Overview
Long Beach Island (LBI), famous Exit 63 off the Garden State Parkway, is an 18-mile-long barrier island in Ocean County, New Jersey. The island has evolved from an important fishing hub to a playground for well-to-do men and women. Nowadays, the numerous tourists attractions and white sandy beaches make LBI a huge tourist spot. The summer months are busiest, "the season" ranging from mid-May through Chowda Fest in October. The majority of the island shuts down during the winter months. Although evolved from the 1950s days of full-coverage bathingsuits, LBI is certainly still a playground of sorts.
3 sights · 20 things to do · 21 places to eat · 12 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Long Beach Island
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Climb the famous lighthouse at the northern tip of LBI! There is also an Interpretive center to learn about the history of the lighthouse.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (Holgate Unit)
Visit the LBI part of the Refuge to see nature with minimal human interference. This area is designated as a wilderness area, which means no wheeled vehicles of any kind. There's a parking lot at the end of Long Beach Bo…
Long Beach Island Historical Museum
Explore the history of the Jersey Shore, with a focus on LBI. The museum has an extensive postcard collection to look at and many artifacts. Most notable is the exhibit featuring the SS Morro Castle disaster. You can als…
The Beach
Lifeguards on duty during daylight until 4 or 5PM. Swim/surf/body board in-between designated flags.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Fantasy Island is a place for rides, games, arcades, food and ice cream. Fantasy Island is a more family orientated place so the rides aren't exactly "extreme thrillers". The amusement park offers rides such as a merry-g…
Thundering Surf Water Park
A fun family water park that consists of many wet attractions. Thundering Surf includes eight giant water-slides, the "Cowabunga Beach" which is a kids play area, a giant water bucket, "Flowrider Double" which is a wave …
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Wettest: Mar and Aug. (climate data from nearby Toms River)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ACY Atlantic City International Airport, Atlantic City — 25 mi away. Directions
- TTN Trenton Mercer Airport, Ewing Township — 55 mi away. Directions
- PHL Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia — 59 mi away (major hub). Directions
The easiest way to get to Long Beach Island is by car. There are bus services, but they are limited, expensive, and/or complex.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $55–$55 a night (typical $115), from 2 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $9 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$170, comfortable ~$170.
Options are grouped as Hotels, Bed and breakfasts, Home rental in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (Holgate Unit), Long Beach Island Historical Museum, Beach Haven Watersports
- Lunch Uncle Will's
- Afternoon Horizon Sailing, Water Sports
- Dinner ScoJo's Eatery
- Evening Buckalew's Restaurant & Tavern
Day 2
- Morning Fantasy Island Amusement Park, Thundering Surf Water Park, St. Francis Community Center
- Lunch Bay Village Pizza
- Afternoon New Jersey Kayak, Miss Barnegat Light
- Dinner Bistro 14
- Evening Daddy O's
Day 3
- Morning Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, The Beach, Pontoon Rides
- Lunch Broadway Pizza
- Afternoon Sea Gypsy, Hartland Miniature Golf & Arcade
- Dinner Country Kettle Chowda
- Evening Gateway
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
If you love to eat, you’ve come to the right island! Long Beach Island is packed with restaurants and eateries from Lighthouse to Inlet, with the majority of them centralized in Beach Haven, Surf City, and Harvey Cedars. Many restaurants do not take reservations and some can have waits as long as 3 hours for a meal, so timing is key when it comes to dining on LBI. Because rentals change over on Saturdays, avoid going out to eat Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Optimum days to dine out are Thursdays and Fridays, when most tourists are devouring the leftovers they have in their refrigerators before departing. Bon appetit!
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Places in Long Beach Island
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The Island derives its name from its white sand beaches that stretch the entirety of the 18 miles. LBI was discovered in 1614 by Captain Cornelius Jacobsen May, a Dutch explorer and tradesman. During its history, the island was rattled by a few major hurricanes, including the largest in 1944. A famous photograph of a home slowly falling victim to this hurricane is hung in many stores, restaurants, and hotels on the island today.
Get in
The easiest way to get to Long Beach Island is by car. There are bus services, but they are limited, expensive, and/or complex.
By car
Long Beach Island is the perfect embodiment of American car culture. So it is almost certain you will be driving your own car to the island.
Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 63. Then, take Route 72 E onto the Island. From there, you will want Long Beach Boulevard, which is the main street going the entire length of the inhabited parts of the island. There will be a toll at the exit.
Or, take US Route 9 to the exit marked Route 72. Then, take Route 72 onto the Island. From there, you will want Long Beach Boulevard, which is the main street going the entire length of the inhabited parts of the island. As a US Highway, there is no toll. The island is accessible only from the west via the Route 72 causeway bridge at Manahawkin; there are no road connections at the northern or southern ends of the island.
By bus
TransportAzumah, a private bus service, will take you directly from New York City (9 Ave-42 St) or Newark Airport to various stops on the island. It only runs during the peak summer period from late June to early October. There is only one bus per day each direction and the ticket costs $40 for adults and $30 for students under 18 (with ID) (2017). The route is TAZ10. Reservations are recommended. +1 347-927-0750.
Or you can take a bus to nearby Manahawkin and then a taxi or rental car to the island.
- New Jersey Transit provides service from Newark, New York City, and Philadelphia to Manahawkin. From there, you will need to take a taxi to the Island. This will always involve two buses and a taxi.
- From New York City or Newark, take bus #67 or #319 to Toms River, then bus #559 to Manahawkin.
- From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, take bus #551 to Atlantic City, NJ, then bus #559 to Manahawkin.
Get around
Once on the island, there are not many ways to get around besides private car. A shuttle bus traverses the entire island, charging a nominal fee. Depending on which hotel you stay at, they may offer transportation services. If you are not staying at a hotel and need to get around, you can use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. In the summer months, they are very easy to come by. The island is very strict with drunk driving, so when you go out at night, make sure you have a ride back to wherever you are staying.
By bike
Another way to get around the island is by renting bicycles. Throughout the streets, there are bicycle lanes, so it is very safe to get around, and bike racks can be found at most beach entrances, as well.You can bring your own bike, or there are many places to rent them.
Go A.J.'s Rentals
Other
- Uber/Lyft drivers are available, at least in the summer months. They may be hard to come by in the off-season.
See
See Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (Holgate Unit)
Visit the LBI part of the Refuge to see nature with minimal human interference. This area is designated as a wilderness area, which means no wheeled vehicles of any kind. There's a parking lot at the end of Long Beach Boulevard with a bathroom.
See Long Beach Island Historical Museum
Explore the history of the Jersey Shore, with a focus on LBI. The museum has an extensive postcard collection to look at and many artifacts. Most notable is the exhibit featuring the SS Morro Castle disaster. You can also try out a real ship engine telegraph!
Do
Do The Beach
Lifeguards on duty during daylight until 4 or 5PM. Swim/surf/body board in-between designated flags.
Do Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Fantasy Island is a place for rides, games, arcades, food and ice cream. Fantasy Island is a more family orientated place so the rides aren't exactly "extreme thrillers". The amusement park offers rides such as a merry-go-round, bumper cars, the "Sea Dragon", tea cups, drop tower, and more. Although Fantasy Island is a fun and entertaining place, they do not offer large roller coasters.
Do Thundering Surf Water Park
A fun family water park that consists of many wet attractions. Thundering Surf includes eight giant water-slides, the "Cowabunga Beach" which is a kids play area, a giant water bucket, "Flowrider Double" which is a wave surfing stimulator and a lazy river. Thundering Surf also has mini-golf which customers find to be a great family activity.
Arts and crafts
Boating & water sports
Do Horizon Sailing
Do Pontoon Rides
Do Water Sports
Do Miss Barnegat Light
Do Sea Gypsy (Beach Haven Yacht Club)
Mini-golf
Mini-golf is a popular thing to do on LBI and there are several courses to try out.
Do Beacon Mini Golf
Do Hartland Miniature Golf & Arcade
Do Sutter's Mill Miniature Golf & Upper Deck Batting Cages
Do Mr Tee's Putt & Play
Movies
Do Hoyts Beach 4
Do Hoyts Colony 4
Spas
Do Freedom
Do Lyceum Health and Fitness Club
Buy
There are hundreds of shops up and down the Island, ranging in size and mainly along Long Beach Boulevard.
