Think Summertime Beach Trips Will Be Cheap? Here’s Why You’re Probably Wrong

Now that the weather is getting warmer, many parents and children alike are counting down until the end of school and the start of the summer break. Of course, keeping kids entertained for two months while school's not in session can be a daunting task. And there's a good chance you'll end up dipping into your savings account to keep them occupied, whether in the form of a camp program, a recreation program offered by your town, or different day trips.

One day trip you may be excited about is the beach. After all, there's nothing like the feel of warm sand between your toes and cooling off in the ocean.

But while you might think that visiting the beach is an inexpensive way to spend a summer day, you may be sorely mistaken. Here are some of the reasons why.

1. Some beaches charge an entrance fee

Paying to visit a beach isn't always a given. But in some areas, you're charged to set foot on the beach, and you're charged the same fee whether you want to visit for an hour or stay the entire day.

To visit certain sections of New Jersey's Point Pleasant Beach, for example, you'll pay $9 per person aged 12 and older to go on a weekday, and $10 per person on weekends and holidays. So if you're a family of two adult parents and two teens, that means a Saturday beach outing could cost you $40 -- and that doesn't include parking.

Many beaches that charge by the day allow you to purchase a seasonal pass that's far more affordable, though. A full season of beach access at Point Pleasant costs $90, so if you're local and plan to go several times a week, a seasonal pass could make sense. But that also requires you to visit the same beach all the time without a change of scenery, which may not be what you want.

2. You might have to pay for parking

Some beaches don't charge you to get onto the beach per se. But you do need to pay to park in a nearby parking lot. So if you don't live walking distance from a beach, that's another expense to account for.

At New Jersey's Sandy Hook beach, entrance is free, but you'll pay $20 a day to park your car. You can also pay $100 for a seasonal parking pass if you expect to visit multiple times, but either way, you're looking at a pretty large charge on your credit card.

3. You might need gear

Unless you own or are renting a home right on the beach, you'll need a way to haul things like towels, beverages, and beach chairs onto the sand. That's where a beach cart comes in, but you might easily spend close to $100 to purchase one.

If you don't already own chairs and an umbrella, you may want those, too. You might find chairs for as little to $20 to $25 a pop, but they may not be the most comfortable. A beach umbrella might also cost you $40 or more.

Of course, these things are basically one-time purchases -- it's not like you need new chairs or a new beach cart per outing. But still, they're expenses to consider if you're planning a beach outing and don't already own the right gear.

Visiting the beach can be really fun -- and also, more expensive than you might think. Be sure to plan carefully for a beach outing so a day by the ocean doesn't end up completely busting your budget.