8 New Jersey Shore Towns Hit Controversial Revenue Milestone

Whether you are a South Jersey local or seasonal visitor, we all look forward to summertime at the Jersey Shore. The beach days, the boardwalk strolls, the seasonal businesses we love to visit, the sunsets on the bay, and the cool breeze off the ocean at night.

But what no one likes is paying for parking when you visit the New Jersey Shore Towns. While some people go out of their way, and drive around for 10-20 minutes until they find an open free parking spot, others will include paying for parking into their vacation budget.

While some coastal communities like Avalon do not charge for parking anywhere in their municipality, other shore towns like Stone Harbor keep raising the paid parking rates with zero consideration for how it will impact visitors and local businesses.

These New Jersey Coastal Communities Generate Millions from Paid Parking

According to research from NJ Advanced Media, over $23 million was generated in paid parking by New Jersey Shore Towns in 2025.  Of the 42 Coastal Communities that comprise the "Jersey Shore", 58.8 percent charge for seasonal parking (23).

There are eight NJ Municipalities where paid parking generated over one million in revenue in 2025, but only two generated more than $3 million: Asbury Park made $5,928,682.59 from parking last summer season, while Ocean City yielded $3,513,273.00 from paid parking fees.

While South Jersey Shore Towns like Wildwood ($2.14 Million), and Cape May ($1.05 Million) were generating millions from parking last summer, other municipalities like Brigantine ($123,510.64), and Ventnor ($141,442.25) saw below-average revenues from paid parking.

On the flipside, some of the Jersey Shore's most upscale coastal communities featuring some of the highest home prices do not charge for any parking in their municipalities. This list includes Sea Girt, Harvey Cedars, and Avalon.

The Top 15 New Jersey Shore Towns in Paid Parking Revenue in 2025

1. Asbury Park ($5,928,682.59)
2. Ocean City ($3,513,273)
3. Wildwood ($2,140,389.83)
4. North Wildwood ($1,745,203)
5. Point Pleasant Beach ($1,705,152.20)
6. Seaside Heights ($1,601,616.20)
7. Long Branch ($1,434,550.35)
8. Cape May ($1,054,414.36)
9. Sea Bright ($862,208.70)
10. Seaside Park ($756,074.17)
11. Wildwood Crest ($342,797.24)
12. Manasquan ($453,015)
13. Belmar ($441,300)
14. Monmouth Beach ($381,175)
15. Sea Isle City ($291,105.75)