Beach tags are required for Ocean City’s beaches during the summer season. This simple system helps fund beach maintenance, lifeguards, and facilities. Here is everything you need to know about beach tags before your OCNJ visit.
When Are Beach Tags Required?
Beach tags are required from mid-June through Labor Day weekend. Outside these dates, no tags are needed. The exact start date varies slightly each year—typically the Saturday after Father’s Day.
Hours
Tags are checked from approximately 10am to 5pm daily during the season. Early morning beach visits (before 10am) and evening visits (after 5pm) do not require tags.
Beach Tag Options and Pricing
Season Tags
Best value for weekly or longer stays:
- Adult season tag: $30
- Good for entire summer season
- No expiration during season
Weekly Tags
Good for week-long vacation stays:
- Weekly tag: $15
- Valid for 7 consecutive days
Daily Tags
For short visits:
- Daily tag: $10
- Valid for one day only
Who Needs Tags
- Everyone 12 years and older needs a beach tag
- Children 11 and under are free
- Active military with ID are free
Where to Buy Beach Tags
Before the Beach
City Hall (9th Street and Asbury Avenue): The main location for purchasing tags. Avoid beach lines by buying here first.
Welcome Center (12th Street and Boardwalk): Convenient boardwalk location.
Fire Department (4th Street): Another option with often shorter lines.
On the Beach
Beach tag checkers sell tags on the sand. Lines can be long during peak times. Credit cards accepted.
Online
Ocean City offers online beach tag purchasing through their website. Order ahead and have tags shipped or pick up at City Hall.
Tips for Buying Tags
- Buy early: Lines are shorter in the morning before beach time
- Buy in advance: Get tags at City Hall before your first beach day
- Keep receipts: If lost, you may be able to replace with proof of purchase
- One per person: Tags are worn by individuals, not transferable
- Season pass math: If staying more than 3 days, season tags make sense
How to Wear Your Tag
Beach tags must be visible. Options include:
- Swimsuit strap: Thread the tag onto your suit strap
- Tag holder: Lanyards and holders available for purchase
- Beach bag attachment: Some attach to bag straps
The key is visibility—checkers need to see it without asking.
What If You Don’t Have a Tag?
Tag checkers walk the beach regularly. If caught without a tag:
- You will be asked to purchase one immediately
- Checkers can sell tags on the spot
- Fines are possible for refusal
- Don’t try to avoid checkers—just buy the tag
What Beach Tags Fund
Your beach tag purchase supports:
- Lifeguard services (OCNJ has excellent coverage)
- Beach cleaning and maintenance
- Beach patrol equipment
- Restroom facilities
- Beach wheelchairs (free to borrow)
- First aid stations
Lost Tags
If you lose your tag:
- Season tags may be replaced at City Hall with proof of purchase
- Daily/weekly tags typically cannot be replaced
- Consider a secure holder to prevent loss
Beach Tag Exemptions
Free Access
- Children 11 and under
- Active military with valid ID
- Veterans with service-related disabilities (proof required)
Early/Late Access
No tag needed before 10am or after 5pm—perfect for sunrise beach walks, evening picnics, or sunset watching.
Vacation Rental Beach Tags
Some vacation rentals include beach tags or offer them at a discount. Ask when booking. If included, confirm how many tags and verify they are current-season tags.
Group Beach Tags
For large families or groups, consider:
- Buying all tags at once at City Hall
- Designating one person to handle tag purchases
- Using secure holders to prevent lost tags
Compared to Other Beaches
Many visitors from free-beach areas grumble about beach tags. Consider:
- OCNJ beaches are cleaner than most free beaches
- Lifeguard coverage is excellent
- Facilities are maintained
- $30 for unlimited summer access is reasonable
- You are paying for quality, not just access
Wildwood has free beaches, but OCNJ’s tag-funded services are noticeably better.
Final Tips
- Buy season tags if staying more than 3 days
- Purchase at City Hall before hitting the beach
- Wear tags visibly to avoid being stopped
- Keep receipts for lost tag replacement
- Arrive early or stay late to avoid tag hours entirely
Beach tags are just part of the Ocean City experience. Buy them, wear them, and enjoy some of the best-maintained beaches on the Jersey Shore.