Heading for the Jersey Shore this summer? Here’s what to know about beach tags

Most beaches along the Jersey Shore require a badge to hit the sand, but there are still some free beaches.

a person tanning on the Jersey Shore

File - A woman suntans on the beach in Asbury Park, N.J., Wednesday, June 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

From Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, what about life in New Jersey do you want WHYY News to cover? Let us know.

It’s close to the beginning of unofficial summer, which means many are planning to hit the beach in one of the Jersey Shore towns.

The majority of beaches require beachgoers to have a badge or tag to access the beaches. Most towns charge $10 for a daily badge. The cheapest daily badge is available in Longport for $5. Most weekly badges range between $20 and $30 and cover the entire weekend. Seasonal badges are cheaper, with many towns selling them at a discount through the end of May.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Many towns offer a senior citizen discount for the season. Several towns offer free badges for veterans and active duty military and their immediate family members.

Also, some towns have gone digital for their badges. Overall, it’s best for beachgoers to consult their destination shoretown for more information on badges.

Beaches that don’t require a tag include Atlantic City, Island Beach State Park, Wildwood and Upper Township. But some of them may require a fee for parking close to the beaches.

  • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

Saturdays just got more interesting.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal