No, Deal!
Nothing like a beach day that drains your wallet — before you even hit the sand.
The Borough of Deal, a desirable Jersey Shore destination known for golden beaches and coastal charm, has tourists and locals alike fuming over the sky-high cost of a seasonal beach pass.
The new price of $200, which kicks in for the summer of 2025, has been dubbed “extortionate” by beachgoers — who say the towel tariff is way out of line.
To put it in perspective, nearby Asbury Park and Belmar charge just $70 and $80 for their seasonal passes, respectively — a downright bargain compared to Deal’s steep fee.
Bayhead, another popular spot, charges $60 for a half-season badge and $110 for the full summer.
Last year, Deal, an exclusive oceanfront enclave ranked among the country’s most affluent communities, didn’t even offer seasonal passes — instead charging beachgoers a relatively modest $10 to visit Monday through Thursday and $12 on weekends.
This year, those daily rates are up too, rising to $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends. Meanwhile, kids 11 and under can still splash around for free.
But some say the new pass price feels like a slap in the face, especially since most beaches across the U.S. don’t cost a dime to enjoy.
While New Jersey and other Northeast states has normalized charging for beach access — ostensibly to help fund lifeguards, maintenance, and crowd control — this particular price-hike has sparked an unusual amount of outrage online.
One irate Redditor didn’t mince words, as reported by The Daily Mail, writing, “NJ residents shouldn’t have to buy tags. No one really should have to. Without beachgoers, they have no economy.”
Another chimed in, agreeing that locals are being taken for a ride: “If you are paying taxes in New Jersey, you should not have to pay to use the beaches.”
The timing couldn’t be worse, as Memorial Day — the official start of beach season — is just around the corner on May 26.
As Deal’s newly priced passes go on sale, many are left wondering whether the iconic summer escape is becoming a luxury they just can’t afford.
While some defend the fees as necessary to keep beaches safe and well-maintained, many apparently can’t help but feel squeezed by the rising costs.
And as Deal’s beaches fill up with those willing to pay the premium, plenty of Jersey Shore fans may be heading to cheaper sands this summer — or voicing their frustration online.
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