Here's the ultimate beach guide for your summer days at the Jersey Shore

Summer is a magical time at the Jersey Shore.

We spend our days with our toes in the warm sand, the sound of crashing waves filling our ears. When the sun gets too hot, we cool off with a dip in the ocean.

Sand castles are built and seashells are collected, and when the day is done, we head into town for dinner or spend the night on the boardwalk.

Our beaches have something for everyone. Here's what you need to know to plan a perfect day at the beach.

More: Your guide to beach badge pricing along the Jersey Shore. Check back for updates

Allenhurst

Cost: Weekday beach badges cost $10 for adults. The price rises to $12 for weekends and holidays. Badges for children 12 and younger are free. Purchase on the Viply app and scan at the two daily entrances at Cedar and Allen avenues. Tickets also can be purchased in person at Cedar Avenue and Ocean Place. New Allenhurst Beach Club membership is currently closed for 2024; Allenhurst residents and prior Beach Club members will be approved for membership. Applications may reopen.

Lifeguards: On duty beginning Memorial Day weekend. North Beach will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily while South Beach will be open from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Amenities: Bathrooms and showers are available.

Parking: Free

Information: abc1897.com

Asbury Park

Cost: Daily passes cost $6 Mondays through Fridays, $10 on weekends and holidays, and can be purchased at beach pass kiosks on the boardwalk. Seasonal badges cost $70; $20 for seniors 62 and older with valid ID and teens ages 13 to 17. Badges can be purchased between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily at the beach office, First Avenue on the boardwalk. Beach badges are free for children 12 and younger, active military personnel and their dependents, and veterans who are retired, non-active or who have disabilities. Beach passes are required on weekends and holidays, May 25 to June 16, then daily from June 17 through Sept. 3.

Lifeguards: On duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays. Buoys and ropes will mark off swimming areas; watch for the safe conditions flag. Depending on weather and staffing availability, lifeguards may be on duty after Labor Day weekend.

Amenities: Public restrooms at First, Fourth and Seventh avenues, Asbury Park Convention Hall and Deal Lake Drive; showers at most beach entrances; water fountains along the boardwalk; water bottle-filling stations at Seventh Avenue and Deal Lake Drive restrooms; and boardwalk restaurants and activities. Free beach playgrounds, which do not require beach passes, are at Second and Seventh avenues. A limited number of accessible beach chairs are available; these can be requested at any ticket booth. A limited number of WaterWheels Adaptive Chairs are available; visit cityofasburypark.com/waterwheels. Accessible parking and curb cuts are available at every block. Ramps to the beach and mobile beach mats on sand are at every beach entrance. Dogs are allowed on the dog beach between 6 p.m. and 8:30 a.m., May 16 to Sept. 14.

Parking: For visitor parking information, visit cityofasburypark.com. Accessible parking spaces are free. Parking in all other metered spaces is paid, even if a persons with a disability placard is displayed.

Information: cityofasburypark.com/beaches

Avon

Cost: Daily beach wristbands cost $12 for adults. Seasonal beach badges cost $100, $55 for ages 12 to 18, and senior citizens with proof of age. Beach badges can be paid for with cash or check. If paying by check, you must bring your driver’s license and have your phone number on the check. You cannot use debit or credit to pay; no refunds for lost or stolen badges. There is no charge for children 11 and younger.

Lifeguards: On duty from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily June 17 through Labor Day at Norwood, Sylvania, Washington, Garfield, Lincoln, Woodland and East End avenues.

Amenities: Restrooms are on the boardwalk at Lincoln and Norwood avenues.

Parking: Free and limited to on-street parking

Information: avonbytheseanj.com

Barnegat

BAY BEACH ON BAYSHORE DRIVE

Cost: Free

Lifeguards: None

Amenities: Portable bathrooms

Parking: Free parking along Bayshore Drive

Information: 609-698-0080; barnegat.net

Barnegat Light

Cost: Daily badges cost $5. Weekly badges cost $22. Seasonal badges cost $35 through June 5; afterward, the cost is $45; $12 for seniors 65 and older. Badges, which are required for those 12 and older, can be purchased beginning at 8 a.m. at the beach badge booth on West 10th Street or from badge checkers on the beach. Badges for veterans and active military members are free of charge and must be obtained from the beach badge booth. There is no entrance fee for Barnegat Lighthouse State Park.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from June 15 through Labor Day. Designated areas are marked with flags. There are 13 beaches from 9th Street to 30th Street. Lifeguard locations change depending on conditions and other factors; find updates on beach and ocean conditions at safebeachday.com.

