(updated July, 2021)

Protecting Beach Access Since 1954

Please check the local place you intend to visit as things change.

GATEWAY SANDY HOOK:

No beach buggies allowed at any time - walkons only!

Please call the Permit office for more information,  732-872-5910

SEA BRIGHT BEACH:

• Dates of operation: No buggy operation.
• Year round walk on access for fishing.
• Memorial Day to Labor Day for bathing.
• Permit fee: Bathing requires permit. Fee varies.
• Permit obtained from: 1097 Ocean Ave. 732-351-4700
• Beach access points: Walk-on over designated Public Access Stairways over sea wall.
• Parking lots available at: Designated near Public Access Stairways or on side Streets as designated
• Special comments: Access to beaches and jetties are largely through the various beach clubs that line Ocean Avenue from the sea wall south of Sandy Hook down through the town. During the summer season, running Memorial Day through Labor Day (give or take a week), you may access the beach but you must be off the club's property by about 9 AM. Before or after the season, access is quite easy and you can stay longer, as most clubs are closed. Starting at Ship Ahoy Beach Club and moving south along Ocean Avenue, access can be gained at the following: Ship Ahoy B.C.; Surf rider; Anchorage B.C.; Sea Bright B.C.; Sea Bright Public Beach; Donovan's; Trade winds; Edgewater B.C.; Driftwood B.C.

MONMOUTH BEACH:

• Dates of operation: No buggy operation. Year round walk on access for fishing. Memorial Day to Labor Day for bathing.
• Permit fee: Bathing requires permit. Fee varies.
• Permit obtained from: Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion - 732-229-5926
• Beach access points: Big Monmouth Bath & Tennis Club is a private club & beach ("Big Monmouth") Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion is the public beach ("Little Monmouth") these are the two primary access points.
• Parking lots available at: Parking in designated areas on side Streets.
• Special comments: There is a "Fisherman's Gate" at Little Monmouth for "Car Toppers" or trailers, to launch small boats for fishing. Parking is limited. To the South is an open access (stairway) over the seawall. To the North are two stairwells over the seawall near the now defunct State Marine Police Building and there is limited parking in the old lot.

SEVEN PRESIDENTS BEACH:
(Joline Ave. Long Branch):

• Dates of operation: No buggy operation. Year round walk on access for fishing.
• Memorial Day to Labor Day for bathing.
• Permit fee: Parking lot $4 day, $4 seasonal. Bathing permit fees vary.
• Permit obtained from: Pavilion Office  732-229-0924
• Beach access points: Walk-on through Park for fishing.
• Parking lots available at: Parking in designated areas on side Streets.
• Special comments: No fishing within 50' of bathing areas. Anglers are encouraged to park on local Streets to avoid lot closings. Recreational fishing encouraged, year round on beach & jetties.

BRICK TOWNSHIP: 4X4 access

Dates of operation: October 1st to April 30th. Permits go on sale October 1st.

• Permit fee: $35 (732) 262-1105.
• Permit obtained from: Township Clerk, 401 Chambers Bridge Road.
• Beach access points: Entrance at the North Brick Beach lot.
• Parking lots available at: Ocean Beach III.
• Special comments: Permit entitles buggies to operate north of 5th Ave., Normandy Beach to the Mantoloking line. No buggies permitted beyond that line. Safety inspection required -NJBBA guidelines.

OCEAN BEACHES: (Toms River)  

·        Dates of operation: September 15th to May 15th.

• Permit fee: $25, personal check only. 732-341-1000 x 8200.
• Permit obtained from: Twp. Clerk, 33 Washington St., Toms River, NJ 08754
• click to print application
• Beach access points: There is no buggy operation north of Normandy Beach - Mantoloking Line.
• Special comments: In the areas north of Island Beach State Park, there is no buggy operation during the summer season. Police monitor CB 9
• Walk on fishermen allowed, park in lots and along boardwalk

LAVALETTE:

• Dates of operation: Beaches will be closed from May into September 15th, and Saturday and Sunday from September 15th through September 30th.
• Permit fee: $35. 732-793-7477, Cash or Check
• Permit obtained from: Lavallette Municipal Building, Twp Clerk Office, (1306 Grand Central Avenue, Monday –Friday, 9am-4pm.
• Beach access: Beach entrances are located at Ortley, Philadelphia and Trenton Ave.
• Special comments: Inspection is required for the proper equipment for beach use and fishing NJBBA guide-line for equipment Speed limit is 10 MPH.

