NEW JERSEY — You’ve packed up your beach chairs, your towels and your blanket, all set for the unofficial start of summer at the Jersey Shore: Memorial Day weekend.
As you prepare to head to the beach, here’s what you need to know about rules and restrictions as things continue to return to normal in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Phil Murphy has removed restrictions on outdoor gathering capacity and mask-wearing, along with social distancing. That means there should be fewer issues getting onto most beaches, as they will no longer be bound by 50 percent capacity limits as they were in 2020.
Most towns are scheduled to open their beaches Memorial Day weekend. Some will be open daily, but others will operate weekends only until mid-June. Towns are permitted to set capacity limits, which may happen only as beaches up and down the area have been struggling to hire enough lifeguards.
Boardwalks are open, and rides, amusements and water parks are back in operation. Restaurants will be allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity beginning Friday, so your favorite beachfront dining spots should be open.
With the beaches opening, here are a few reminders about what’s permitted and what is not at most beaches. These rules existed long before the pandemic:
- Not permitted: Smoking of any kind; glass bottles; alcohol; dogs; large coolers; loud music; tents with sides.
- Permitted: Baby tents that are smaller than 3 feet by 3 feet.
- Flotation devices, bodyboards, and ball games (such as throwing a football or baseball) are only permitted at the discretion of lifeguards on most beaches. Some places ban ballgames. Be sure to check the rules before you go on the beach.
- Only swim where there are lifeguards, and respect warnings about dangerous swimming conditions.
- Be courteous to other beachgoers. As Kevin Williams of WOBM radio in Toms River reminds, don’t crowd others and don’t shake your towel or blanket near other people. No one wants a face-full of sand.
Lastly, don’t forget your sunscreen.
The beginning of the beach season brings with it the danger of rip currents. Every summer there are hundreds of rescues resulting from people who do not pay attention to the warnings. Here’s what to know about them, tips on how to spot them and what to do if you or someone you know gets caught in one. Read more: Rip Currents At The Jersey Shore: What To Know
Here is the list of towns, beaches and beach fees for each:
GATEWAY RECREATION AREA SANDY HOOK
Beach parking fees are increasing for 2021, to $20 per vehicle for daily parking and to $100 for a season parking pass. Active Military Members and U.S. Military Veterans who own an America the Beautiful Annual Pass will receive free beach parking at Gateway. Active duty military photo identification will be required at all times to verify ownership of the Annual Pass. Vehicle Hang Tag is to be displayed at all times. (Hang tag is issued with annual pass.)
The beaches are accessible for passive recreation, such as walking and running, but no lifeguards will be on duty until Memorial Day weekend. For oversized vehicles (more than 20 feet), charge is $50 per day or $200 per season. Hours of collection are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Season passes for beach parking can be purchased online at www.recreation.gov or at the Sandy Hook entrance gate. For online passes, please visit www.recreation.gov and search for Sandy Hook beach parking.
The following are banned at Sandy Hook: Alcohol; Smoking; Tents or shelters (baby tents allowed, a baby or toddler must be present); Barbecuing and open fires; Group gatherings including group picnics; Sports; Glass containers; Coolers that are more than 24 quarts in size per group; Dogs and kites from March 15-September 15. (Leashed dogs are allowed on bay-side beaches); Entering areas with symbolic fencing; Climbing on rocks/groins; Accessing the dunes (except at designated dune crossings).
SEA BRIGHT
Beaches will be in operation from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with access at seven gates. Season beach badges are available for $100, and daily badges are $8 per person for those 12 and older. Season badges for seniors 65 and older and those with disabilities are $35. Children under 12 get in free, as do active-duty military and their families. Public restrooms will be open with a limit of three people using the restroom at one time. Face coverings will be encouraged. Parking will be available in the municipal parking lot with a reduced capacity; payment through the parking app Pay2Park.
MONMOUTH BEACH
Daily beach badges must be purchased through mobile app Viply. Monmouth Beach is limiting the quantity to 175 per day. When the limit is reached, the app will not sell any additional passes for Monmouth Beach.
