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New Jersey beaches dip into your wallet

The Washington Post

August 5, 2007

For those accustomed to wandering onto a beach and plopping down on a blanket without paying a fee, the beaches of New Jersey come as a surprise. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Most beaches charge some sort of fee, with a range of prices depending on length of stay and age. For example, Sea Girt charges $70 per person for a season pass, $7 for a day pass, with children younger than 12 free. Check with the towns' Web sites for details.

Many hotels, inns and rental properties include beach badges in their fees. Ask before you book, or else you may have to pay a considerable amount in daily beach fees.

Consider loading the family into the sport utility vehicle and paying a carload fee at either the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area (732-872- 5970,nps.gov/gate; $10), on the northern tip of the Jersey Shore, or Island Beach State Park.

Opt for a free beach, including those in Atlantic City or the Wildwoods.

Pack plenty of quarters if you want to park close to the ocean. Many towns, including Point Pleasant Beach and Ocean City, have a mix of metered spots, for-fee parking lots and free on-street spots (though they can be blocks from where you want to be).

Whether you're renting a condo or bunking at a B&B, ask your hosts whether beach towels and chairs are included.