2025 Jersey Shore Beach Guide: What You’ll Pay

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Jersey Shore towns are finalizing preparations for the 2025 beach season with most municipalities announcing their badge prices and parking fees. The coming summer promises some changes in several beach communities, including shifting badge prices, updated regulations on beach accessories, and heightened enforcement of teen curfews in certain towns.

For vacationers planning their summer trips, knowing the costs and rules in advance can help avoid surprises at the gate, according to Patch’s annual guide to beach fees, which details prices across all Jersey Shore communities.

Beach Badge Costs Hold Steady in Most Towns

Many Shore towns have maintained their beach badge pricing from last year, though some have implemented modest increases. Season badges at most popular beaches range from $40 to $110 for the season, with several towns offering early-bird discounts for purchases made before June.

“Municipalities try to strike a balance between covering the costs of beach maintenance and keeping prices accessible,” said Thomas Miller, a tourism analyst who studies Jersey Shore economics. “Most price increases this year are modest and reflect rising costs for lifeguard staffing and beach maintenance.”

Notable exceptions to the badge requirement include Atlantic City, where beach access remains free, and the Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook, which charges for parking but not for beach access. Most towns offer free or discounted badges for seniors, active military members, veterans, and children under 12.

New Regulations Target Beach Accessories

Several shore communities have updated their regulations regarding beach accessories for the 2025 season. Island Beach State Park continues its ban on tents and canopies that began in 2024, citing safety concerns. Similarly, North Wildwood has instituted a temporary ban on canopies and tents (except for infant-size tents) due to reduced beach space caused by erosion.

“These regulations are responses to specific challenges we’re facing,” explained a North Wildwood official. “With limited beach space due to erosion, we need to maximize the area available for all visitors.”

Visitors should also note that smoking of any kind—including cigarettes, cigars, and recreational marijuana—remains banned on all New Jersey beaches. Many towns also have specific restrictions on coolers, playing ball, music, and other items that beachgoers might bring.

Curfews Enforced in Response to Past Issues

Teen curfews remain in place across numerous Jersey Shore communities for the 2025 season, with several towns continuing stricter enforcement in response to past incidents of rowdy behavior. Seaside Heights, Wildwood, Point Pleasant Beach, and other towns will maintain curfews generally ranging from 10 p.m. to midnight for those under 18.

“These measures have proven effective in reducing disruptive incidents,” said Captain James Rivera of the Seaside Heights Police Department. “Our goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy their vacation safely.”

The rules vary by municipality, with some communities like Wildwood Crest implementing different curfew times based on age groups. Parents planning trips with teenagers should familiarize themselves with these regulations to avoid complications during evening activities.

Parking Considerations and Options

Parking remains a significant consideration for day-trippers, with fees at premium beachfront locations ranging from $10 to $25 per day in most towns. Several municipalities have shifted to app-based payment systems like ParkMobile instead of traditional parking meters or kiosks.

Sandy Hook offers season parking passes for $100, valid from May 24 through September 1. Some towns, including Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach, offer seasonal parking passes for residents or frequent visitors.

“The convenience of mobile payment has improved traffic flow in many areas,” noted Robert Thompson, director of transportation services for a shore county. “However, visitors should be aware that cell service can be spotty in some locations, so having the app downloaded and set up before arrival is recommended.”

Staffing and Safety Concerns

Beach towns continue to face staffing challenges, particularly for lifeguard positions. Officials in several municipalities indicated that filling these crucial safety roles has been difficult in recent summers, a trend that appears to be continuing in 2025.

“We strongly encourage visitors to check that beaches are guarded before swimming,” emphasized a spokesperson for the New Jersey Beach Patrol Chiefs Association. “Swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not present, and for good reason—rip currents can occur at any time and are extremely dangerous.”

The seasonal nature of shore employment, combined with increasing competition for summer workers, has led some towns to increase pay rates and offer incentives for lifeguards and other seasonal staff. Despite these challenges, most beaches are expected to maintain regular hours and staffing levels throughout the peak summer season.