ORTLEY BEACH:

• Dates of operation. Permitted on a daily basis from October 1st through May 14th.
• Permit fee: $25; Permit obtained from: Township Clerk 33 Washington Street Toms River New Jersey 08754 Phone 732-341-1000 ext 8200
• click to print application form
• Beach access points: Entrance at Harding Ave. and 2nd Ave.

SEASIDE HEIGHTS: 732-793-1800  

• Dates of operation: September 15th to May 15th.
• Permit fee: $15 732-793-1800

Permit obtained from: Seaside Heights Boro Hall- Seaside Heights Police Department

• Beach access points: Enter on Heiring Avenue.
• Special comments: Access is Heiring Avenue north to end of boardwalk.

SEASIDE PARK: 732-250-7569

Dates of operation: No operation of Buggies from May 16th to Sept 30th.

• Permit fee: $50 for residents and non residents, check. Good for calendar year.
• Permit obtained from: 313 SW Central Ave. (use 4th ave entrance)
• Beach access points: Enter on Brighton Avenue ONLY

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP: 732-269-4456

• Dates of operation: October 15th until Memorial Day weekend.
• Permit fee: $35 for Berkeley residents, $50 for non-residents.
• Permit obtained from: Recreational/Clerk’s Office, 630 US Rt. 9. (Atlantic City Blvd) Bayville, NJ
• Beach access point: 23rd Avenue. Air down on Central Avenue.
• Special comments: Safety equipment required. NJBBA guideline

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK: (732) 793-0506

• Dates of operation: From weekend of May 16 to first Sunday in October, buggy operation is limited to Gillikens and the area from A-7 south. The park is closed from midnight to 4 AM, but beach buggy permits will be permitted to stay in the park 24 hours per day providing that during this period they actively fish or park in a designated location. Access to the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Permit fee: Mobile Sport fishing vehicle permits to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles on the fishing beaches may be obtained at: click to get permit Can't get permit at the gate during the pandemic.

• Issued decal should be treated as cash.  It will not be replaced if lost or stolen.
  The SPS will continue to offer a replacement decal for $25, only upon presentation of paid receipt and the old decal, regardless of the condition.
• The MSFV Permit:
  • Will be issued only to the registered owner of the vehicle – the name on the license and registration must be the same.
  • Leased vehicles must bring their lease paperwork.
  • Company owned vehicles must show proof of ownership.  A business card will be accepted, as long as it states “owner” or “president”.
  • All documents must have a current, valid date.

Those who apply for the MSFV Permit in person at the Island Beach gatehouse do not need to complete the application form or provide photocopies, but will be asked to present original vehicle registration, driver license and lease documents.

• Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

• *Entrance fee the day after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day is $5/NJ Resident and $10/Non-Resident.
• Park Hour: except for MSFV
• Memorial Day to Labor Day - Monday through Friday - 8am to 8pm
  Weekends and Holidays - 7am to 8pm
• Labor Day to Memorial Day - Daily - 8am until Dusk
• Beach access points: Areas of buggy operation include the area from Gilliken's south to the inlet. No buggy operation is allowed north of Gilliken's although walk-on fishermen may fish this area through specified access points. There are three marked access points to the beach. Gilliken's, A-7, and A-23 for buggies.
• Parking lots available at: Parking is limited to two lots and no parking is allowed along the side of the main road. Walk on beach access points south of bathhouses have parking spaces.
• Special comments: NJBBA Ocean to bay nature trail at Forked River Interpretive Center. Location of NJBBA sponsored Governor's Cup tournament the first Sunday in October. A don't miss while you are at the park!

BARNEGAT LIGHT: 609-494-9196

• Dates of operation: 7 days / week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Off-season weekends only weather permitting.
• Permit fee: Free parking for walk on fishing. Fee for lighthouse tour for ages 12 + up $1.
• Beach access points: Walk on fishing only. Facilities for handicap anglers.
• Parking lots available at: At the foot of the lighthouse.
• Special comments: No buggy operation permitted. No swimming. Picnic area along inlet. Nature trail.