Shop B&B Department Store
B&B Department Store sells a wide variety of items. The store is mostly known for selling low priced yet stylish women's clothing but they also offer a selection of men's and children's clothing. B&B also sells Long Beach Island souvenirs and beach supplies. There are several locations of the B&B Department store on the island. They are usually crowded because the B&B chain is extremely popular.
Shop Farias Ship Bottom Flagship
Shop Farias Surf City
Shop Farias Beach Haven
Shop Farias On Centre
Shop Ron Jon Surf Shop
The famous Ron Jon Surf Shop started in LBI, but only maintains one store here. Nonetheless, this huge store is full of surfing and other ocean equipment to ensure you have a great time at the beach. Ron Jon Surf Shop also includes laid back surf apparel for men, women and children. The prices are reasonable and the brand is popularly known on the island. The Ron Jon company not only sponsors professional surfers but also many events for causes on the island.
Shop Silver Sun Mall
The Silver Sun Mall is a small agglomeration of shops in one building. They sell mainly clothing, souvenirs, toys, and beach supplies.
Eat
If you love to eat, you’ve come to the right island! Long Beach Island is packed with restaurants and eateries from Lighthouse to Inlet, with the majority of them centralized in Beach Haven, Surf City, and Harvey Cedars. Many restaurants do not take reservations and some can have waits as long as 3 hours for a meal, so timing is key when it comes to dining on LBI. Because rentals change over on Saturdays, avoid going out to eat Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Optimum days to dine out are Thursdays and Fridays, when most tourists are devouring the leftovers they have in their refrigerators before departing. Bon appetit!
Breakfast
Eat ScoJo's Eatery
In a house-turned-restaurant, Scojo’s is possibly the most popular breakfast spot north of the Causeway, offering all the traditional breakfast fare ranging from eggs and omelets to pancakes, waffles, and French toast, though not recommended for the claustrophobics in the crowd. Reservations are not taken and waits tend to be over an hour on weekends. Indoor seating only. Scojo's is known for its delicious breakfast meals but they also serve a great lunch and dinner course. Once again, this restaurant is usually packed so they do offer a considerably quick take-out option to their costumers.
Eat Uncle Will's
The only thing more famous than Uncle Will’s food is its around-the-block lines. Uncle Will’s serves traditional breakfast fare, and is particularly famous for its Daily Specials, especially the daily pancakes and French toast variations. Muffins and cinnamon buns made on the premises. Say “Hello!” to the giant ceramic pigs seating at some tables – the pig theme is abundant throughout the entire restaurant. Try to count them all! Parking on the boulevard gets full fast, so park up by the beach and walk down for a bite to eat. Reservations are not taken and Uncle Wills possibly as the longest waits on the island, so go early and spend time in the neighboring bookstore while you wait – the hostess will come find you in Atlantic Books!
Lunch
Eat Bay Village Pizza
Boasting “the biggest slices in town,” Bay Village Pizza really does serve up slices bigger than your head. The pizza has been voted best on the Island three years running by the local newspapers and the fresh-cut, seasoned French fries are a big hit, too. Bay Village Pizza offers take-out. Outdoor seating only, place orders at the counter. Parking is tough because it's in Bay Village – so park, shop, and then grab a bite.
Eat Bistro 14
Upstairs in Bay Village (the restaurant gets its name from the fourteen steps customers voyage up). The spacious restaurant has tons of windows and an outdoor balcony, all which offer great views of Bay Village and the water park. People watchers love sitting outside at Bistro 14. Burgers, salads, and seafood baskets complete with French fries and big hits. Complete raw bar, reasonably priced. The bistro is best for lunch, but also open for dinner and offers indoor and outdoor seating. Park in the Bay Village parking lots.
Eat Broadway Pizza
French fries, burgers, hotdogs, pizza and other grilled goodies.
