiet surroundings with nightlife and amusements only a short jaunt away.
Seasonal beach badges are $50. Seasonal badges for seniors 65 and older cost $20. Badges can be purchased at the Bathhouse on the corner of ‘N Street’ and Ocean Avenue Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Daily badges are $10.
For more information, call 732-793-3700.
Island Beach packed? Seaside Heights just a bit too much for you? Head over to White Sands Beach in South Seaside Park.
Daily badges are $5. Weekend and holiday badges are $6. Weekly badges are $20. Season badges are for sale from May 29 through June 16 at a reduced price of $30. Season badges from June 16 on are $35. Admission for children under 12 is free. New Jersey residents who are 62 and over receive free badges after proof of age and residency are provided.
Ship Bottom is known as the “Gateway to Long Beach Island” because of the bridge linking the borough to the mainland. In addition to its beaches, Ship Bottom has a Waterfront Park, several recreational parks, fishing and crabbing pier, a gazebo and more.
Beach badges cost $30 for a seasonal pass until May 31; $40 for a seasonal pass starting June 1; $20 for weekly pass; and $5 for a daily pass. Senior badges are $10 and are sold at Borough Hall.
Badges are required starting June 18. Submit a Beach Badge Order Form or buy them at Borough Hall, 1621 Long Beach Boulevard, Ship Bottom, 609-494-2171, ext. 102.
Ship Bottom's immediate neighbor to the north, Surf City, is billed as one of the Jersey Shore's most family-friendly destinations. The 25-block-long town on Long Beach Island boasts ocean and bay beaches, noted eateries and (as of summer 2012) two miniature golf courses.
Beach badges are $25 for the season when purchased before May 31; after that it's $35 for a seasonal badge. Weekly badge is $17 and daily badge $6. Children younger than 12 and seniors 65 and older are free. Badges can be purchased at the town hall, 813 Long Beach Boulevard.
For more information, call 609-494-3064.
MONMOUTH COUNTY
A tiny seaside hamlet on the north side of the Shark River Inlet, Avon-By-The-Sea boasts a total land area of just 4/10 of a square mile.
Beach badges for the season cost $90 for adults and $45 for seniors and young adults (12-18). Children under the age of 12 are free, and daily passes can be purchased for $9.
For more information call 732-502-4510.
The ever-popular Belmar offers beaches that stretch for more than a mile, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Beach badges are $50 for a seasonal pass; $15 for seniors; $7 daily; free for children 15 and younger and active duty military and their families. Badges are on sale at Borough Hall, 601 Main St., until Memorial Day weekend and at boardwalk ticket booths thereafter.
For more information, call 732-681-3700.
A popular location on the shore, Bradley Beach can trace its roots back to the 1600s.
Seasonal beach badges are $65 adults; $25 seniors (62 and older); $25 juniors (ages 14-15); free for children 13 and younger. Daily passes are $7; $8 weekends and holidays.
Badges are required on weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend; daily starting June 20, through Labor Day. Badges are on sale at town hall, located at 701 Main St. They can only be purchased with cash or check, and there are no mail transactions. Checks should be made payable to the Borough of Bradley Beach.
The southernmost beach in Monmouth County, Manasquan is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With several miles of beachfront, Manasquan is a great destination for surfers, fishermen or anyone looking for fun in the sun.
Beach badges are $70 for a seasonal pass; $8 daily. Senior citizen badges for ages 65 and older are $25. Children from 12 to 16 are $35, and children younger than 12 are free (birth certificates required). Required on weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend and daily after June 16. They can be purchased, cash only, at the Beach Office.
For more information, call the Beach Office at 732-223-2514.
Ocean Grove has a boardwalk for people to enjoy but also boasts a quiet peacefulness that sets it apart from the rest. If you are looking for something to do or somewhere to eat, the downtown area is just a few blocks from the boards.
Daily beach badges are $7. There also is a weekly pass that can be purchased for $35 while a seasonal badge will cost $70. A youth season badge for ages 12 to 17 is $35 while the senior citizen season badge for those 65 and older are $40. Children younger than 12 are free with an adult.
Badges can be purchased at the beach office on the boardwalk across from the fishing pier. More information can be found by going to www.oceangrove.org or calling 732-988-5533.
Nestled between Spring Lake and Manasquan, Sea Girt has a 1.75-mile stretch of beach featuring a beautiful boardwalk and a historic lighthouse.
Beach badges are $100 for a seasonal pass; $9 daily. Senior citizen badges for ages 65 and older are $55. Children 12 and younger and all active duty military and their immediate family are free. Required on weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend and daily after June 16 through Labor Day.
They can be purchased, cash only, at the Main Pavilion and other designated areas along the beachfront from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 732-449-9335.
