First-time visitors to the Jersey shore are often amazed that the beaches require either payment to enter, or beach tags to be carried as proof of payment. Beach tags, also known as beach badges, are needed for almost every local beach, whether you are staying for a day, a week or a season.
Avalon, NJ requires beach badges, and they can be purchased any time at the booth outside of Community Hall or from the badge checkers on the beach. A day pass is $6, a weekly pass is $12 and a seasonal pass is $24. One advantage to purchasing Avalon beach badges is that they are reciprocally accepted in Stone Harbor (and vice versa)!
When you are staying at the Golden Inn and you venture outside of the pool/beach club area and onto the beach, you will require tags. The front desk will be able to provide you with tags to use for the day; be sure to contact the front desk for more information.
If you are exploring the nearby beach towns, you will need to observe the local beach tag rules. Here’s some basic information for nearby points of interest:
Stone Harbor: Same beach tag rules as Avalon; Avalon tags are reciprocal with Stone Harbor
Sea Isle City: Beach tags are available at the beach tag office (next to the library) every day (note: the office will be closed Wednesdays after July 4) or from the beach patrol while you are on the beach. A day pass is $5, $10 for a weekly pass, and a seasonal pass is $20 per person. Tags are not required for children under 12.
Wildwoods: The Wildwoods are the exception to the NJ beach tag trend–all Wildwood beaches are free!
Cape May: Beach tags are available for purchase at beach entrances. Day tags are $5, 3-day tags are $10, a weekly tag is $13 and a seasonal tag is $25 (all tags are per person). The beach at Cape May Point is free to all visitors.
Ocean City: Beach tags are sold at City Hall and several other locations throughout the City. A seasonal pass is $20, a weekly pass is $10 and a day pass is $5. Children under age 12 are free.
If you do purchase beach tags during your visit to the Jersey shore, be sure to keep them–they make great souvenirs when you keep a tag from every year 
Photo credit: wfyurasko
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Do you know where in Stone Harbor I can buy them?