New Jersey beach tags? About This Page:

[disney_duke]

So we're headed to New Jersey early on Friday morning. I see that Cape May and Ocean City require a beach tag. What is this? And where do you put it after you purchase it? Do the beach tag police patrol the beaches for your tags? Clearly, I don't have a clue here... can someone explain?? Thanks!!!!

[OffKilter_Lynn]

Beach tags are required at many beaches in New Jersey (Wildwood and Atlantic City are free). Generally, everyone ages 12 and up must have a valid tag to be on that section of beach (although each township sets its own rules). You can purchase a weekly tag for $10-15 or $5-8 for one day (depending on the township).

If you get to the beach early in the morning and no one is selling or checking tags, you can still enter the beach. At some point during the day, you can expect someone to approach and ask to see your beach tag. If you don't have one, you can buy them from the beach tag police (yes, they do exist!)

The tags are rigid plastic, about the size of a half dollar and they have a very thick 'safety pin' thru them. Because the pin is so thick, I usually attach the tag to my beach bag as I'd rather not ruin my bathing suit. Guys seem to have no problem attaching them to the waistband of their suits but use caution in the water as the tags have been known to come off.

Have fun!

[home4us123]

We usually put ours on our beach bag also. Have fun. I love the Jersey Shore. This is the first year in probably 25 years I have not gone Can't wait to hear how you like it.

[unewillow]

In Cape May you can purchase the tags either as you enter the beach (there's normally someone selling/chicking tags at each entrance) or at the information gazebo in front of Convention Hall.

In Ocean City again there are people stationed at the entrances.

We always put our on either our bags or a hat or something, because yes, they do patrol the beaches and ask to see them.

I love Cape May, went every year as a kid and now go every summer with my mom so if you have any specific CM questions I would be happy to answer them, just drop me a PM Have fun!!

[disney_duke]

Thanks guys, that's exactly what I was wondering! We're definitely going to AC and Wildwood since it's free, but I hear so much about Ocean City being great for the kids, and Cape May as well. So I figured we may as well hit them all. Is that too much? Or are they all pretty much the same (I can hear my DH now....)

Our other plans include some lighthouses, Storybookland, the Cape May zoo, and some fun rides on the piers. Kids are 7, 5, and 2 1/2, so I'm trying to make it fun for them. We'll be staying at the Marriott Seaview Villas (timeshare exchange ) so it's a bit of a drive to get places. We're OK with that, I just don't want to miss anything especially in Cape May and Wildwood since it's a further drive.

[unewillow]

I don't think it's too much, you could try a new beach each day Wildwood is good for the boardwalk and the pier rides. I will warn you that during the summer it does get very crowded, and can be a little rowdy, with teenagers at night. Ocean City has a boardwalk for shopping (and Kohr Bros custard and Johnson's Caramel Corn). There is also a fun and cute waterpark on the boardwalk called Gillians Island (or something like that). Cape May Zoo is nice, though it's been many years since I've gone. The last time I was at Storybook land I was probably a bit too old for it, and I remember it being kind of run down (?) But, your kids may not notice. Cape May isn't really a "kids" town, though there are a couple arcades on the promanade (skee ball!). But on the whole it's more known for it's historic quaintness. Lighthouses: Cape May Point and Hertford Inlet (North Wildwood) are my favs.

I will let you know that parking is a HUGE issue down the shore, but more so in Ocean City and especially in Cape May. In OC there are several "pay for the day" lots as well as metered parking. In Cape May there is really only metered parking and it goes very quickly. But, the nice thing about Cape May is, once you do find a spot to park, everything is generally within walking distance (or you could rent bikes).

[home4us123]

Storybookland will be great for your kids. We were just there last summer. I uploaded some pics on here in the photos section.

We like Ocean City better just because it is a MUCH shorter walk to the ocean than WildWood. When you are carrying kids, blankets and sand toys the WildWood beach seems like it is miles to the water.

There are 2 amusement parks on the Ocean City boarwalk one is in the middle and Wonderland is all the way at one end. The rides in Ocean City are geared more towards younger children.

[home4us123]

Oh another thing we love to do is rent a surrey on the Ocean City boardwalk in the morning. It's a nice bike ride There is a basket in front for your 2 year old to sit in maybe even your 5 yr old if he/she is small

[disney_duke]

Thanks for the information everyone!! The car is almost packed and we're leaving soon. Thanks!

[chezp]

Originally Posted by disney_duke

Thanks for the information everyone!! The car is almost packed and we're leaving soon. Thanks!

Have a great time!

[unewillow]

How was your trip?!