For a quiet day at the beach, consider Spring Lake, which features the longest stretch of non-commercial boardwalk in the state.
Beach badges are $100 for a seasonal pass; $60 for 1/2 season — Memorial Day Weekend through July 31 and Aug. 1 through Labor Day; $8 daily. Children aged 11 and younger are free.
Call 732-449-0800 ext. 631 for more information.
ATLANTIC COUNTY
Atlantic City not only boasts casinos and entertainment, it features the exceedingly rare free beach experience.
Surfing, kayaking and windsurfing are allowed on certain beaches in the resort, while there are numerous areas to fish. Click above for more.
Atlantic City visitors looking to escape the city for a nearby beach experience can head to Brigantine, which boasts beautiful beaches and sport activities.
Seasonal beach badges are currently available for $15. The price increases to $18 on June 1. Badges for senior citizens ages 60 to 64 are $8, and senior citizens ages 65 and older are free. Active military personnel also can get beach badges for free. Weekly passes are available for $14, and the daily rate is $8 per person.
Badges are currently on sale at the Brigantine Beach Community Center, 265 42nd St., Brigantine. For more information about beach badges, call Beach Patrol Headquarters at 609-266-5233 or the Beach Fee Office at 609-264-7350.
CAPE MAY COUNTY
"America's Greatest Family Resort" features eight miles of beaches and a boardwalk packed with shops and amusements.
Discounted seasonal beach tags are on sale now and cost $20 if purchased by May 31. On June 1, the price goes up to $25. Weekly beach tags are $10, and daily beach tags cost $5.
Beach tags are required for visitors ages 12 and older and will be required June 9 to Sept. 3 this year.
Big Ben
11:40 am on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Let's start a Patch poll -
Which Jersey Shore community has the brownest ocean water?
eyes wide shut
1:15 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Lets not, when was the last time YOU checked the conditions of the ocean along the Jersey shore??? Never been cleaner..
"Dry sunny days bring more tourists to the Jersey Shore and, according to a national report, those beachgoers enjoyed some of the cleanest waters in the nation last year.
Beat only by New Hampshire, New Jersey ranked second in the country for beach water quality last year, according to a report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council"......Know your fact BEFORE you spew nonsense
Big Ben
4:26 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
It's a cleaner brown than say 10 years ago. I inherited my grandparent's home at the Shore and have been going there since I was born. I love the beach but I won't go in the brown water. By the way, what color do you think the water is?
jp1
5:25 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Big Ben it is probably your pool.
Rory Chadwick
2:02 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
You left out the 75000 fist pumpers for the Seaside Heights information paragraph. And don't forget that Seaside Heights is the only city in NJ that has a "welcome to sign" shaped like an Aqua Net can.
William Mays
3:02 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Honestly, I can't even go to most of these spots without being disgusted at the types of people there. I'd say only Cape May, Brigantine, Spring Lake, Rumson, and Mantoloking are nice. Avalon as well and a few other places. Sandy Hook too.
Nose Wayne
6:33 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
WILDWOOD!! Just voted BEST BEACH IN NEW JERSEY. Why is it not on the list?
William Mays
6:41 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Theres like only one good hotel in Wildwood. It's neighbor Cape May is much nicer.
Nose Wayne
8:18 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Billy, Notice Cape May is not on the list either? Love the old Victorian Hotels and Houses along the beach.
Billy Mays
10:34 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
The guy at the front desk of the motel wanted to charge me by the hour. And the motel was a flea bag too. Ugh. I'll never go back to Wildwood, ever.
William Mays
10:57 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Thats not me, Milly is posting under my name.
Billy Mays
11:58 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
I checked in first, then Milly-the-Hillbilly signed in under my name. We actually went to separate rooms. I was with a Republican hot, woman, and Milly-the-Hillbilly was with some toothless Democratic guy. As usual, we both rented our respective rooms by the hour.
Billy Mays
10:35 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Sandy Hook is the best place as I have said above. It's cheap and has my favorite clothing optional beach, Gunnison Beach, there, where it is a big hangout.
William Mays
10:57 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012
Not me
Billy Mays
10:31 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
I don't know how to swim.
Billy Mays
11:55 am on Friday, May 25, 2012
Oops, I meant to say not me checking into a fleabag motel with a Democratic woman. I prefer hot, Tea Party, Republican women.
Tom Troncone
12:25 pm on Friday, May 25, 2012
The user pretending to be Billy Mays has been suspended.
William Mays
9:00 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thank you Tom.
Billy Mays
10:25 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
But Tom How could someone pretend to be someone pretending to be some one than himself. It just doesn't make sense.