Amenities: There are restrooms but no showers or snack stands. There are playgrounds on West 10th Street and at Bay Beach, 25th Street and Bayview Avenue. Beaches on 9th and 29th streets are accessible. A free tram that runs between 4th and 9th streets picks up beachgoers on each street end and takes them to the guarded area between 9th and 10th streets when lifeguards are on duty (the tram does not run from 1 to 2 p.m.) Beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They are delivered and picked up free of charge.

Parking: Side-street parking is free. No parking on Central Avenue

Information: 609-494-9196; barnegatlight.org

More: Do you know these secret NJ beaches? Here are 3 that made a national top 100 list.

Bay Head

Cost: Daily badges cost $12; cash only. Full-season badges cost $110 and half-season badges cost $60; check or cash accepted. Badges can be purchased from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Memorial Day weekend and the first two weekends in June. Afterward, badges can be purchased from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily June 8 to 14, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily June 15 through Labor Day. The sales office is at 532 Lake Ave. Badges are required from June 17 through Labor Day.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Osborn Avenue, Karge Street, Bridge Avenue, Mount Street, and Strickland Street beaches.

Amenities: No beach restrooms, showers or snacks. Restrooms are in the municipal comfort station two blocks away. The beach has wheelchair accessibility in some locations.

Parking: Free parking on the street and in the municipal lot.

Information: Bayhead Improvement Association, 732-892-4179

Beach Haven

MUNICIPAL OCEAN BEACH, 12TH STREET TO NELSON AVENUE

Cost: $10 daily, $20 weekly, $30 seasonal on or before May 31; $40 after June 1. No charge for veterans, active military personnel and their families, children 12 and younger, and seniors 65 and older. Purchase at the beach badge office, 2 Centre St.

Lifeguards: The lifeguard schedule was not available as of press time. Surfing is permitted while lifeguards are on duty and within the surfing designated areas.

Amenities: Public restrooms and rinse stations are at the Centre Street Beach Patrol building beach entrance. Public restrooms are at Veterans Park on Amber Street and at the Nelson Avenue playground. Beach wheelchairs are available; call 609-492-9193 between June 24 and Labor Day, and 609-492-2525 from Labor Day until June 23. Accessible pavilions are at Fifth, Centre and Pearl streets.

Where to park: Free on local streets, where permitted.

Information: 609-492-9193; visitbeachhaven.com

Beachwood

BEACHWOOD BEACH, ACROSS FROM 501 BEACON AVE.

Cost: Seasonal badges cost $10 for residents. There is no charge for children 12 and younger and adults 60 and older. Badges can be purchased by cash or check at the beach or at borough hall, 1600 Pinewald Road.

Lifeguards: On duty from June 15 through Labor Day

Amenities: Playground

Parking: Seasonal parking passes cost $5 for borough residents, $10 for nonresidents.

Information: 732-286-6000; beachwoodusa.com

More: Beach days are the best days: Readers share memories of Jersey Shore summers

Belmar

Cost: Daily badges cost $10. Seasonal badges cost $70; $30 for seniors 65 and older with ID. There is no charge for children 13 and younger, activity duty military members and their dependents, Gold Star families and veterans. Badges can be purchased at belmarbeachbadges.com or by texting “Badges” to 844-984-4826.

Lifeguards: On duty from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends at 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st avenues.

Amenities: Bathroom are at 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th, 16th and 19th avenues. A restaurant is at Taylor Pavilion on the boardwalk, and several restaurants and snack shops can be found on the west side of Ocean Avenue, across from the boardwalk. Playgrounds are located every few blocks, and several areas of the beach have poles for volleyball nets. Several sections of the beach are dedicated for boogie boarding, kayaking and surfing. There is a surf camp at Third Avenue Beach.

Parking: $2 per hour along the boardwalk, around Silver Lake and on North Boulevard from Ocean Avenue to B Street. Pay through the ParkMobile app. Free parking is available on the west side of Ocean Avenue and on residential streets west of Ocean Avenue.

Information: belmar.com/beach

Berkeley Township

WHITE SANDS BEACH (20th to 23rd avenues in South Seaside Park)

Cost: Daily badges cost $10, weekly badges cost $25 and seasonal badges cost $50. Badges for those 65 and older cost $15 for the season or $20 for a lifetime ID with photo. There is no charge for children 11 and younger. Badges can be purchased from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 20th through 23rd avenues; credit cards are not accepted.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from third weekend in June through Labor Day.