LOVELADIES: 609-361-1000 x 203

• Dates of operation: No buggy access from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Permit fee: Falls under jurisdiction of Long Beach Township.
• Permit obtained from: At Township Bldg. 68th and Long Beach Blvd.
• Beach access point: Coast Avenue.
• Parking lots available at: Street parking available.

HARVEY CEDARS: 609-494-6509

• Dates of operation: No buggy access from May 15 to October 1st.
• Permit fee: $50, limited to 50 total.
• Permit obtained from: Police at Township Bldg. 7606 Long Beach Blvd.
• Beach Access points: 83rd Street, Middlesex, Bergen and Essex.
• Parking lots available at: Limited street parking available.
• Special comments: Vehicle inspection required.

SURF CITY:  609-494-8121

www.surfcitypdnj.org

click for details (Code 19-2.6 page 1907)

• Dates of operation: No buggy access from fourth Saturday in May to third Saturday in September.
• Permit fee: $25
• Permit obtained from: Police Headquarters, 813 Long Beach Blvd.
• Beach access points: 5th Street, 12th, 18th Street.
• Parking lots available at: Street parking available for walk ons

SHIP BOTTOM: 609-494-2171

• Dates of operation: No buggy access from third Saturday in May to third Saturday in September.
• Permit fee: $50
• Permit obtained from: town hall.
• Beach access points: Access at 5th Street, 17th Street, 31st Street.
• click for parks and recreation
• Parking lots available at: Street parking available.
• Disabled veterans - no fee for buggy permits

LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP: 609-494-3322

• Web site: click for information  Scroll down to Motor Vehicles on Beaches
• Dates of operation: No buggy access from May 15th to September 30th. Correct dates obtained with permits.
• Permit fee: $50 Good on all Long Beach Township Beaches. (Brant Beach to Holgate)
• Permit obtained from: Police station at 6805 Long Beach Blvd. Brant Beach 24 hrs. /day, 7 days/week.
• Beach access points:

LOVELADIES

• BEACH – 31st Street, 46th Street, 66th Street.
  BEACH HAVEN CREST – 79th Street, 87th Street.
  BEACH HAVEN PARK – 106th Street.
  BEACH HAVEN – Taylor Avenue, Center Street, Holyoke Avenue.
  BEACH HAVEN GARDENS – 34th Street.
  NORTH BEACH HAVEN – 15th Street.                                                                                                  
  HOLGATE – Nelson Avenue, Harding Avenue, Washington Avenue.                                                    

Special comments: Beach Buggy Hotline (609) 361-1000 ext. 203. Police monitor channel 9. If paying for permit after 4PM on weekdays or on weekends or holidays, you must use an instate check or money order. No cash. Must present vehicle, driver’s license, registration and insurance card. A striper derby is usually held in October and November for a fee of $25.00 which is only good for the derby.

• Parking lots available at: Nelson Avenue, McKinley Avenue at the end of the boulevard.

HOLGATE Edwin Forsythe Wildlife Refuge

• Dates of operation: Open September 1 through March 31 or as posted. to vehicles and pedestrians. Federal US  Fish & Wildlife (609-652-1665) is in charge of reopening that area.
• Permit fee: $50
• Permit obtained from: Police station at 68th Street and Long Beach Island Blvd. 24 hrs. /day, 7 days/week.
• Beach access points: McKinley Avenue at end of boulevard
• Special Comments: The beach front is open to pedestrians and four-wheel-drive vehicles for such wildlife-oriented activities as wildlife observation, photography, nature study, and fishing. Bayside mudflats may remain closed until later September to protect migrating shorebirds. (Drivers must possess a valid Long Beach Township beach buggy permit for the vehicle they are driving.) It is recommended that vehicles use the intertidal zone when possible. Its' harder packed sands provide better traction than the loose sands of the beach. Occasionally some areas of Holgate's beach may not be accessible to vehicles due to ongoing, naturally occurring variations in beach width, or because of excessively high tides. Drivers must use caution, and not enter closed areas. Link to Holgate usage guidelines.
• Parking lots available at: McKinley Avenue at the end of the boulevard

North Brigantine Natural Area 609-296-1114

Permits are obtained at the Bass River State Forest Office  (Lake Absegami, 762 Stage Rd, Tuckerton, NJ 08087,  (609) 296-1114)

·        On line Application form: click to access

·        Entrance  at  15th St. North in Brigantine There is also a parking area for walk on access with no need of permit.

