Planning a beach day in Asbury Park? This guide covers everything you need to know – from where to park without circling for an hour, to how to buy badges without waiting in line, to which beach entrance has the cleanest bathrooms.

This is your complete guide to the Asbury Park beach, based on actually spending time here rather than just visiting once. Here’s what to expect and how to make your beach day as smooth as possible.

Beach Passes & Badge Prices

Beach passes are required from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day for anyone 13+. You’ll need to wear your badge or wristband when on the beach.

When Beach Passes Are Required

• 5/24/25 – 6/15/25: Weekends & holidays only
• 6/16/25 – 9/1/25: Daily (weekdays + weekends)
• Starting 9/2/25: No passes required; no lifeguards and swimming is prohibited

Daily Beach Pass Rates

• Mon – Fri: $7
• Weekends & holidays: $10
• Ages 12 & under: Free

Seasonal Pass Rates

• Adults: $70
• Teens (13-17): $20
• Seniors (62+): $20
• Active military + dependents: Free
• Veterans (retired, disabled, or non-active): Free

Where to Buy Asbury Park Beach Badges

• Ticket booths at Asbury, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th Avenues
• Online (scan your receipt at any entrance for your wristband)
• Beach Office at 1st Ave
• Kiosks along the boardwalk

Insider Tip If you’re heading out on a busy weekend, buy your badge before you walk to the beach. The kiosks closest to the beach get long lines mid-morning, so save time and buy online or use the app.

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Parking in Asbury Park

Parking in Asbury is doable; you just need the right strategy.

Best Time to Arrive

• Before 10 a.m. on weekends
• Before 11 a.m. on weekdays

Street Parking

Street parking is metered throughout Asbury Park. The easiest way to pay is through the Official Asbury Park app (easiest, fastest) or the ParkMobile app.

Look for the zone number on parking signs and enter it in the app. Rates vary by location but expect $2-3 per hour in high-traffic areas.

Parking Garages & Lots

If you don’t want the stress of street parking:

• Bangs Avenue Garage(605 Bangs Avenue) – Available on weekends, a few blocks inland. Best option if you hate circling.
• Day-rate lots near Kingsley & Grand – $20-$30 on peak summer days

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Beach Entrances & Layout

While Asbury Park technically has one main beach, each section has its own vibe.

North Beach (Deal lake area)

Quieter, more spacious, local. Great for reading, families, and relaxed mornings.

Middle Beach (Convention Hall area)

Closest to bathrooms, coffee, snacks, playgrounds, and the classic boardwalk scene.

South Beach (near Asbury Ave)

Perfect if you’re looking to be closer to bars, restaurants, and live music at the Summer Stage.

If you want a quieter morning or a spot to read, choose North Beach. For easiest access to coffee + bathrooms, Middle Beach is where you want to be.

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Bathrooms, Showers & Water Stations

Asbury Park has multiple bathrooms along the boardwalk. They’re cleanest earlier in the day and are serviced regularly during peak season.

Restroom Locations (All public & free)

• 1st Ave
• 4th Ave
• Convention Hall (open year-round, 6 a.m.–midnight)
• 7th Ave
• Deal Lake Dr

Beach Showers

Available at most beach entrances.

Water Bottle Filling Stations

Located at 1st–3rd, 5th–6th Avenues + at 7th and Deal Lake restrooms.

The bathrooms near Convention Hall tend to be the cleanest early in the morning.