Amenities: Public restrooms, outdoor shower and accessible beach access is available at 23rd Avenue. A limited number of beach wheelchairs are available at no cost.

Parking: Parking permits are required for 20th to 23rd avenues and are available for residents only through the Berkeley Township Police Department by calling 732-341-1132, ext. 2126. Parking permits are enforced from May 15 to Sept. 15.

Information: 732-269-4456; twp.berkeley.nj.us

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK

Cost: Daily badges cost $6 weekdays and $10 on weekends for New Jersey residents. Daily badges are $12 weekdays and $20 weekends for nonresidents. Annual state park passes are $50 for New Jersey residents and $75 for nonresidents. New Jersey residents 62 or older or who are disabled may be eligible for a Free Senior Citizen Pass or Disability Pass, by calling 800-843-6420.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily mid-June through Labor Day at swimming areas 1 and 2. Swimming is only permitted in designated areas when lifeguards are present.

Amenities: The swimming areas have bathhouse pavilions with changing areas, as well as first aid stations and concessions. Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be launched from areas 15 and 21 on the bay side. Island Beach is also known for its saltwater fishing and hiking trails. Visitors also can observe birds, including New Jersey's largest osprey colony, on guided canoe and kayak tours through the Sedge Islands on the park's bay side.

Information: nj.gov

Bradley Beach

Cost: The cost of daily badges had not been determined as of press time (2023 prices were $12 for daily badges and $45 for weekly badges for those 13 and older). Seasonal badges cost $85 for adults ages 16 to 64, and $37 for seniors 65 and older and children 13 to 15. There is no charge for children 12 and younger, military veterans and active duty military personal, spouses and dependents. Seasonal passes can be purchased through CommunityPass or in person at Brinley, 3rd and Cliff avenues.

Lifeguards: On duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays starting Memorial Day weekend.

Amenities: Restrooms are at Cliff, LaReine, 3rd and Evergreen avenues. Changing rooms are at Cliff and 3rd avenues, and showers are at each beach entrance. Food concessions are at Brinley, Newark and 2nd avenues. Beach chairs are available, and accessible entrances are at Cliff, Brinley, 3rd and Evergreen avenues.

Parking: Metered parking is available on the eastern side of Ocean Avenue and the east end of Bradley Boulevard. Angled parking on Ocean Avenue is head-in only. Parking costs $1.50 per hour from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend to the Sunday after Labor Day weekend. Free parking is available on the west end of Ocean Avenue.

Information: bradleybeachnj.gov

Brick

Cost: $10 for a daily pass or $45 for a seasonal badge. There is no charge for children younger than 12, veterans and seniors 65 and older.

Lifeguards: On duty from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend, then daily from mid-June through Labor Day.

Amenities: Outdoor showers, restrooms, lockers, food stands and parking are at Brick Beach 1, 310 Route 35 North, and Brick Beach 3, 440 Route 35 North. Playgrounds, volleyball nets, fishing and crabbing piers, bocce courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and a gazebo are available at Windward Beach, 265 Princeton Ave., where swimming is not permitted.

Parking: Daily rate for parking is $10; $1 for seniors 65 and older. A seasonal parking pass costs $45; $15 for seniors 65 and older. Parking lots are adjacent to Brick Beach 1 and Brick Beach 3.

Information: 732-262-1044; bricktownship.net

Deal

Cost: Daily badges cost $10 for those 12 and older on weekdays, $12 on weekends.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Amenities: The borough allows a limited amount of catamarans and kayaks to be stored on its public beaches. Catamarans must be chained to the assigned post for weather conditions when on the beach. For more information, call 732-531-1454. There are no public restrooms.

Parking: On-street parking is free but limited on all borough streets.

Information: 732-531-1454; dealborough.com

More: New Jersey Shore dog beach guide: Where can your pup play?

Harvey Cedars

Cost: Daily badges cost $7, weekly badges cost $20 and seasonal badges cost $35 before June 15; $45 after. Badges are required for those 12 and older on all beaches beginning June 15. They can be purchased from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, mid-May through June 15, at borough hall, 7606 Long Beach Blvd. From June 15 to Labor Day, badges can be purchased from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at the Sunset Park Recreation Booth on West Salem Avenue.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends from Memorial Day to June 15 at the 80th Street and Middlesex beaches, then daily through Labor Day at 86th, 83rd, 80th, 77th, 73rd and 69th street beaches, plus the Atlantic and Middlesex avenue beaches. Some beaches may be affected by a beach replenishment project.

