Ocean Grove Beach Guide: Badges, Parking & What to Know
Ocean Grove’s beach is one of the cleanest and most peaceful on the entire Jersey Shore. A natural wooden boardwalk with no commercial amusements, no food stands, and no arcade noise. Just the ocean, the sand, and Victorian architecture as the backdrop. Here’s what you need before you go.
Beach Badges
The beach is operated by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association – not the borough – which is why the rules are slightly different here than other Shore towns.
- Season badge (adult): $100
- Season badge (youth 12-17): $52
- Season badge (65+): $52
- Daily wristband: $13, available at the Beach Office on the boardwalk
- Children under 12: free
Purchase badges online at ogbeachbadges.com or in person at the Beach Office at Embury Ave. and Ocean Ave.
Sunday Hours – Important
The beach closes Sunday mornings from 8:30 AM until noon. This is not optional and is consistently enforced. If you’re planning a Sunday beach morning, sleep in and plan to arrive after noon. The Great Auditorium Sunday service is worth attending in the meantime.
Lifeguard Hours
- Memorial Day weekend through June 14: weekends only, 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- June 14 through Labor Day: daily, 9 AM to 5:30 PM
The Boardwalk
Ocean Grove’s boardwalk is genuinely unlike any other on the Shore. No commercial development, no concession stands, no rides. A clean natural wooden walkway with ocean views and a Boardwalk Pavilion that hosts free worship services and live music throughout the summer. Walk it at sunrise or after dinner – both are exceptional.
Parking
Parking in Ocean Grove is extremely limited and fills early on summer weekends. The best strategy is to stay within town – most inns are walkable to the beach. If you’re day-tripping, arrive before 9 AM. Ocean Pathway and Embury Ave have limited street parking. Some visitors park at the edge of town and walk in.
What to Bring
- Your own umbrella and chairs – or rent from the beach (umbrellas and chairs available on the beach in season)
- Badge confirmation or seasonal badge
- Snacks and water – no food service on the beach itself
- Cash or card for badge purchase if buying day-of
Curfew
Ocean Grove has a curfew: 11 PM for those 14 and older, 9:30 PM for those 13 and younger.
Shorehouse Newsletter
The monthly edit, in your inbox.
Travel, hotels, and what’s worth your attention. Once a month, never more.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
