Beach days in the summer are the best but they can really add up. Here’s where you can stick your toes in the sand without paying a fee.
Atlantic City
Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Atlantic City is known for many things, but its sparkling, no-cost beaches are definitely a highlight. Head to Jackson Avenue to kayak or windsurf on the waves (or watch the jet-skis!). Amenities include restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. Have lunch on the beach.
Beesley’s Point Â
Upper Township
Beesley’s Point is a smaller beach and is a good spot to hang out near the Great Egg Harbor Bay. You can bring boogie boards and rafts to use in the water. Restrooms are available, and so is parking, but it may be limited.
Cape May Point State Park
Light House Avenue, Cape May Point
If you’re looking for a less crowded beach to lounge on, this is the place to be. This state park has nature trails, walking, hiking and even an exhibit gallery. While there aren’t any lifeguards on duty, it’s home to the infamous Cape May Lighthouse.
Jennifer Lane Bay Beach
Jennifer Lane, Manahawkin (Stafford Twp.)
Check out Jennifer Lane Beach, which is lifeguarded and allows food on the beach, perfect for an afternoon picnic in the sand. Though it’s a bay beach and not the ocean, it’s free and easy to access. It’s also close to Long Beach Island if you want to make a weekend out of it.
Ocean County Park
Ocean Avenue, Lakewood
This beach spot might only be on a lake, but its amenities make up for its lack of coastline. This beach complex offers free access to tennis courts, pickleball courts, sports fields, and even a driving range—along with plenty of hiking trails and picnic areas. In addition, there are restrooms, showers and a pavilion for a shaded lunch.
Sea Bright Beach
Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright Beach
Seabright has seven free access ways to their beaches, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery with no cost, located on Ocean Avenue. Signs indicate which beaches are free to use.
Sea Isle City
JFK Blvd., Sea Isle City
JFK Boulevard, Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City may not always be free, but on Wednesdays, time on the beach will cost you nothing (though kids under 12 are always free). Throughout the summer, there are free weekly activities at Excursion Park. Plus, you can sign up for Boot Camp on the Beach or beach yoga (fee required), or take a free beachcomber tour. There are restrooms, showers, and food is permitted on the beach. Beach tags are required any other day of the week for $10-$15.
Strathmere (Upper Township) Beach
Upper Township, Seaview Avenue
This is one of Jersey’s hidden treasures since it is located between Ocean City and Sea Isle City. This beach is protected by lifeguards and has restrooms and free street parking. You may also enjoy surfing or fishing, depending on the conditions of the ocean.
The Wildwoods
Boardwalk, Wildwood
The Wildwoods is a five-mile stretch of beach known as Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. These sandy beaches are totally free, offer restrooms and allow food on the beach. Wildwood is home to an exciting boardwalk (we’re talking Morey’s Pier and water park!), and hosts more than 180 festivals and events throughout the year. These beaches are worth the trip and you don’t have to pay a dime.
William Morrow Beach
Bay Avenue, Somers Point
William Morrow’s bay beach is clean and has the works: bathrooms, showers, lifeguards, free parking, a children’s playground, a fishing pier, and lets you bring food. Even better? This beach offers a free concert series on Fridays.
Along the Bayshore
Beach Park & Boat Ramp  Â
First Street, Keyport
This beach park is small but clean and has a lot to do. If you are hungry and want a bite, there is a hot dog concession stand. Since it is located on the Keyport Harbor, you can also rent kayaks and canoes.
Borough of Highlands
Shore Drive, HighlandsÂ
This beach is low-key and located right on the Sandy Hook Bay. If you are looking for a place to relax with not too many people, you can bring a picnic basket and spend a quiet day with the fam.
Keansburg Beach
Beachway Avenue, Keansburg
Lay on the beach and enjoy a view of the New York City skyline. If you’re not interested in the fishing piers, check out the nearby water park (perfect for little kids) for some smaller rides and games. Instead of sandcastles, kids can try building the Empire State Building out of sand with the real-life model across the water. Parking is metered here.
Middletown Township
Ideal Beach, Bayside Parkway, Middletown
Leonardo Beach, Beach Avenue, Middletown
Middletown has a lot to offer, especially the 25-acre Ideal Beach and Leonardo Beach. Both have clean restrooms that are open during beach season. Ideal Beach has a playground and basketball court – but it also has metered parking.
Port Monmouth  Â
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
This park gives you access to the Raritan Bay, and there is a fishing pier since it’s right by the Monmouth Cove Marina. The park is home to the Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center (Seabrook-Wilson House), one of the oldest surviving houses in the area. The scenic views allow you to see the New York City skyline as well.
Union Beach Â
Front Street, Union Beach
This beach is located on the Raritan Bay. Food and swimming are both permitted.
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