Amenities: No restrooms, showers or eateries on the beach, but Sunset Park has restrooms, outdoor showers, a gazebo, playground and courts for bocce, tennis and basketball. Wheelchair ramps are at the Mercer Avenue and 80th Street entrances. To reserve a beach wheelchair from the borough, call 609-494-6905.

Parking: Free side-street parking and at Sunset Park

Information: 609-361-6000

Highlands

Cost: Free

Lifeguards: On duty from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Amenities: Located on Sandy Hook Bay, Highlands Beach is a less-populated beach with great views. Food is permitted.

Information: 732-872-1224; highlandsborough.org

Keansburg

Cost: Free

Lifeguards: None

Amenities: Two bay walks (west and east). Toward the eastern bay walk, there are showers along the bike path. There is also a new beach pavilion offering restrooms and an additional shower. There is a small playground next to the pavilion. Wheelchair accessibility is available from the bay walks.

Parking: Parking is metered and payable at kiosks.

Information: 732-787-0215

Lavallette

Cost: Daily badges cost $13, weekly badges cost $35 per person, and seasonal badges, which are available throughout the summer, cost $65 per person or $20 for those 65 and older. Those who qualify as disabled can purchase a badge for $15 with official documentation. There is no charge for children younger than 12 or active-duty military personnel or veterans with identification. Badges can be purchased in person at the borough municipal building, 1306 Grand Central Ave.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends (plus the Fourth of July) between June 15 and Labor Day. Lifeguards are stationed on nine ocean beaches and the bayside beach at Brooklyn Avenue. Swimming is permitted between white flags posted on the beachfront. Bodyboards and rafts are permitted between blue and white flags, and surfing and kayaking are permitted between green flags at Haddonfield, Brown and Dover avenues. Restricted rules are in effect where yellow flags are flying. No swimming is allowed where red flags are flying.

Amenities: The borough provides beach wheelchairs that can be signed out for two-hour blocks; if no one is waiting to use a chair, an additional two hours can be added. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis at lifeguard headquarters; call 732-793-2566. Accessible beach access is at Trenton, New York, Philadelphia and President avenues.

Parking: On-street parking is first-come, first-served on side roads leading to the ocean. Along Route 35, diagonal parking is available in two-hour limits. Reserved parking for residents is available in certain areas throughout town; these spots are posted and require a borough-issued permit. Accessible spots are available throughout town and near the oceanfront. During the summer, municipal parking stickers are required on motor vehicles in any municipal lot on the bayside of the borough; stickers cost $15. Season trailer stickers cost $50.

Information: lavallette.org

Loch Arbour

Cost: Daily badges cost $10 for Mondays through Thursdays, $12 for Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Seasonal badges for adults and children 12 and older cost $110; senior citizens, $80. Badges are available for pickup at the Village Beach Gatehouse, Euclid Avenue and Ocean Place.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends through June 16, then daily.

Amenities: There are restrooms, showers and a snack pavilion. For accessibility, staff will escort people in need to a spot on the beach with a beach wheelchair from Euclid Avenue and Ocean Place.

Parking: Metered parking is on Ocean Place and sections of Edgemont Drive. Free parking on other streets.

Information: 732-531-4740; locharbournj.us

Long Beach Township

LOVELADIES, NORTH BEACH, BRANT BEACH, BEACH HAVEN CREST, SPRAY BEACH, HOLGATE

Cost: Daily beach passes cost $10, weekly beach passes cost $20, and seasonal badges cost $50 ($5 for seniors with proof of age, free for military veterans with proof of service). Passes are required for those ages 12 to 64; children 11 and younger are admitted free.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, June 15 through Labor Day at designated beaches; visit lbtbp.com/guarded-beach-locations. Seniors or those with physical limitations can call 609-342-2111 for assistance accessing the beach. For weeklong rental of a wheelchair with beach capabilities, call 609-361-1200.

Amenities: Restrooms are at 68th Street on both the ocean side and bay side of Brant Beach, and at the parking lot on the south end of Long Beach Boulevard at McKinley Avenue in Holgate and Harbor South in Loveladies.

Parking: On-street parking is free. Free parking is also available in the Holgate lot near the restrooms and in the Long Beach municipal building recreational lot.

Information: lbtbp.com

More: Ready for summer? These 10 beaches are the best worldwide, according to Tripadvisor

Long Branch

Costs: Weekday adult daily passes cost $6 Mondays through Fridays, $9 on weekends and holidays. Daily, weekend and holiday badges for those ages 14 to 17 cost $3. There is no charge for children 13 and younger, adults 62 and older, people with disabilities, and active military members and their immediate family.