Eat Country Kettle Chowda
Manhattan and New England style chowder (pronounced “chowda”), served in a sourdough bread bowl or not is the only thing on the menu, besides the daily soup option. Minimal outdoor seating is offered, among the shops in the Village.
Eat The Gazebo
Burgers and pizza, coffee and soft drinks offered. Full sushi bar, reasonably priced. Indoor and outdoor seating, The Gazebo is a great lunch option during a day of shopping. The restaurant is also open for dinner.
Eat The Holiday Snack Bar
Take a seat at the giant, singular wrap-around counter in this small restaurant and talk up the other patrons! Home-style burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, fries, onion rings make up the menu. Portions run small, on account of the joint being a “Snack Bar,” but are very reasonably priced. Homemade cakes for dessert; they can be ordered a week in advance for parties, too. The Holiday is great for kids, but not to large parties of 6 or more.
Eat Inlet Deli
Steps outside of Barnegat Light State Park, Inlet Deli offers casual deli fare and is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Inlet Deli has larger facilities than most other casual dining options and is air conditioned in the summer months. If you're on the far north end of the island, there is no better place to stop for lunch. If you're planning a day on the water, order a few sandwiches to pack in the cooler for later in the day.
Eat A Little Bite of Italy Deli
A local Italian deli that serves pizza, baked goods, soups and salads.
Dinner
Eat Boathouse Restaurant
Overlooking the bay, the Boathouse offers a large menu with a wide selection of surf and turf options. The wait tends to be long on the weekends, so weekdays are a better bet. Reservations are taken, which makes this restaurant a great options for large parties.
Eat The Chicken or the Egg (The Chegg)
Situated near the southern end of Beach Haven, "The Chegg" is the only 24-hour joint around. Popular with families for the basic three meals, the restaurant has a huge menu with all the typical diner favorites. All meals served all day. The Chegg is also the most popular hangout for intoxicated partiers after-hours. Stop by if you’ve had a few for a good time after midnight. BYO.
Eat Howard’s
Howard’s overlooks a marina and serves an array of seafood dishes in an up-scale setting. Business casual attire is best; great service. To avoid the crowds, try showing up closer to 5PM; the restaurant does not take reservations.
Eat Joey’s Pizza
Notice Joey’s clever signs that change weekly while driving the boulevard – it’s nearly impossible to miss, as most traffic slows to read and have a laugh. Casual atmosphere with classic Italian favorites: Appetizers, pastas, and pizza. Enjoy watching the pizza slide through their unique oven on the conveyer belt. Avoid this joint after it has rained – its nicknamed “Joey’s Underwater Pizza” because the corner floods like not other place on the island after rain. Of course, the restaurant will still be open, so if you don’t mind wet feet, head on over! Joey’s also provides take-out, which is the more popular option.
Eat Oasis Grill
Serving up typical grill fare, Oasis is famous for their burgers. Indoor and outdoor seating; order at the counter.
Eat The Plantation
Styled like a Southern plantation home, The Plantation serves up unique, Southern inspired cuisine. The restaurant is two floors, with best seating downstairs. Reservations are a must-have for anyone who is not willing to wait hours to dine. This restaurant could be considered one of the higher class restaurants on the island. Although business casual attire is appropriate, many dress a bit fancier. The Plantation excels in their great service to their costumers. The restaurant offers a coat check and valet parking.
Eat Roberto’s Dolce Vita
Authentic Italian food accompanied by great service. Business casual attire appropriate; reservations are not taken. Weekdays are best to avoid the crowds. Parking can be tough – parking on a side street near by is recommended. BYO.
Eat Tucker’s
This spacious restaurant by the bay in Beach Haven offers a wide variety of all-American cuisine. The chef’s specialty appetizer, fried tomatoes, has become a huge hit with locals and visitors. A kids' menu is available. Shuffleboard and popcorn are available near the bar during the summer season. Indoor and outdoor seating available – check out the Black Whale tour boat parked in the bay nearby if seated on the patio. Reservations are taken at Tuckers.
Eat Yellow Fin
A small, upscale restaurant on the northern end of Surf City, Yellow Fin offers an array of specialty seafood dishes. Casual business attire appropriate.
