Free N.J. Beach Access For Military? Not Everywhere, It Turns Out

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.

MANTOLOKING: Active duty military personnel are entitled to free badges provided they have correct proof of active military service.

BRICK: Active duty military receive free access with valid ID. Veterans receive free beach access on the Fourth of July only during the township's veterans appreciation event.

LAVALLETTE: A season fee of $14 is available to active duty military personnel and to disabled veterans, as well as anyone 65 or older or totally disabled.

TOMS RIVER: Free access for active duty military and veterans with valid ID.

SEASIDE HEIGHTS: Free access for active duty military and veterans with valid ID.

SEASIDE PARK: No free adult access.

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK: The per-vehicle entry fee applies to everyone.

BARNEGAT LIGHT: No free adult access.

LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP/LOVELADIES: Military Veteran Seasonal beach badges can be obtained at no cost with valid military identification (i.e.. DD-214, etc.) at the beach badge office on 68th Street in Brant Beach.

HARVEY CEDARS: Active military and their dependents receive free access with valid military ID. Veterans receive free access with acceptable proof of honorable discharge.

SURF CITY: Free access for seniors 65 and over. No specific provisions for military or veterans.

SHIP BOTTOM: No free adult access.

BEACH HAVEN: No free access for military or veterans.

BRIGANTINE: No free access for military or veterans.

ATLANTIC CITY: Free access for all.

VENTNOR CITY: No free adult access.

MARGATE: No free adult access.

LONGPORT: No free adult access.

OCEAN CITY: Free beach badges for veterans, and free badges for active duty military, their spouses and dependent children over the age of 12. Proper military or veteran ID must be presented to receive a tag.

SEA ISLE CITY: Free access for active duty military and their spouse and dependents, and free access for honorably discharged veterans, with valid ID.

AVALON: Free access foractive duty military and their immediate family members, as well as for veterans, with valid ID.

STONE HARBOR: Free beach tags for veterans and for active duty military and their immediate families are available but must be picked up at the Beach Tag office at 95th Street and the Beach. Valid ID must be presented.

NORTH WILDWOOD: Free access for all.

WILDWOOD: Free access for all.

WILDWOOD CREST: Free access for all.

CAPE MAY: The city offers free beach tags for active duty military and veterans. There is an application form and the tags must be picked up in person, with valid military or veteran's status documentation, at the city's Tax Office, 643 Washington St.