• Dates of operation: September 15th to May 15th.
• Permit fee: Annual Mobile Sport Fishing vehicle permits $50 (NJ Residents); $75 (non-residents). Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle replacement fee $25.00.

·        Dates of operation: Year Round up to approximately the Old Coast Guard Station; section past old Coast Guard Station which is closed for Piping Plover nesting from approximately May 15 - Sept 15

BRIGANTINE:

• Dates of operation: Year round except for North End , now under the jurisdiction of the North Brigantine Natural Area (State)
• click for details
• Permit fee: $175.00 Senior Pass: $85.00 Military Free with proper paper work. Call for the needed paperwork needed to apply for the pass. NO ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES
• Permit obtained from: Brigantine Community Center, 265 42nd Street, Brigantine
• Beach access points: North End entrance at 15th Street and Jetty entrance at Seaside Road are open 24 hours. Cove entrance at end of Lagoon Blvd. open throughout the night for fishing purposes only.
• Parking lots available at: Street parking where legal.
• Special comments: Vehicle inspection for safety equipment may take place on the beach

ATLANTIC CITY:

• Dates of operation: During Striper Derby only.
• Permit fee: Free. Must show Striper Derby Pin.
• Permit obtained from: City Hall, Room 603, and 1301 Bacharach Boulevard.
• Beach access points: Access roads at New Hampshire, Delaware and Albany Avenues.
• Parking lots available at: Street parking where legal, numerous paid lots.
• Special comments: Must show Striper Derby Pin. Required to cross boardwalk.

VENTNOR CITY: 609-822-2101

• For details go to: click for Ventnor information web site
• Dates of operation: During the Striper Derby only.
• Permit fee $100, free during Striper derby
• Permit obtained from: Police Records Dept., 6201 Atlantic Ave.
• Beach access points: Access ramp ONLY at Suffolk Avenue.
• Parking lots available at: Street parking where legal.
• Special comments: Must show Striper Derby pin.

MARGATE: 609-822-1151

• Dates of operation: During Striper Derby only.
• Permit fee: Free obtained from: Police Dept.111 N. Decatur Ave.
• Beach access points: Access roads are at Delevan, Grandville, and Washington Avenues.
• Parking lots available at: Street parking where legal
• Special comments: Must show Striper Derby pin.

LONGPORT: 609-822-21-41

• Dates of operation: During Striper Derby only.
• Permit fee: Free.
• Permit obtained from: Police Dept. 2305 Atlantic Ave.
• Beach access points: at 11th Street and the jetty north to the sea wall.
• Parking lots available at: Street parking where legal.
• Special comments: Must show Striper derby pin.

OCEAN CITY: Dates of operation: September 15th to May 15th.

• Permit fee: $125. Permits limited to 300. Waiting list in effect for permits.
• Permit obtained from: Police station. Call first 609-525-9100
• Beach access points: North end, 23rd Street, and 57thStreet.
• Parking lots available at: Various on street parking during off-season.
• Special comments: No buggy operation between North Street and 23rd Street.

CORSON'S INLET STATE PARK: 609-861-2404

• Dates of operation: September 15th to May 15th.
• Permit fee: Annual Mobile Sport Fishing vehicle permits $55 (NJ Residents); $80(non-residents). Mobile Sport Fishing Vehicle replacement fee $25.00.
• Permit obtained from: Belleplaine State Park office or by mail at: Corson's Inlet State Park, PO Box 450, Woodbine, NJ 08270. (Ocean City and Upper Township c/o Belleplain State Forest)
• click for Corson's details
• Beach access points: There is a marked access gate at the south end of Central Ave at 59th Street.
• Parking lots available at: 54th Street and Central Ave.
• Special comments: No pets between April 1st and September 15th. Those not actively engaged in fishing must leave the park between midnight and 4 AM.

