Free N.J. Beach Access For Military? Not Everywhere, It Turns Out
If you're headed to the shore for the 4th of July, find out where access is free for military members and veterans.
When Gov. Chris Christie signed a bill into law in January allowing free beach access for active-duty military and veterans, it seemed like a nice perk.
Headlines touted the free beach access: "Christie signs bill granting military families free access to beaches" and "Easier NJ beach access for military."
The reality, however, is the perk isn't offered everywhere. The law allows towns discretion in whether or not to offer free access to veterans, to active duty military, or not at all.
Rachel Witt of Brick Township discovered that when she and her father -- both of whom are veterans -- tried to obtain free seasonal beach badges in Bay Head earlier this week, only to be turned away because they were not active military.
The law that Christie signed allows military personnel, veterans, their spouses and dependent children over the age of 12 to use their military identification, form DD-214 25 or similar document, or a state driver's license or identification card indicating that the holder is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces for beach access instead of having to pay for a beach badge.
The law is at the discretion of individual municipalities, and applies to active members of the New Jersey National Guard who have completed initial active duty training as well as anyone 65 years of age or older or anyone who is disabled.
So the question is, which towns offer free beach access for active military and veterans?
Below is a breakdown, town by town, of which Atlantic Ocean beaches are free to active military, to veterans, and to both.
SANDY HOOK: The park is operated by the National Park Service. Active military members who own an
America the Beautiful Annual Pass will receive free beach parking at Gateway where parking fees are charged, including Jacob Riis Park and Sandy Hook. Active duty military photo identification will be required at all times to verify ownership of the annual pass.
SEA BRIGHT:
Active military members and their family members receive free access.
MONMOUTH BEACH: No free access for adults.
LONG BRANCH: Active military and immediate family members are free with military ID; applies to the city's beach.
SEVEN PRESIDENTS OCEANFRONT PARK, Long Branch:
Controlled by Monmouth County; active duty military members, their spouses and dependent family members and veterans are admitted free (including parking) with appropriate military ID.
DEAL: No free access.
ALLENHURST: People with disabilities are free.
LOCH ARBOUR: No free adult access.
ASBURY PARK: Active military personnel, their dependents, and disabled veterans admitted free with valid ID.
OCEAN GROVE: No free adult access.
BRADLEY BEACH: Active military, spouses and dependents free with military ID cards; veterans free with military ID or county- or Bradley Beach-issued veterans ID cards.
AVON-BY-THE-SEA: No free adult access.
BELMAR: Monmouth County volunteer first responders,active duty military and family are free with valid ID.
SPRING LAKE: Active duty military personnel are free with photo ID.
SEA GIRT: Active and reserve military and their immediate family members are free with valid military ID card.
MANASQUAN: Persons with disabilities receive half-price beach fees. Active military and immediate family free with valid military ID card.
POINT PLEASANT BEACH: Controlled primarily by Jenkinson's, with small pieces owned by Martell's; Risden's and a homeowners' association. Bradshaw's Beach, at Washington Avenue, operated by Aqua Serve, offers free access to active or veteran military members with ID.
BAY HEAD: Operated by the Bay Head Improvement Association; active duty military and family admitted free with valid ID.