Lifeguards: Lifeguards, located at 17 beach stands, are on duty from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; weekends only from Memorial Day weekend until mid-June, then daily through Labor Day. Select beaches will be guarded until 7 p.m. Accessible ramps are at Morris Avenue North, Chelsea Avenue, Pavilion Avenue, North Bath Avenue, Cottage Place and West End Avenue. A limited number of surf chairs and water chairs are available; speak with any ticket booth representative or call the beach office at 732-571-5697.

Amenities: Restrooms are at Laird Street, Great Lawn, Cottage Place, Morris, Seaview and West End avenues. Concessions, shopping, restaurants and a carousel are at Pier Village.

Parking: On-street parking is metered at Pier Village and along Ocean Avenue. Rates are $2 per hour on weekdays and $3 per hour Fridays through Sundays and holidays. All-day metered parking costs $10 for weekdays, $20 on weekends and holidays. There is one municipal parking lot at the corner of Broadway and 2nd Avenue that costs $10 for daily parking. Free parking is available for residents at the municipal lot across from Ocean Place Resort on Ocean Boulevard with proof of residency.

Information: longbranch.org

SEVEN PRESIDENTS PARK: Located at the north end of Long Branch, the park is run by the Monmouth County Park System. The beach is open for guarded swimming weekends only (plus Memorial Day) from May 25 to June 9, then daily from June 15 to Labor Day. Guarded swimming hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather and conditions permitting.

Park access passes are available for purchase at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park weekends from mid-May to June 15, then daily. Daily admission costs $10 for those 18 and older, free for those 17 and younger. There is no charge for daily admission or parking for members of the military and veterans. The cost of a daily parking pass is $10.

Information: monmouthcountyparks.com

More: Jersey Shore day cruises: Your guide to scenic adventures and delicious meals

Manasquan

Badges: Daily badges cost $12 for those ages 12 and older (or $50 for a week) and are available at all beach badge sales locations. Seasonal badges cost $90 for those ages 17 to 64, $45 for kids 12 to 16, and $35 for those 65 and older. All seasonal badges must be picked up at the Manasquan Beach Department, 205 Beachfront, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. May 24, 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. May 25, 26 and 27.

Lifeguards: On duty from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekends beginning May 25, then daily beginning June 15.

Amenities: Beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Elk's Beach. Umbrellas are available for rent at the main beach office. Bathrooms are at Elk's, Main, Brielle Road and Inlet beaches. Showers are at Sea Watch, Riddle, Brielle Road, Pompano, Whiting and the inlet beaches.

Parking: Free on-street parking is available, along with paid municipal lots ($15 weekdays, $20 weekends and holidays, or free with seasonal parking pass).

Information: manasquan-nj.gov

Mantoloking

Cost: Daily passes cost $13, seasonal passes cost $120.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily beginning June 15. There are stationary lifeguards at Downer Avenue and Lyman Street, plus another at Albertson Street on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. There are multiple mobile lifeguards throughout the beach.

Amenities: Portable bathrooms at Downer Avenue, Lyman and Albertson streets. There are no food concessions as food is not permitted.

Parking: Free on-street parking; Route 35 has the most availability.

Information: mantoloking.org

Middletown

IDEAL BEACH (Bayside Parkway)

Cost: Free

Lifeguards: No lifeguards

Amenities: Seasonal restrooms, basketball court, no pets allowed

Parking: Metered parking.

Information: 732-615-2260; middletownnj.org

LEONARDO BEACH (Beach Avenue)

Cost: Free

Lifeguards: No lifeguards

Amenities: Seasonal restrooms

Parking: Park at Leonardo State Marina, 102 Concord Ave.

Information: 732-615-2260; middletownnj.org

BAYSHORE WATERFRONT PARK (Port Monmouth Road)

Cost: Free

Lifeguards: No lifeguards

Amenities: The park offers a 495-foot fishing pier, boat access to Raritan Bay, views of the New York City skyline, picnic area and playground on 229 acres.

Parking: Free parking at the park, but space is limited.

Information: 732-787-3033; monmouthcountyparks.com

More: Summer Travel: Here's how to save on airfare, according to Expedia

Monmouth Beach

Cost: Daily pass costs $12 for those older than 12; seasonal badges cost $100. Seasonal badges are free for those younger than 12 and military veterans. Badges can be paid with check, cash or credit card online.

Lifeguards: On duty weekends only from Memorial Day weekend through June 15, then full-time. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. Also 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 7.