LONG BRANCH
Beaches open Memorial Day weekend. Seasonal and daily badges are available for purchase via the Viply app. Daily badges will be available for purchase at each beach entrance using the Viply app (preferred) or cash; or purchase at the parking meter and bring to the ticket booth for badges. Parking meters will be in effect. Daily badges are $5 for 18 and older on weekdays, $7 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Teens 14 to 17 are $3 daily. Season passes are $45 for adults, $30 for 14-17. Those 13 and under and 62 or older with ID, and disabled people get on free; applies only to the Long Branch municipal beaches, not to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park (North of Seaview Avenue).
SEVEN PRESIDENTS OCEANFRONT PARK
Beach opens Memorial Day weekend and is open weekends until June 19, then daily until Labor Day. Season passes can be purchased at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park and are free for 17 and under, $75 for those 18-64, $30 for 65 or older and $20 for those with a New Jersey State Disability pass. Parking passes are $75 with no discounts.
ALLENHURST
Membership fees for the 2021 season of the Allenhurst Beach Club have been posted. There are fees for borough residents and nonresidents. Information on fees can be found here.
ASBURY PARK
The beaches open Memorial Day weekend and will be open weekends after that until June 19, at which time they will be open daily. Season beach badges are $70 for adults, $20 for seniors 62 and older with valid ID and for teens 13 to 17. Children 12 and under are free but must have adult supervision, and active-duty military and their dependents, retired, disabled and non-active veterans are free. They can be purchased at the Beach Office on the Boardwalk at First Avenue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Daily beach badges are $6 on weekdays, $9 on weekends and holidays. Visitors will be required follow paid parking guidelines and are urged to use the Park Mobile app (www.parkmobile.io) for payment instead of parking kiosks.
OCEAN GROVE
The beach opens Memorial Day weekend. Season badges and daily beach passes may be purchased with the Viply app. Season passes are $95 for adults, $50 for those 12 to 17 and 65 or older. Daily badges are $10 and go on sale the evening before the date of their use. There will be a limited number of daily and season passes sold.
DEAL
Deal Casino Beach Club has a waiting list for memberships.
LOCH ARBOUR
Daily beach badges are $10 weekdays, $12 weekends and holidays and must be purchased using the Viply smartphone app, through Viply’s website, or an on-site credit card machine.
AVON-BY-THE-SEA
The beach opens Memorial Day weekend. Season badges for adults are $100, seniors 65 and older and kids age 12 to 18 are $55. Daily beach wristbands are $12, cash or check only. Purchase details are available on the borough’s website.
BRADLEY BEACH
The beach opens Memorial Day weekend. Season badges are $80 for adults, $30 for 65 and older or teens age 13 to 15. Children 12 and under are free, as are active military and their dependents. Daily badges are $13.
SPRING LAKE
The beach opens Memorial Day weekend. All badges must be purchased online at Community Pass. Season badges are $110 for those 12 and older, $80 for those 65 and older. Daily beach badge prices were not immediately available but they are sold by areas of the beach.
BELMAR
The beaches open Memorial Day weekend and badges are needed seven days a week through Labor Day. Daily badges are $9, with children 15 and younger free. Season badges are $70 for adults, $30 for senior citizens 65 and over with identification verifying age. Badges can be purchased online at belmarbeachbadges.com, by texting “Badges” to 44622, or by scanning a QR code at Beachfront paid parking available through the ParkMobile app. Full rules for the beach are here.
SEA GIRT
The beach opens weekends starting Memorial Day weekend then is open daily beginning June 19. Season badges are $110, seniors 65 and older are $65. Daily badges are $11. Badges can be purchased online at Community Pass.
MANASQUAN
The beach opens weekends starting Memorial Day weekend and is open daily beginning June 19. Season badges can be purchased online through Community Pass by clicking here and will be available for pickup when you arrive at the beach. Adult season badges are $85, seniors 65 and older are $30 and junior badges for ages 12 to 16 are $40. Proof of age is required for Junior and Senior badges. Handicap badges are half-price. Daily badges are $10 each for anyone 12 and older and can be purchased at the beach sales locations at Sea Watch, Riddle Way, Main Beach, Brielle Road, Pompano, Whiting and Inlet. Weekly badges for those 12 and older are $45 and can be purchased at the beach office; they are valid from Saturday through Friday.
POINT PLEASANT BEACH
The beaches open for the season Memorial Day weekend. Jenkinson’s has season passes for sale; daily beach badges are sold at the beach access entrances. The borough-owned Maryland Avenue beach will be open as of Memorial Day as well. Season badges are on sale online and there are daily badges as well.