Nose Wayne
11:19 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Will the REAL Billy Mays, Please stand up!! JUST KIDDIN.
Billy Mays
10:26 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
The REAL Billy Mays is long gone. May he rest in peace. Everyone else is a fake, a fraud, and a charlatan.
Billy Mays
10:33 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
I do find that Wildwood is rather nice, a little dumpy, but then again so am I. I like to cruise the main drag in my BMW looking like the cat's pajamas.
William Mays
4:20 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Yeah sorry, some crazy guy is using my name to say stupid stuff so just ignore the ridiculous sounding comments.
Billy's Mom
7:43 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Billy, Now, now, you know you have a dual personality. So please stop fooling these nice people.
Billy Mays
5:51 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
But Wildwood is a nice place to meet a girl who likes to ride in my BMW.
Billy's Mom
7:44 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Don't mention that you got arrested the last time you were there. This is a family site.
William Mays
6:53 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Not me.
Tom Trioncone
9:53 am on Friday, June 29, 2012
The users pretending to be Billy Mays's relatives and friends have been suspended and there posts have been deleted. There is no such thing as freedom of speech here on Patch.
Eric Wanker
4:20 pm on Friday, June 29, 2012
jack gas also commented on Jersey Shore 2012 Beach Guide.
"The censorship of our posts are unconstitutional. When you figure out the First Amendment dear editor, please utilize. Big fat cry babies, whah!!!!!
Billy Mays's Parole Officer also commented on Jersey Shore 2012 Beach Guide.
"Law enforcement has attempted to rein in Billy Mays's wicked lifestyle ever since he was a juvenile. We have had moderate success, and he has been a person of interest in many bad things that have happened around town over the years. He was nailed in Wildwood for breaking the law, and is currently on probation and he is required to perform community service. We are only allowed to reveal that the incident in Wildwood involved a woman of dubious character. A concerted effort is underway to keep this person under constant surveillance, and to monitor his every post here on Patch (This aspect is the boring part of the job because he talks and talks, but really never says anything!) Anyone with information about his unknown illegal activities is invited to contact Crime Stoppers Anonymous. There will be a substantial reward if he is convicted based on the information you furnish law enforcement. As far as the 2012 Jersey Shore Beach Guide goes, Wildwood is a lovely place to visit. Just keep in mind if you see or are approached by a seedy-looking guy driving a BMW, watch out. This has been a public service announcement brought to you by Billy Mays's parole officer."
Eric Wanker
4:20 pm on Friday, June 29, 2012
Billy May's Summer Camp Councilor from years ago commented on District Could Be Without Student Accident Insurance After Resolution Fails, which you are following.
"I remember when Billy Mays was a young whippersnapper and summer camper at our camp a few summers ago. He just couldn't, or wouldn't, follow directions for whatever internal reason he had in his mind. All the other children campers picked on him constantly when the adult councilors weren't looking. For some reason he just wouldn't keep his yap closed. He was universally despised by everyone at the camp, including the adults and owners. I can see by his comments that nothing has changed over the years, whereas most irritable children mellow with age. It is not the case for Billy Mays. Sad,"
Eric Wanker
4:21 pm on Friday, June 29, 2012
on Jersey Shore 2012 Beach Guide.
Billy May's Summer Camp Councilor from years ago also commented
"Billy Mays was a very good summer camper - when he was sleeping. When he was awake that's another story. Even in summer camp the other children picked on him and bullied him. This meant that for him it was a constant thing year round because they bullied him in school and in summer camp. He never got any rest from being bullied. He spent most of his time hanging out at the girls' outhouses, and on several occasions had to be told to join in the camp activities. Apparently he just didn't mature into a reasonable adult."
Eric Wanker also commented on Jersey Shore 2012 Beach Guide.
"Wow! This Billy Mays has quite the reputation. And here I thought he was an honorable person. I'd like to know what really happened with that young lady in Wildwood. I bet you it isn't a pretty picture. These posts do give credence to identifying and correcting childhood bullies. Look what happened to Billy Mays after suffering years of abuse from bullies in his younger days. I only can hope for the best for Billy."
Eric Wanker: "That's a sad commentary about our Billy Mays. I didn't realize he had such a troubled childhood, but it does explain many, many things about him and his character defects. Summer camp is supposed to be a fun adventure for our children; unfortunately this was not the experience Billy Mays had."
Billy Mays
4:42 pm on Saturday, June 30, 2012
Eric Wanker? What kind of name is Eric Wanker? The term wanker originated from British slang in the 1940s. Wanker literally means "one who wanks (masturbates)".
*
7:40 pm on Saturday, June 30, 2012
Billy, grow up already ...the imposter was funnier and more intellectual