Amenities: Restrooms at the pavilion, 29 Ocean Ave N. Beach wheelchairs available at the pavilion or by calling 732-229-5926.

Where to park: On-street parking is free. Parking at the pavilion and Seaview Avenue overflow lot costs $65 for the season; purchase a decal online or at borough hall, 18 Willow Ave.

Information: monmouthbeach.org.

Ocean Gate

Cost: Daily badges cost $6. Seasonal badges cost $22 through June 15, then $27. Seasonal badges are $10 for seniors 62 and older with a limit of one per person. Veterans with a military ID have free access. Badges are available at the municipal building, 801 Ocean Gate Ave., or from badge checkers on the boardwalk. There is no charge for children younger than 12.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at two bathing beaches, the Wildwood Avenue beach and the Anglesea Avenue beach.

Amenities: Restrooms are at the Wildwood and Anglesea avenue beaches. Wheelchair accessibility is available. The splash pad near the Wildwood Avenue beach is for children ages 3 to 11; the cost is $5 for a daily pass, $20 for season passes purchased before June 15, and $25 for season passes purchased after June 15.

Parking: The borough operates three municipal parking lots that require a sticker. The cost is $5 for the season until June 15, then $10. Street parking adjacent to the beach also requires a sticker. There is free parking in residential areas.

Information: oceangatenjgov.com

Ocean Grove

Cost: Daily badges cost $12. Seasonal badges cost $95, $50 for seniors and youth at the beach office on the boardwalk or by mail at OGCMA, PO BOX 248, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756.

Lifeguards: On duty weekends only from May 27 through June 11, then daily from June 17 to Sept. 4. For specific hours of operation, visit oceangrove.org

Amenities: Bathrooms are on the boardwalk near the pier (Embury Avenue). Beach wheelchairs are available at entrances with ramps.

Parking: Free, on street

Information: oceangrove.org

More: Ocean Grove Sunday morning beach access fight might not be solved in time for summer

Pine Beach

STATION AVENUE BEACH

Cost: Seasonal badges cost $10; $5 for those 62 and older. Purchase between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at borough hall, 599 Pennsylvania Ave. There is no charge for children 12 and younger.

Lifeguards: On duty from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily beginning June 15.

Amenities: Portable bathroom, gazebo with picnic table, and playground.

Parking: Seasonal parking passes cost $10; $5 for those 62 and older.

Information: pinebeachborough.us

Point Pleasant Beach

Cost: Daily badges cost $13 on weekdays, $14 on weekends and holidays for those 12 and older, $4 weekdays and $5 weekends for children ages 5 to 11. There is no charge for children younger than 5. Seasonal beach badges cost $130 for ages 12 to 64, $95 for those 65 and older, and $55 for children ages 5 to 11. Half-season badges cost $35 for ages 5 to 11 and $95 for everyone else. Daily badges can be purchased at any open beach gate. Seasonal badges can be purchased daily at South Arcade or from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Jenkinson’s Pavilion office.

Lifeguards: On duty from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily through Labor Day. Lifeguards decide each day which areas of the beachfront are safe for swimming.

Amenities: Full boardwalk with restaurants, arcades, games and rides. Bathhouses for changing are at Boardwalk and Broadway, and Boardwalk and Parkway; their use is included in the seasonal badge price. For daily badge holders, the cost is $4; $3 for children. Beach chair rentals are available ($11), as are beach umbrellas ($12) and lounge chairs ($15 each or two for $25).

Parking: Public and private lots west of Jenkinson's charge a range of rates. The lot at Ocean and Arnold avenues provides metered parking and is perhaps the most convenient in terms of accessibility.

Information: jenkinsons.com

Point Pleasant Borough

MAXSON AVENUE BEACH (along the Manasquan River)

Cost: Seasonal badges cost $20 for those ages 6 to 59, $10 for 60 and older. There is no charge for children 5 and younger and members of the military with identification.

Lifeguards: On duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily when the weather permits.

Amenities: Playground (including accessible facilities), a fishing pier and an accessible walkway. Shade is available on the walkway to view the river. Restrooms available when lifeguards are on duty.

Information: 732-892-5813; ptboro.com

RIVER AVENUE BEACH (along the Manasquan River)

Cost: Seasonal badges cost $20 for those ages 6 to 59, $10 for 60 and older. There is no charge for children 5 and younger and members of the military with identification.

Lifeguards: On duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily when the weather permits.

Amenities: Playground, picnic area, large swimming area and parking areas. Restrooms available when lifeguards are on duty.