BAY HEAD
The beaches are operated by the Bay Head Improvement Association. Opening day is June 19. Access may be limited as the beaches suffered significant erosion during the winter nor’easters and are undergoing repair. Season badges are $90 and half-season badges are $50. Badges can be purchased through the Viply App; they can be picked up during scheduled office hours for the association at 532 Lake Ave., Bay Head. The office hours for badges sales are: May 29-30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; June 5-6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; June 12-18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and daily beginning June 19, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Season and half-season badges can be purchased by cash or check from the office on those dates and times. Daily badges are $9 for those 13 and older and sold through the Viply app.
MANTOLOKING
Season beach badges are on sale for $80 through May 31; the price increases starting June 1. Daily badges are $10 and can be purchased at the sales shed on Downer Avenue, between the Firehouse and Municipal Building. (Credit card and check only, no cash). Mantoloking provides beach alerts through the CivicReady app.
BRICK TOWNSHIP
Brick Beach 1, 2, and 3 on the ocean, and Windward Beach Park open beginning Memorial Day weekend. Season badges are $25 until June 15, and $30 from June 16 on. Season parking passes are $30. Parking passes for senior citizens are $15. Daily passes are $8 and daily parking passes are $5. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Passes can be purchased at the township’s recreation office, 270 Chambers Bridge Road, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
TOMS RIVER/ORTLEY BEACH
Beaches open starting Memorial Day weekend. Season badges are $45 through Memorial Day, and $60 after Memorial Day. Weekly badges are $35. Daily badges are $10 Monday-Friday, $11 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Toms River Township residents 62 and over may obtain a Senior Identification/Beach pass by presenting proof of age. The photo identification provides lifetime access to township beaches; a one-time processing fee of $15 is required.
LAVALLETTE
Season badges are $50 per person until May 31; the prices increase to $60 starting June 1. Season badges are $20 for seniors 65 and older, and $15 for those who are totally disabled. Order forms are available on the borough website until May 26; they can be picked up in the lobby of the municipal building as well. Daily badges are $12, and weekly badges are $35. Children 12 and under, disabled veterans of any military service and all active-duty military service personnel are free.
SEASIDE HEIGHTS
Season badges are $60. Weekly badges are $35, and daily badges are $9 for the ocean beaches. The bay beach is $5 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Season badges for those 65 and older are $15; two senior badges are $25 if purchased at the same time and both people are present when purchased. Beach admission is free for children 11 and younger and for active and retired military personnel and their dependents, with the appropriate Common Access Card, Uniformed Services ID Card, DD Form 214, or Veterans Benefit ID Card issued by the VA.
SEASIDE PARK
Season beach badges are on sale for $60 through June 30, and increase to $65 after June 30. Season badges are $20 for those 65 or older with valid ID. Daily badges are $12 per person. Children 11 and under are free, and active and retired military are free with proper ID.
ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK
Island Beach State Park is open daily; the park entrance fee per vehicle is $6 for NJ residents and $12 for non-residents, $10 for residents and $20 for non-residents on weekends and holidaysfrom May 29 through Sept. 30. The park fills early; follow Island Beach State Park on Facebook for notifications on closures and openings. Annual mobile sportfishing permits are sold out until Oct. 1, when they will be available again for the fall fishing season. The park opens at 8 a.m. for visitors (5 a.m. for mobile sport fishing; you must have a permit on your vehicle to drive on the beach). The park closes 8 p.m. No fires, no tents including porta-potty/changing tents, truck tents & pick up truck bed tents. 3- sided “clam shell” and see-through canopies are allowed.
BARNEGAT LIGHT
Season badges are $30 through June 5, $40 from June 6 on. Daily badges are $5 and weekly badges are $22. Season badges for those 65 or older are $12 and must be purchased in person at borough hall, 10 E 7th St., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Children 11 and under are free.
LOVELADIES (See Long Beach Township below)
HARVEY CEDARS
Season badges are $35 through June 15, $40 from June 16 on. Weekly badges are $20 and daily badges are $7. Children 11 and under are free. Season badges are $9 for those 65 and older, must be purchased in person with proof of age. Beach admission is free to active duty military and their dependents with a valid military status ID and to veterans with acceptable proof of honorable discharge. Season badges available at 7606 Long Beach Blvd., daily and weekly badges may be purchased from the beach badge checker on the beach. Only cash or checks are accepted.
