Free Beaches in New Jersey
Check-out this list of FREE New Jersey beaches! These beaches require NO beach badge fees.
Atlantic City Beaches
There are so many things to do in Atlantic City, and enjoying the free beaches is certainly one of them. Surfers can ride the perfect wave on Downtown Beach at Raleigh Avenue, Crystal Beach at New Hampshire Avenue or the Delaware Avenue Beach. Kayakers, wind surfers and boogie boarders are allowed at the Jackson Avenue Beach.
Barnegat Beach
Barnegat Township was one of the leading sea ports in the region, located right on the Barnegat Bay. It now offers a public dock for boat launching, crabbing and fishing, along with a boardwalk and the beach. Also at your leisure, you may go on the historic walking tour throughout downtown.
Bay Front
In Lower Township, enjoy the wide-open spaces and the natural environment along the waterfront stretch from West Miami Avenue to Lincoln Boulevard.
Beesley’s Point
Tucked along Great Egg Harbor Bay, this sandy shoreline is an ideal spot for launcing a kayak to explore the bay. After enjoying a quiet afternoon in the sunshine, stop by the nearby Tuckahoe Inn Restaurant & Tavern, a family-owned restaurant serving up fresh seafood dishes.
Highlands Beach
Discover small pockets of beaches nestled between bustling marinas, where you can watch sailboats, fishing boats and other seafaring vessels as they venture into the sparkling waters. These beaches are conveniently located near a number of seafood restaurants, shops and fishing rental spots.
Ideal Beach, Middletown Township
For sunbathers looking for a quiet beachfront retreat, Ideal Beach is … well, ideal. It offers less congestion without a boardwalk, great fishing, bird watching and plenty of peace and quiet.
Jennifer Lane Bay Beach
Take in some sunshine along the Manahawkin Bay at the Jennifer Lane Bay Beach. During the summer months lifeguards are on duty and there are several parks nearby for activities such as volleyball, paths for walking and biking, fishing pier and a roller hockey pit.
Keansburg Beach
This kid-friendly beach is perfect for family fun in the sun. Spend the day on the beautiful shoreline, and then take a stroll on the Keansburg Pier to take in the breathtaking sunset. Also on the boardwalk is Keansburg Amusement Park & Rapids Water Park.
Leonardo Beach, Middletown Township
This 1.3-acre beach can be accessed through the parking area for Leonardo State Marina, located four blocks off Route 36 in Leonardo. On this free beach, you can enjoy swimming and fishing.
Strathmere, Upper Township
Between Ocean City and Sea Isle City, you’ll find Strathmere, offering a low-key, off-the-beaten path beach experience – for free! While there’s no boardwalk, visitors can enjoy the natural splendor of this oceanfront escape.
Union Beach
Head to the northeastern point of Union Beach, where you’ll find a quiet beach running along the edge of extensive salt marshes—a great vantage point for birding. Just park in the lot at the end of Front Street, and choose your sundrenched spot along the shoreline.
The Wildwoods
For fun in the sun, look no further than the free beaches at The Wildwoods. The 5-mile stretch of powdery sand welcomes beach goers of all ages, who come to enjoy boogie-boarding, body surfing, playing Frisbee, sand castle building and just relaxing. These beaches also host a number of events throughout the summer. Learn more about City of Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crestbeaches.
William Morrow Beach, Somers Point
This small Somers Point Beach features plenty of sandy shoreline to spread out your blanket, but it’s biggest draw is the free concert lineup on Friday nights during the summer. Bring a beach chair, pack your cooler, and enjoy a live music performance featuring everything from R&B to reggae.