Free Beaches
Skip the badge fee! These Jersey Shore beaches don't require beach badges.
Featured Free Beaches
Manasquan
monmouth County
New Jersey's Surf Capital
Sandy Hook
monmouth County
National Recreation Area with Free Beaches
Island Beach State Park
ocean County
Unspoiled Natural Beauty
Atlantic City
atlantic County
America's Playground with Free Beaches
Margate
atlantic County
Home of Lucy the Elephant
Ventnor
atlantic County
Where the Boardwalk Meets Calm
North Wildwood
cape may County
Free Beaches & Family Fun
Strathmere
cape may County
Where the Ocean Meets the Bay
West Cape May
cape may County
Lima Bean Capital of the World
Wildwood
cape may County
Free Beaches & Retro Fun
Wildwood Crest
cape may County
Quieter Side of the Wildwoods
All Free Beach Options
Atlantic City
Atlantic County
Free beach access along the famous boardwalk. Enjoy the casino town's 4 miles of beach without paying a badge fee.
Parking: Metered street and casino lots ($5-30/day)
Sandy Hook
Monmouth County
Part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Free beach access, but parking is $20/day ($100 season). Includes Gunnison Beach, NJ's only legal nude beach.
Parking: $20/day, $100/season
Island Beach State Park
Ocean County
One of the last undeveloped barrier beaches in NJ. Free beach access, parking fee by vehicle. Great for fishing and nature.
Parking: NJ residents $6-10, Non-residents $12-20
Strathmere
Cape May County
"The town that can't be found" - a hidden gem with free beach and free parking. Perfect for those seeking seclusion.
Parking: Free
Sea Isle City (Wednesdays)
Cape May County
Beach badges are FREE every Wednesday all summer (except July 4th). A great mid-week budget option.
Parking: ParkMobile app
Free Beach Tips
- •Wildwood has the widest free beaches—up to 500 feet from boardwalk to water.
- •Atlantic City beaches are free, but parking near the boardwalk can be expensive. Consider casino parking validation.
- •Sandy Hook and Island Beach State Park charge per vehicle, not per person—great for groups.
- •Most beaches are free before 9 AM and after 5 PM even during summer.