Beach Haven, NJ

Known as the “Queen City” of Long Beach Island, Beach Haven packs pristine, guarded beaches, bay access, and a lively one-square-mile downtown into one of the Jersey Shore’s most beloved beach towns. Home to Fantasy Island Amusement Park, Thundering Surf Water Park, the Surflight Theatre, and the New Jersey Maritime Museum, Beach Haven blends classic boardwalk fun with a relaxed, small-town beach vibe.

Looking for Beach Haven, NJ beach badge prices, lifeguard hours, surfing zones, bathroom locations, ADA beach access, or today’s fly report? This guide covers everything you need to know before heading to the beach in Beach Haven, New Jersey.

Forecast updated hourly. Last update: July 28, 2026, 5:04 pm

Beach Badge Information

Beach badges are required for all beachgoers above the age of 12. Badges can be purchased for daily, weekly, or seasonal use, and seasonal badges are discounted if purchased before May 31st.

Badges may be purchased in the following ways:

  • On the beach from a Beach Badge Checker
  • At the Beach Badge Office, 2 Centre Street (at the beach entrance)
  • Through the My Beach Mobile app

In-season badge office hours:

  • Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm

Seniors aged 65 and older can receive a lifetime Senior Badge for $10 at the Centre Street Badge Office with valid ID. Veterans can receive a free, lifetime Recreation Badge with proper ID, and active-duty military members and their immediate families can receive free weekly wristbands — all at the Centre Street Badge Office.

Beach badges are only valid within the Borough of Beach Haven, between 12th Street and Nelson Avenue. There are no refunds or exceptions on badge purchases.

Check out the 2026 Beach tags prices for Beach Haven, NJ.

Guarded Beaches

Beach Haven beaches are guarded daily during the season from 10 am to 5 pm. Guarded beach locations include:

12th Street, Taylor Avenue, 5th Street, 2nd Street, Centre Street, Engleside Avenue, Pearl Street, Belvoir Avenue, Essex Avenue, between Liberty & Pelham Avenues, and between Kentford & Leeward Avenues.

Swimming is only permitted between the red and yellow flags, which may be adjusted daily depending on ocean conditions. Swimming outside guarded hours or at beaches without lifeguards is at your own risk.

Surfing is permitted at every guarded beach except Centre Street, within zones marked by black-and-white checkered flags:

  • 11th Street to 9th Street
  • 7th Street to 6th Street
  • Ocean Avenue to Marine Street
  • Glendola Avenue to Liberty Avenue
  • Leeward Avenue south

Accessible Beaches

Beach Haven offers handicap-accessible ramps at the 5th Street pavilion, Pearl Street pavilion, and Centre Street. Beach Wheels (beach-accessible wheelchairs) are available by reservation through the Beach Patrol office at (609) 492-9193 during the summer season.

A free Beach Haven Beach Taxi service is also available for physically challenged individuals staying within the Borough of Beach Haven (12th Street to Nelson Avenue) to help with transportation to and from the beach. Reservations can be made through the Borough’s website.

Comfort Stations

Beach Haven has six comfort stations within its one-mile radius:

  • Taylor Avenue at the Bay Playground
  • 2nd Street by the Bay
  • Centre Street at the ocean beach access
  • Pearl Street at the Tennis Courts
  • Borough Hall, 300 Engleside Avenue (open year-round)
  • Nelson Avenue Playground

Changing stations are available in the restrooms at Nelson Avenue Playground, Taylor Avenue Playground, and Centre Street. Seasonal restrooms are generally open from 6 am to 8 pm. A public shower and foot-cleaning station is located at Centre Street, at the Beach Patrol Headquarters.

Beach Haven Lifeguard Chair

Beach Vehicle Permits

Beach buggy permits for Beach Haven are issued through the Beach Haven Police Department. Call (609) 492-0111, ext. 101, to register.

More Beach Haven Beach Regulations

Beach Haven, NJ, enforces several regulations to keep its beaches safe and enjoyable. Alcoholic beverages and open containers are strictly prohibited on the beach and pavilions at all times. Smoking is not permitted on Beach Haven beaches. Dogs are allowed on the beach only from September 16th through May 14th and must be leashed; a small dog beach is available at Taylor Avenue on the bay year-round. Ball playing, quoits, and horseshoes are permitted at the discretion of the Lifeguard Captain but are prohibited between 10 am and 5 pm within designated swimming areas, and are banned from the dune area at all times. Kite flying is only allowed before 10 am and after 5 pm, and is also banned from the dune area. Horseback riding is prohibited on the beach at all times, and it is illegal to walk on or disturb any dune area in the Borough. Parking throughout Beach Haven is free, though overnight parking restrictions apply at the Centre Street lots (3 am – 6 am) and the Taylor Avenue lot (1 am – 4 am).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you hit the sand in Beach Haven, NJ.

Yes. Beach badges are required for all beachgoers above the age of 12 in Beach Haven, NJ. Badges can be purchased daily, weekly, or for the full season, with discounted seasonal rates available before May 31st. See 2026 beach tag prices →
No. Beach Haven beaches require a paid beach badge for visitors above age 12. Revenue from badge sales supports lifeguard staffing and beach upkeep. Children 12 and under can access the beach at no charge.
Beach Haven Beach Patrol lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 5 pm daily during the guarded season. Swimming is only permitted between the red and yellow flags while lifeguards are on duty; conditions and flag placement can change day to day.
Beach Haven’s main beaches — including 12th Street, Taylor Avenue, 5th Street, 2nd Street, Centre Street, Engleside Avenue, Pearl Street, Belvoir Avenue, Essex Avenue, and the areas between Liberty & Pelham and Kentford & Leeward Avenues — are guarded daily from 10 am to 5 pm during the summer season.
Beach badges can be purchased on the beach from a Beach Badge Checker, at the Beach Badge Office at 2 Centre Street, or through the My Beach Mobile app. In-season office hours are Monday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm and Sunday 10 am–3 pm.
Surfing is permitted at every guarded beach except Centre Street, within designated zones marked by black-and-white checkered flags: 11th to 9th Street, 7th to 6th Street, Ocean Avenue to Marine Street, Glendola Avenue to Liberty Avenue, and south of Leeward Avenue.
Dogs are permitted on Beach Haven beaches only from September 16th through May 14th and must be leashed at all times. A small dog beach is available at Taylor Avenue on the bay. Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the summer season (May 15 – September 15).
Beach Haven has six public restrooms: Taylor Avenue at the Bay Playground, 2nd Street by the Bay, Centre Street at the ocean beach access, Pearl Street at the Tennis Courts, Borough Hall (300 Engleside Avenue, open year-round), and Nelson Avenue Playground. Changing stations are available at Nelson Avenue, Taylor Avenue, and Centre Street. A public shower and foot-washing station is located at Centre Street.
Yes. Beach Haven offers handicap-accessible ramps at the 5th Street pavilion, Pearl Street pavilion, and Centre Street. Beach Wheels (beach wheelchairs) are available by reservation through the Beach Patrol at (609) 492-9193, and a free Beach Taxi service is available for physically challenged individuals staying within the Borough.
No. Alcoholic beverages and open containers are strictly prohibited on Beach Haven beaches and pavilions at all times, in season and off-season.
Check out the daily fly report for real-time current conditions before heading to Beach Haven beach.
Beach vehicle (beach buggy) permits for Beach Haven are issued through the Beach Haven Police Department. Call (609) 492-0111, ext. 101 to register for a permit.
No. Smoking of any kind is not permitted on Beach Haven beaches.