Spring Lake Beach Guide: Badges, Parking & What to Know
Spring Lake has some of the best beach on the entire Jersey Shore. Two miles of wide, clean, well-maintained sand with Atlantic views and no carnival noise. Here’s what you need before you go.
Beach Badges
Badges are required during peak season. Here’s the breakdown based on 2025 information:
- Season badge (adult): $115
- Season badge (65+): $20
- Daily badge: $11.98
- Badges required: weekends from Memorial Day through June 14, then 7 days a week through Labor Day
- Children 12 and under: free
Purchase badges online through the borough website or at the beach.
Parking
Spring Lake parking is generally easier than Asbury Park or Belmar, but summer weekends fill quickly. Best strategy: stay within walking distance – most inns are – or arrive before 9 AM. Street parking along Ocean Avenue is first-come, first-served. If you’re day-tripping, the later you arrive the harder it gets.
The Beach Itself
Spring Lake has two full miles of wide sandy beach. Lifeguards are on duty through the summer season. The beach is well-maintained, the water is clean, and the crowd skews older and quieter than Belmar or Asbury. No boardwalk food stands, no arcades. Just the beach.
What to Bring
- Your own umbrella and chairs – the beach doesn’t rent them unless you’re staying at an inn that provides them
- Cash and card – badge sales accept both
- Sunscreen – the sun here is no joke especially after 11 AM
- Towels and a cooler – there’s no food service on the beach itself
Best Times to Go
- Early morning (before 9 AM): near-empty beach, best light, easiest parking
- Weekday afternoons: calmer than weekends, good swim conditions
- Shoulder season (May, September): badge requirements are lighter and the beach is peaceful
Curfew
Spring Lake has a beach curfew of midnight to 6 AM.
What’s Close
The beach is walkable from most Spring Lake inns. Third Avenue’s shops and restaurants are all within easy reach – coffee and breakfast before, ice cream after.
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