Strathmere:  609-263-1151  No Beach Vehicle Access  

Located on narrow piece of beach and bay front land between Ocean City and Sea isle City.
Free Beach
Public Restrooms are provided at Williams Avenue and Winthrop Avenue
On-street free parking on most streets
Surfing is permitted in designated areas (check with lifeguard on duty)
Fishing is permitted in designated areas
Kayaking and Windsurfing are permitted in designated areas (check with lifeguard on duty)
Handicap Access is provided at Williams Avenue

SEA ISLE CITY: 609-263-4461

• Dates of operation: October 1st to May 15th
• Permit fee: $50
• Permit obtained from: 233 JFK Blvd. Police Records during the week from 9AM to 4:00 PM. Bring vehicle registration, insurance and drivers license.
• Beach access points: For fishing north of 31st enter/exit at 22nd St. For fishing south of 57th St. enter/exit at 75th or 85th Streets.
• Parking lots available at: Street parking available.
• Down load from their website click for details under form SCROLL down to Police Dept.
• Special Comments: Surf Fishing Beaches include: During  Swimming Season Sea Isle City beaches situated north of 14th Street and south of 93rd Street.  Any beach area adjacent to rock jetties not designated as a surfing or kayaking beach.  Beaches not designated as a sailboat launching, kite boarding, bathing, or rafting beach

AVALON: 609-967-5918

Dates of operation: September 15 to March 31st.

• Permit fee: $40
• Permit obtained from: On line: click for permit details  Apply at Construction and Licensing Dept.    
• Beach access points: Entrances are marked. 9th ST, 20th ST, 32ndST, 38thST, 79thST
• No vehicles between the hours of Midnight and 6am,
• Permit application at  click for permit 

STONE HARBOR: 609-368-5102

• Dates of operation: October 1st to  March 31th  North of 122^nd St.;  South of 122^nd St. Sept. 8^th to March 16th
• Permit fee: $60.00 FISHING ONLY
• Permit obtained from: Permit can be obtained only from the borough clerk at 9508 Second Avenue, starting in Sept. after Labor Day, between the hours of 9am and 4 PM during the week or by writing for an application and enclosing a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
• Beach access points: Ramps at 85th, 96th, 102nd, 118th, 122nd, 123rd Streets.
• Parking lots available at: 96th Street, 123rd Street.
• Special comments: Inspection of vehicle and proper equipment is required. South of 122nd Street, hours are 4AM-1AM. North of 122nd Street, hours are one half hour before sunrise until one half hour past sunset only.

NORTH WILDWOOD: 609-522-2411

• Dates of operation: Monday after Labor Day to Monday before Memorial Day.
• Permit fee: $20.00
• Permit obtained from: North Wildwood Police station at 10th & Atlantic Ave.
• Beach access points: Entrances at 2nd Ave. 8th Ave.,15th Ave., 22nd Ave.
• Street parking available.
• Special comments: Safety equipment required - no camper RV/slide in camper

WILDWOOD: 609-522-2444 x 2209

• Dates of operation: October 1st to May 1st.
• Permit fee: $25.00
• Permit obtained from: City clerk's office, 4400 New Jersey Avenue. Monday thru Friday
• Beach access points: Access is only at Schellenger Ave and or 26th st.
• Street parking available.
• Special comments: Must have required equipment. Call 1 800 WWBYSEA (992-9732)

WILDWOOD CREST:

• Dates of operation: October 1st to April 30th.
• Permit fee: $25
• Permit obtained from: Police Dept. 6101 Pacific Ave. 609-522-2456
• Beach access points: Cresse Avenue and Washington Avenue ONLY
• Special comments: Safety equipment required. NJBBA guidelines used.
• No camper RVs

CAPE MAY:

• Dates of operation: No buggy access.
• Parking lots available at: All along the seawall.
• Special comments: For information stop at Cape May County Information center at exit 6 on Garden State Parkway.

HIGBEE BEACH:

• Dates of operation: No buggy access at present due to erosion problem.