Information: 732-892-5813; ptboro.com

Sandy Hook

GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Cost: There is no entrance fee, but visitors must pay for parking. Beach parking costs $20 per day from Memorial Day through Labor Day, or $100 per season, for most vehicles. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Lifeguards: Oceanside swimming beaches have lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Amenities: Sandy Hook has restrooms and showers. Food is permitted. Ride your bike on the 5-mile-long paved pathway, which starts at the park entrance and leads to Fort Hancock. There are trails for hiking and room for surf fishing. You can launch your kayak or canoe and use the park's archery field as long as you bring your bow and arrows. The Sandy Hook visitor center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays to Mondays.

Information: 732-872-5916; nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/sandy-hook.htm

More: Here's the complete summer concert schedule for PNC, the Stone Pony and MetLife Stadium

Sea Bright

Cost: Both free and badged beaches are available. There is free public access on Ocean Avenue; look for signage. Sea Bright Municipal Beach and Anchorage Beach require badges. Daily badges, required from May 25 to Sept. 8, can be purchased from gate attendants at the beach for $8. Seasonal badges cost $100, or $35 for people older than 65 or with disabilities. These can be purchased online or at the beach office, 1097 Ocean Ave. There is no charge for children younger than 12 or active military personnel and their families

Lifeguards: Lifeguards protect both the municipal beach and Anchorage Beach daily throughout peak season. Free beaches are not protected.

Amenities: Municipal beach boasts parking, seasonal locker rentals and restroom facilities. A daily or seasonal beach badge is required to access these facilities.

Parking: Public, metered parking is available near the beaches through Sept. 15; the cost is $2 per hour between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Parking can be paid by cash or credit at the kiosks, or via mobile app with mPay2Park.

Information: 732-842-0099 or 732-351-4700; seabrightnj.org

Sea Girt

Cost: Daily badges cost $12. Seasonal badges cost $115 ($70 for seniors). All purchases are online only. Badges can be picked up from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 20 to 24. Later pick-up dates will be confirmed on the borough website.

Lifeguards: On duty from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends beginning May 27 and daily beginning June 17.

Amenities: The beach pavilion at Beacon Boulevard and the boardwalk have restrooms and a snack bar.

Parking: Free street parking available

Information: seagirt-nj.gov

Seaside Heights

Cost: Day passes for ocean beaches cost $13, weekly badges cost $50 (Saturdays through Fridays) and seasonal badges cost $75. Those 65 and older can purchase a seasonal badge for $15, or two for $25. There is no charge for children 11 and younger or active and retired military personal with identification. Passes can be purchased with cash or check at 100 Grant Ave.

Lifeguards: The lifeguard schedule was not finalized as of press time, but they usually are on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day on every beach, with some nonpeak-season times only seeing lifeguards on every other beach.

Amenities: A boardwalk with shops, restaurants, bars, rides, arcades, bathrooms and more. The F Street beach has a mat for accessibility.

Parking: Metered parking costs $3 per hour in street-end spots and $2 per hour anywhere else. Meters are enforced April 1 through Oct. 31. Digital payment also accepted via the mPay2park phone app.

Information: 732-793-9100; seaside-heightsnj.org

More: These 15 places are the best to visit in New Jersey, according to Travel and Leisure

Seaside Park

MUNICIPAL OCEAN AND BAY BEACHES

Cost: Daily badges cost $13, weekly badges cost $40 and seasonal badges cost $65 for beach access through June 14; $70 for access June 15 to Labor Day. Seasonal badges for residents 65 and older cost $20 and are sold at the N street bathhouse. There is no charge for children 11 and younger or active and retired military and their dependents.

Lifeguards: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends through June 16. From June 17 to Labor Day, lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Amenities: There is a bathhouse with showers at the boardwalk and N Street. The municipal boat ramp season pass costs $80 through June 14, then $100 for the remainder of the season. Boat ramp badges are sold at the bathhouse and 14th Avenue and the bay. A beach playground and pier are located 5th Avenue and the bay. Wheelchair access to the oceanside beaches is at 7th and 13th avenues, F Street, and Decatur and Stockton avenues. The parks at 5th and 14th avenues are also accessible.

