Jersey Shore on a budget: Free beaches, affordable getaways and more

Atlantic City’s beaches offer free access and are just steps from the boardwalk. Visitors can find public restrooms, outdoor showers, and accessible surf chairs nearby. Beaches are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and cyclists can ride on designated sections of the boardwalk from 6 a.m. to noon during the summer.

Located along Great Egg Harbor Bay in Upper Township, Beesley’s Point offers a quieter alternative to the ocean beaches. It’s a popular spot for kayaking, fishing and enjoying the bay. Visitors can bring food for a picnic because there are limited choices nearby.

North Wildwood offers free beach access and easy access to the boardwalk. The beach is popular with families and surfers, and visitors can also check out the town’s dog beach or explore nearby shops and restaurants.

William Morrow Beach in Somers Point is free and open to the public during the summer season. The beach features lifeguards, free parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, a playground, and a fishing pier, making it an easy option for families with young children. There are also plenty of food options a short car ride away, and free concerts on the beach on Friday nights.

Just south of Ocean City, Strathmere Beach offers a quieter beach day without beach tags. The beach is known for its wide shoreline, lifeguards during the summer, and opportunities for surf fishing and beachcombing. With no boardwalk or commercial attractions, Strathmere appeals to visitors looking for a more relaxed day by the ocean. There are a few places to eat nearby and a public library. About 20 minutes away, families will find the Cape May County Zoo, which is free to visit and park.

Wildwood’s free beach stretches for miles alongside the 40-block boardwalk. Visitors can spend the day on the sand before heading to the boardwalk for rides, games, or the Friday night fireworks during the summer.  Families can learn about the rich history of the Wildwoods for free at the George Boyer Historical Museum.

Wildwood Crest offers another free beach option with a quieter atmosphere than other parts of the island. The beach features lifeguards during the summer and accessible beach transportation for visitors who need assistance getting to the water.

Miniature golf is a Jersey Shore tradition and one of the more affordable activities for families. Expect to pay about $10 to $15 per person for a round, depending on the course. Some places offer discounts before the evening rush, along with coupons or repeat play specials.

Families visiting Atlantic City can tee off at Atlantic City Miniature Golf, just steps from the boardwalk. The course features waterfalls, bridges and landscaped holes that appeal to both kids and adults. Nearby, North Beach Mini Golf & Bike Rentals offers a round of golf with views of Absecon Lighthouse.

In Ocean City, popular courses include Pirate Island Golf, Congo Falls Adventure Golf and Medieval Fantasy Mini Golf. In the Wildwoods, families can choose from Duffer’s, Jurassic Adventure Golf and Island Miniature Golf, many of which are within walking distance of the beach or boardwalk.

If you’re packing a picnic or looking for an affordable souvenir, several shore towns host weekly farmers’ markets through September. They’re a great place to stock up on fresh snacks for the beach, grab lunch or browse locally made gifts without paying boardwalk prices. Here are a few closer to the free beaches.

Downtown Wildwood Farmers Market is held Saturdays through Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Byrne Plaza. Visitors can shop for Jersey-fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, coffee, prepared foods and handmade gifts from dozens of local vendors. The market also features artisans selling jewelry, candles, soaps, clothing and other locally made products.

Ocean City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday through mid-September from 8 a.m. to noon at the Tabernacle Grounds at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue. Shoppers will find fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, coffee, specialty foods and a large selection of handmade goods from local artists and crafters.

Somers Point Farmers Market is open Saturdays through mid-September from 8 a.m. to noon on the grounds of the historic Somers Mansion. More than 70 vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods and handcrafted items.

Ventnor City Farmers Market is held Fridays through Labor Day from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Atlantic and Newport avenues, across from the Ventnor Library and Cultural Arts Center. The market features Jersey Fresh produce, flowers, herbs, specialty foods and handcrafted goods from local vendors.

Several Cape May County communities are celebrating Christmas in July with free festive events on Saturday, July 25.

Ocean City’s annual Night in Venice returns at 6:30 p.m. with the theme “Stars, Stripes and Christmas Lights,” featuring decorated boats and waterfront homes illuminated along the back bays.

In Wildwood Crest, families can enjoy a free Christmas in July Festival at 6 p.m. at Sunset Lake with live music, face painting, photos with Santa and other activities before the annual boat parade at 8:45 p.m.

Holiday fun starts early with Surfing Santas at the Beach Patrol Headquarters at 15th Avenue Beach in North Wildwood. Participants and spectators are encouraged to wear festive attire, and there will be a best costume contest. Later in the day, Santa will make his way down the beach, handing out candy canes and posing for photos during the city’s free Christmas in July with Santa Claus event.

Visitors can also stop by the Cape May Lighthouse from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free Christmas in July celebration featuring holiday-themed activities.