Dessert
Drink
LBI has a great night life. There are numerous bars to choose from. Most of the bars require casual attire.
Drink Buckalew's Restaurant & Tavern
Traditional Jersey atmosphere.
Drink Daddy O's
Largest bar on the island. Stylish and casual, upscale so the prices are higher.
Drink Gateway
Local bar, karaoke, Weird Al Yankovic impersonator comes on occasion
Drink The Hudson House
Tucked away on a residential street in Beach Haven, "The Hud" offers drinks of all kind and a great atmosphere.
Drink Joe Pop's Shore Bar & Restaurant
Local bands every night, dance floor, pool tables, air hockey, shuffle board, darts, and video games.
Drink The Ketch
18 to party 21 to drink, 2 levels: upper level is strictly for those who are 21 and the lower level is open to the 18 - 21. A teen night is hosted once a week for those who are under 21.
Drink The Marlin
Dress up attire is preferred; pool tables, bar, live entertainment.
Drink Nardi's
Has a pink drunk bus that picks up and drops off. Local & live bands.
Drink The Quarterdeck Inn & Restaurant
Thursday nights: 'LBI's Best Original Band Night' $1 Miller Light pints and $3 cover. Friday: $2 shots and $1 Miller Light pints all night long. Saturday: $2 shots all night long
Drink Sea Shell Club & Restaurant
Drinks are served all day. There are 2 entrances; one is right off the beach or the main entrance. Shoes are optional. Live bands play throughout the day, drinks are served at the tiki bar, drinks can be taken to the pool, or drinks can be brought to the beach. At night the bar is outside and inside. The inside has a dance floor. Thursday nights are 'Thunder Thursdays' $1 shots and $1 Coors Lights.
Drink Spray Beach Inn
'LBI's best kept secret' right off the beach with and indoor & outdoor bar. Friendly environment. Happy Hour M-F 3-7PM.
Drink Terrace Tavern
Sports bar, with 40 types of tequila.
Sleep
Many people rent a house through one of many rental agencies. Houses can be rented by the week usually and come in all kinds. Keep in mind the landlords can be very particular about their house integrity remaining uncompromised and it is not uncommon for them to drive by to see if the house is in order. You may not even notice they drove by.
Stay JerSea Realty
- Some homeowners rent their houses without going through a realtor. For those cases, check out websites like VRBO or craigslist. If using Craigslist, be very careful, talk on the phone with the homeowner to make certain that it is not a scam.
Hotels
For less hassle, you can choose from many hotels or bed and breakfasts on the island:
Stay Mariner Inn
Bed and breakfasts
Stay The Island Guest House
In the heart of Beach Haven a few blocks from the ocean, this bed and breakfast is in a restored building that was built around 1900. Owners Mark and Joanne are helpful and provide a homemade breakfast every morning from 8:30-9:30AM. In the afternoon, there is iced tea and some home-baked treat. There are 15 rooms, some of which can be used as two-room suites, and an adjacent cottage that sleeps four. Free Wi-fi.
Home rental
Go next
Atlantic City is about 65 miles south of LBI.
Communities
- Barnegat Light — Home to Barnegat Lighthouse. Other than that, not much.
- Harvey Cedars — Mainly residential, with a few stores and restaurants. Harvey Cedars is a getaway from the hustle and bustle of other LBI towns.
- Surf City — Lots of shopping and dining opportunities.
- Ship Bottom — Known as the "Gateway to LBI" since it's the landing place for the Causeway Bridge.
- Beach Haven — A historic summer resort town with notable Victorian architecture, and ample shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. It also hosts the only amusement park on LBI.
Nearby
Southern Ocean County
Rural area · 11 listings · 10 mi away
Brigantine
City / town · 6 listings · 19 mi away
Toms River
City / town · 39 listings · 22 mi away
Seaside Heights
City / town · 30 listings · 22 mi away
Ortley Beach
City / town · 9 listings · 22 mi away
Atlantic City
City / town · 55 listings · 23 mi away
Egg Harbor City
City / town · 7 listings · 24 mi away
Pleasantville
City / town · 25 mi away
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