Parking: Through Oct. 31, parking is metered and costs $1 per hour from 7 a.m. Mondays through 7 p.m. Fridays, excluding holidays. On Friday nights, weekends and holidays, parking costs $2 per hour. Parking is available along Ocean Avenue from Porter to 14th avenues. Parking pay stations that accept bills and credit cards are located on Ocean Avenue and at municipal lots 1, 2 and 3. Parking can also be paid for through the mPay mobile parking app. All paid parking lots close between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Information: Beachcontrol@seasideparknj.org; seasideparknj.org

Ship Bottom

Cost: Daily badges cost $10 and weekly badges cost $25 from June 16 to Labor Day. Seasonal badges cost $50, or $10 for seniors 65 and older, after June 1. There is no charge for children 12 and younger, veterans or active military members and their families with identification. Badges can be purchased on the My Beach Mobile app, at the Shack on 68th Street, or at the municipal office, 1621 Long Beach Blvd. Seniors must purchase seasonal badges in person at borough hall.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during the season.

Amenities: Restrooms at borough hall, the 6th Street tennis courts, the municipal boat ramp at 10th Street and Shore Avenue, and the bayside beach near 16th Street. There is a playground on 4th Street at the bay. There are parks at the 10th Street boat ramp and near the bayside beach between 13th and 16th streets. The John J. Guld Jr. Recreation Area on 6th Street features tennis and pickleball courts, bocce ball and horseshoes; the seasonal cost is $50 for residents, $80 for non-residents. Weekly badges for the recreation area cost $20 and daily badges cost $5. Beaches have accessible ramps at 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 25th and 30th streets. ADA compliant Mobi-Mats are at 15th and 20th streets.

Parking: Free on-street parking.

Information: shipbottom.org

Spring Lake

Cost: The cost of daily badges was not available as of press time. Seasonal badges cost $110 for those 12 and older, $80 for seniors 65 and older. Late-season badges purchased on or after Aug. 1 cost $70. Badges can be purchased at locations along the boardwalk or online.

Lifeguards: On duty on the weekends beginning Memorial Day, then daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting in mid-June. The specific date has yet to be voted on.

Amenities: There are two pavilions with showers, bathrooms and food, and on the south end of town there is a food truck. The beach is wheelchair accessible. Beachgoers are not allowed to bring food onto the beach.

Parking: Free

Information: 732-449-0800, ext. 637 and 633; springlakeboro.org

Surf City

Cost: Daily badges cost $10, weekly badges cost $20, seasonal badges cost $50 ($40 if purchased before May 31). Badges are required for those ages 12 to 64 when lifeguards and badge checkers are on duty.

Lifeguards: On duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, June 15 to Sept. 2, at South 2nd Street, Division Avenue, and North 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 22nd and 24th streets.

Amenities: Beach wheelchairs are available between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily on a first-come, first-served basis. The North 12th Street beach is accessible, with a mat and slope. Beachgoers with a special season badge can call for a ride on a John Deere UTV, which will take them over the dunes and back; wait by the sign at either end of the route. Restrooms are behind borough hall on Long Beach Boulevard, at the 16th Street bay beach and at the Division Avenue boat ramp.

Parking: Free street parking

Information: 609-361-7655; surfcitynj.org

Toms River

ORTLEY BEACH, SHELTER COVE MUNICIPAL BAY BEACH, SNUG HARBOR POOL

Cost: Daily badges cost $11 on weekdays, $12 on weekends and holidays. Weekly badges cost $40 and can be used Saturdays through Fridays. Seasonal badges cost $50 through Memorial Day, $65 afterward. There is no charge for children 12 and younger. Lifetime badges for seniors are $15; ID required.

Lifeguards: On duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends only from Memorial Day through June 16, then daily through Labor Day.

Amenities: Beach wheelchairs are available in Ortley Beach. Restrooms are at Fielder Avenue and the boardwalk (Block House), Fourth Avenue (Lord House) and the boardwalk. Outdoor showers are also available. Public restrooms are available at Shelter Cove, along with an outdoor shower.

Parking: Free in the municipal lot on Third Avenue in Ortley Beach, on local streets and at Shelter Cove Park.

Snug Harbor Pool: Opens June 24; pool hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Seasonal rates are $150 for adult residents ($300 for nonresidents), $75 for children ages 4 to 12 and seniors 62 and older ($150 for nonresidents). Daily rates are $7 for resident adults on weekdays, $8 on weekends and holidays ($14 and $16 for nonresidents), and $5 for resident children and seniors weekdays, $6 weekends and holidays ($10 and $12 for nonresidents). Badges can be purchased at the recreation building, 1810 Warren Point Road.

Information: 732-341-1000, ext. 8415; tomsrivertownship.com

Asbury Park Press staff writers contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: New Jersey beach guide: find best Shore spot this summer