Guarded beaches: 86th, 83rd, 80th, 77th, 73rd, 69th streets, Middlesex Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, Hudson Avenue, Cape May Avenue, 5417 Blvd. easement(aka Cumberland), Bergen Avenue South, & Bay Beach at West 75th Street.
SURF CITY
Season badges are $35 through May 31, $45 beginning June 1. Weekly badges are $20 and daily are $8. Children 11 and under and seniors 65 or older are free. Active-duty military and their immediate families are free with a wrist band obtained from a badge checker. Guarded beaches: South 2nd St., Division, North 2nd., 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18, 20th, 22nd, 24th Streets.
SHIP BOTTOM
Season badges are $35 until May 31, $45 beginning June 1. Weekly badges are $25 and daily are $10. Season badges for seniors are $10 and must be purchased in person at borough hall, 1621 Long Beach Blvd. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guarded beaches: Approximately every other beach from 4th Street to 25th Street.
LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP
Season badges are $35 through June 15, $45 from June 16 on. Weekly badges are $20, and daily badges are $10. Children 11 and under are free. Badges are $5 for those 65 and older; badges for the military and veterans are available with ID. Badges can be purchased at the 68th Street office in Brant Beach or with beach badge checkers. The guarded beaches in Long Beach Township are as follows:
- Loveladies: tract 153(Dolphin),tract 141(Seaview),Coast Av.,tract 99(Harbor North),tract 85, tract 53(Harbor South),
- North Beach: tract 1199(Green),tract 1087(Flamingo) tract 1065(pumphouse) tract 1049, tract 1023, tract 1005
- Brant Beach: 32nd St.,36th St., 40th St., 44th St., 48th St., 52nd St., 55th St., 58th St., 62nd St., 66th St., 68th St., 68th St.(bay beach)
- Beach Haven Crest: 70th St., 75th St., 78th St., 82th St., 86th St., 91st St., 95th St., 100th St., 104th St., 110th St., 114th St.
- Spray Beach: Colorado Avenue (118th), Ramp Avenue (122nd), Dune Avenue (127th), Pennsylvania Avenue (131st), & Bay Beach (131st ), 33rd St., 29th St.,25th St., 21st St., 17th St., 14th St.
- Holgate: Osborne Avenue, Marshall Avenue, Susan Avenue, Rosemma Avenue, Scott Drive, Chatham Avenue, Jacqueline Avenue, Harding Avenue, Washington Avenue
BEACH HAVEN
Season badges are $30 until June 15, $40 starting June 16. Weekly badges are $20 and daily badges are $5. Children 12 and under are free. Badges can be purchased at beach badge office on Centre Street at entrance to the beach, or with beach badge checkers. Those 65 and older may receive a free lifetime Senior Badge at the Centre Street badge office with ID. Veterans may receive free season badges at the Centre Street office with proper ID. Active duty military and their immediate family members may receive free weekly wristbands at the Centre Street badge office with ID. The following beaches are guarded: 12th Street, Taylor Avenue, 5th Street, 2nd Street, Engleside Avenue, Belvoir Street, between Liberty and Pelham avenues, and between Kentford and Leeward avenues.
BRIGANTINE
Season badges are $20 through May 31, $25 starting June 1. Weekly badges are $15, and daily are $10. Those 60 to 64 can get a discounted beach badge for $8 through May 31, and those 65 and older can get a free tag with ID; you must pick up in person. Active-duty military receive up to four free tags for them and their family; veterans receive free tags for themselves. Tags can be purchased through the Viply APP or at the Beach Fee Office, 265 42nd St.
ATLANTIC CITY
Beach access is free. There are several access points, handicap access and restrooms. Full details are available on the Atlantic City website.
VENTNOR CITY
Season badges are $10 through May 31, $20 beginning June 1. Season badges are $3.50 for senior citizens. Purchase at Ventnor City Hall or on the beach by any beach badge inspector. Cash and credit cards are accepted. They also can be purchased through the VIPLY app.
