Four ocean beaches owned by municipalities in Atlantic and Cape May counties will be offered without charge beginning in 2027. The decision aims to keep public shoreline access free while helping the towns balance the expense of maintaining the sites.
The designation covers exactly four beaches across the two counties. Municipal officials say the move will offset the costs associated with upkeep, lifeguard services, and facilities by reallocating budget resources rather than charging visitors.
In the same region, Upper Township recently approved a beach badge system for the community of Strathmere. The badge program limits free beach use to residents who meet specific criteria, effectively narrowing the number of unrestricted shoreline spots available to the broader public.
County planners note that the free‑beach initiative and the Upper Township badge program reflect differing strategies for handling municipal beach finances. While the badge system targets a smaller, defined population, the broader free‑beach plan seeks to preserve open access for all visitors in the four selected locations.
Local officials stress that the 2027 rollout will be coordinated with existing infrastructure and seasonal staffing plans. The goal is to ensure that the beaches remain safe, clean, and welcoming without imposing a direct fee on beachgoers, thereby maintaining the tradition of open coastal recreation in New Jersey.