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Swimming, Surfing, & Beach Safety

Lifeguard Hours

• Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Weekends & holidays: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Surfing Beach

There’s a designated surf-only zone between the jetties at Deal Lake Drive and 8th Avenue. This zone is:

• Open weekends/holidays only (5/24 – 6/15)
• Open daily (6/16 – 9/1)
• No swimming allowed in this zone

Flag System

Asbury Park uses a flag system to communicate ocean conditions:

• Green flag = Calm conditions
• Yellow flag = Moderate conditions, use caution
• Red flag = Swimming prohibited

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Beach Rules: What’s Allowed + What’s Not

Allowed on Asbury Park Beach

• Coolers (small personal coolers, no glass)
• Umbrellas up to 6 feet in diameter
• Music if kept at respectful volume
• Beach chairs (rentals available)

NOT Allowed on Asbury Park Beach

• No smoking or vaping anywhere on the beach or boardwalk
• No alcohol on the beach or boardwalk
• No tents, canopies, or camping tents – fines can be around $250
• No glass containers

Note: Beach badges must be visible on the sand at all times. They check regularly.

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Chair & Umbrella Rentals

Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available through Style Rocket at entrances along 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th Avenues. Convenient if you don’t want to haul your own gear.

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Accessibility

Asbury Park is one of the most accessible beaches at the Jersey Shore.

What’s available:

• Boardwalk is fully accessible
• Beach access ramps at every entrance
• Mobile beach mats for wheelchair access to sand
• Handicap beach chairs available
• WaterWheels adaptive chairs (request at any ticket booth)

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Dogs on Asbury Park Beach

Dogs are welcome on Asbury Park beaches, but with seasonal restrictions.

Dog Beach Rules

Off-season (September 15 – May 15):

• Dogs allowed on all beaches before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
• Must be leashed and cleaned up after

In-season (May 16 – September 14):

• 8th Avenue Dog Beach only from 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.
• Dogs must be off the beach by 8:30 a.m.
• Must be licensed and supervised
• No dogs allowed on main beaches during the day

Year-round boardwalk:

• Dogs allowed before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. only

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Cooler & Alcohol Rules

Alcohol:

Not permitted anywhere on the beach or boardwalk.

Coolers:

• Small personal coolers (under 16 quarts) are allowed
• No alcohol
• No glass
• Large coolers are prohibited

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Best Time to Visit Asbury Park Beach

• June: Warm weather, quieter crowds, easier parking.
• July & August: Peak season – lively, fun, lots of visitors. Expect crowds and plan to arrive early for parking.
• September: The real locals’ summer kicks in with warm water, empty parking, and the best sunsets

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FAQs

Is Asbury Park Beach free?

No. Beach badges are required for ages 13+ during the season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Daily passes are $7-10, season passes are $70.

Can you bring alcohol to Asbury Park Beach?

No. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach or boardwalk at any time.

Are dogs allowed on Asbury Park Beach?

Yes, but with restrictions. During summer season (May 16 – September 14), dogs are only allowed at the 8th Avenue Dog Beach from 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Off-season, dogs are allowed on all beaches before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Is parking free in Asbury Park?

Street parking is metered ($2-3/hour). There are some free spots further inland if you’re willing to walk. Parking garages and lots range from $20-30 on peak days.

Are coolers allowed on Asbury Park Beach?

Yes. Small coolers (under 16 quarts) are allowed, but no glass and no alcohol.

Are there bathrooms and showers at Asbury Park Beach?

Yes. Public restrooms are located at 1st Avenue, 4th Avenue, Convention Hall, 7th Avenue, and Deal Lake Drive. Beach showers are available at most entrances.

Do you need a beach badge for Asbury Park?

Yes, if you’re 13 or older and visiting between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. After Labor Day, badges are not required.

What is the best beach entrance in Asbury Park?

For families and convenience, Middle Beach near Convention Hall has the best access to bathrooms, food, and playgrounds. For a quieter experience, North Beach near Deal Lake is less crowded.

A Final Note

Asbury Park beach has become one of the most popular destinations on the Jersey Shore, and for good reason. The combination of great sand, a lively boardwalk, excellent food nearby, and easy access from North Jersey and New York makes it worth the trip.

Buy your badge ahead of time, arrive before 10 a.m. on summer weekends, and you’ll have a smooth beach day. See you out there.

Asbury Park Beach Guide last updated: January 2026