MARGATE
Season badges are $10 prior to May 31 for those 12 and older and $3.50 for those 65 or older. Season badges are $20. Season badges are free for veterans and active-duty military members with proper military identification. You can now purchase beach badges through the Viply mobile app. Follow this link on your mobile device.
LONGPORT
Season tags are $15 through June 18, $30 beginning June 19. For those 65 or older the tags are $5 through June 18, $10 after. Children 11 and under are free. Active-duty military and veterans can receive free beach tags; they are obtained only in person with a valid military ID Card, DD214, or Atlantic County Veteran ID card. Badges sold at borough hall, 2305 Atlantic Ave., daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in May; starting May 28, they are sold at the community building, 33rd and Atlantic avenues.
OCEAN CITY
Season beach tags are $20 through May 31, $25 beginning June 1. They can be purchased online and picked up Weekly tags are $10 and daily tags are $5. Weekly and daily tags go on sale June 5. Children 11 and under are free. Free season tags are available to active military members, their spouses and their immediate children up to age 23, and to veterans (only the veteran). The military/veterans tags are available at City Hall, the Route 52 Welcome Center, the 34th Street Information Center, the 46th Street Information Center and the Music Pier Welcome Center.
STRATHMERE
No beach badges required. Lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in season.
SEA ISLE CITY
Beach tags are required from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Wednesdays are free beach days. Season beach tags are $20 through May 15, $25 beginning May 16. Weekly tags are $10 and daily are $5. Children 11 and younger are free. Active-duty military and their family members. are eligible for free weekly tags. A DD1173 card must be presented and the military member must be present. Veterans are eligible for a free season beach tag; DD214 identification must be presented by the qualifying veteran. Buy them from the beach tag office at the welcome center, through the Viply app, or through the vending machine in the lobby of City Hall, 233 JFK Blvd.
AVALON
Season beach tags are $25 through May 31, $30 beginning June 1. Weekly tags are $13 and daily tags are $6. Children 11 and under are free. Season tags are sold at the Avalon Tax Collector’s Office at Avalon Borough Hall, 3100 Dune Dr.; at the Beach Tag Booth at Avalon Community Hall, 30th Street and Avalon Avenue, and the Avalon Chamber of Commerce, 2989 Ocean Dr. Beach tags also can be purchased using the Viply app. Free tags are available for veterans and for active-duty military and their families with proper identification.
STONE HARBOR
Season beach tags are $25 through May 31, $30 beginning June 1. Weekly tags are $13 and daily are $6. Children 11 and younger are free. Veterans can receive a free, specialized veterans tag; you must appear in person with a copy of their DD 214 Form which indicates they have been honorably discharged. Active-duty military and families can pick up free tags only at the Beach Tag office during normal business hours after Memorial Day weekend. The beach tag office at 95th Street and the beach is open weekends from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Borough hall at 9508 Second Ave. is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
NORTH WILDWOOD, WILDWOOD, WILDWOOD CREST
The beaches are free and guarded daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Handicap access is available by contacting the beach patrol for the corresponding area. (North Wildwood, First Aid Station at 15th Avenue; Wildwood, Contact lifeguard headquarters at Lincoln Avenue and beach; Wildwood Crest, contact lifeguard headquarters at Rambler Road and beach).
CAPE MAY
Season beach tags are $30, weekly tags are $20 and daily tags are $6. Cape May also offers a tag for three consecutive days for $15. Children 11 and younger are free. Active duty military, their spouses and dependent children can receive free beach tags; the military member must be present at the time of pick-up, and have proper ID. Veterans are eligible for free beach tags with proper ID. Tags are available weekdays at City Hall Tax Office (643 Washington St.) and any beach entrance during the summer. They also can be purchased through the Viply app.
Here are some additional guidelines, per Murphy’s orders:
- Local officials decide capacity limits — specifically, limiting the number of beach badges sold or monitoring the number of people present on a beach.
- Individual beaches can determine specific social distancing measures including but not limited to:
- Defining 6 feet of spacing in any areas where the public may form a line;
- Limiting the number of lifeguards to each stand or tower, maintaining social distance between lifeguards, and adding stands or towers as necessary;
- Installing physical barriers between the public and employees in ticket or beach badge sale booths; and
- Limiting occupancy of ticket or beach badge sales booth to one person at a time.
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