Bay Head: Seaside Country Village

Bay Head is often called a "quaint country village by the sea," with active and passive recreation, swimming, watersports and shopping.

• Beach badges are free for those younger than 12; ages 12 and older: $7 daily;  half-season: $45; season: $70. Bay Head beach badges can be purchased by contacting Bay Head Improvement Associates, Mount Street (next to Scow Ditch), P.O. Box 42, Bay Head, NJ 08742. Phone: 732-892-4179.
• Street parking and parking in the municipal lot on Bridge Avenue is free but tends to fill up quickly all summer, especially on weekends and holidays. There is no time limit except for street parking in the Bridge Avenue business district.
• The only bathroom facility available to the public is in the municipal complex and police department on Bridge Avenue. Only the police department part of the complex is open on weekends and holidays.
• Food and drinks are not allowed on the beach except for water in clear, plastic containers. Beachgoers may sit on benches at the entry points to the beach and eat food they have brought. There is no place to buy food or beverages on the beachfront, though there are local shops on Route 35.