Explore Long Beach Island, NJ
Long Beach Island Vehicle Beach Access (2025 Off-Season)
Long Beach Island welcomes responsible off-season beach driving from late September through early May. With a Beach Buggy permit, 4WD vehicles may access designated entry points for activities like surf fishing and wildlife photography. A valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance are required, and rules vary by town. Use the guide below to find where to apply, current fees, and access dates—and please drive carefully and respect local closures to protect visitors and the shoreline.
Securing a Permit
âś… Jurisdictions That Do Offer Beach Vehicle Access:
- Harvey Cedars – Permits available at Borough Hall.
- Surf City – Permits available at Borough Hall.
- Ship Bottom – Permits available at Borough Hall.
- Long Beach Township – Permits available at the Police Department.
- Beach Haven – Permits available at Borough Hall.
đźš« Jurisdictions That Do Not Offer Beach Vehicle Access:
- Barnegat Light – No beach vehicle access permits issued.
Important: When applying for a beach vehicle permit, bring your valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Each town sets its own rules, fees, and access dates—check directly with the municipality for details.
| Town | Permit Needed | Entry Point(s) | Date Start | Date End | Permit Cost | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP | Long Beach Township | Various | October 1st | May 14th | $50 |
Long Beach Township Municipal Complex (Police Records) 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| HOLGATE | Long Beach Township | Nelson Ave, Scott Ave, Harding Ave, Washington Ave | October 1st | May 14th | $50 |
Long Beach Township Municipal Complex (Police Records) 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| NORTH BEACH | Long Beach Township | 15th Street | October 1st | May 14th | $50 |
Long Beach Township Municipal Complex (Police Records) 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| BEACH HAVEN CREST | Long Beach Township | 79th Street, 87th Street | October 1st | May 14th | $50 |
Long Beach Township Municipal Complex (Police Records) 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| BEACH HAVEN PARK | Long Beach Township | 106th Street | October 1st | May 14th | $50 |
Long Beach Township Municipal Complex (Police Records) 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| BEACH HAVEN | Beach Haven | Taylor Avenue, Center Street, Holyoke Avenue | October 1st | May 14th | $50 |
Beach Haven Borough Hall (Clerk’s/Police Records) 300 Engleside Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| BEACH HAVEN GARDENS | Long Beach Township | 34th Street | October 1st | May 14th | $50 |
Long Beach Township Municipal Complex (Police Records) 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| NORTH BEACH HAVEN | Long Beach Township | 15th Street | October 1st | May 14th | $50 |
Long Beach Township Municipal Complex (Police Records) 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| HOLGATE WILDLIFE REFUGE | Long Beach Township | McKinley Avenue at end of boulevard | September 2nd | March 31st | $50 |
Long Beach Township Municipal Complex (Police Records) 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| LOVELADIES | Long Beach Township | Coast Avenue | October 1st | May 14th | $50 |
Long Beach Township Municipal Complex (Police Records) 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| HARVEY CEDARS | Harvey Cedars | 83rd Street, Middlesex, Bergen, and Essex | October 2nd | May 14th | $50 |
Harvey Cedars Borough Hall 7606 Long Beach Blvd, Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| SURF CITY | Surf City | 5th Street, 18th Street | September 21st | 4th Friday in May | $25 |
Surf City Borough Hall / Police Dept 813 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
| SHIP BOTTOM | Ship Bottom | Access at 5th Street, 17th Street, 31st Street | September 21st | 3rd Friday in May | $50 |
Ship Bottom Borough Hall / Police Dept 1621 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008 Map Bring driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance. |
Tip: Bring your driver’s license, registration & proof of insurance when purchasing or picking up your beach vehicle permit. Hours and payment methods can vary—call ahead.
STEP 1: Choose an Entry Point
đź“ŤMap of Vehicle Entry Points
STEP 2: Deflating your tires
We recommend bringing a tire deflator (or a similar substitute) to make the process quick and easy. For safe beach driving on Long Beach Island, tires should generally be deflated to 12–15 PSI. This lower pressure gives your vehicle better traction in the sand and helps prevent getting stuck.
STEP 3: The Driving
🚙 Driving Do’s
- Pack essential emergency gear before heading onto the beach.
- Always check tide charts and weather conditions—low tide is safest. Aim to drive within two hours before the tide turns or during the first hour after it starts rising.
- Obey the speed limit: Long Beach Island strictly enforces 15 mph.
- Drive slowly, cautiously, and be courteous to other beachgoers.
- Use gentle acceleration and braking to avoid getting stuck.
- Stay alert for sea walls, washouts, driftwood, nails, and other debris.
🚫 Driving Don’ts
- Avoid reckless swerving—stay in established tire tracks.
- Never drive on dunes.
- Don’t make sharp turns or slam the gas/brakes.
- Skip rapid acceleration—it’s the quickest way to get stuck.
- Don’t head out with a low fuel level—4×4 beach driving burns more gas than you think.
- Never hit the sand without first lowering your tire pressure.
STEP 4: Reinflating Your Tires
â›˝ Free Air Stations
After airing down to drive on the beach, be sure to refill your tires before heading back on the road. Several businesses around LBI offer free air pumps for 4×4 drivers:- Fisherman’s Headquarters (Ship Bottom) – 24/7 free air pump station located just outside their shop.
- Holgate Parking Lot – Pump located just north of the public restrooms at the Holgate beach entrance.
- Some Local Marinas & Tackle Shops – Many provide air stations to support anglers and beach drivers.
💡 Pro Tip: Carry a small portable air pump in your vehicle for emergencies. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Portable Air Compressor is the one we use and is a reliable option for topping off tires anywhere.
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