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Long Beach Island is an island in New Jersey.

History

Barnegat Lighthouse on the northern tip of Long Beach Island

Long Beach Island, famous Exit 63 off the Garden State Parkway, is an 18 mile long barrier island located in Ocean County, New Jersey. 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. After discovery, the island evolved from important fishing hub to playground for well-to-do men and women. 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. Nowadays, Long Beach Island's 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.

Get in

Historically, it was possible to get to Long Beach Island by train, bus, or car. Now, the choice has been effectively limited to car. There is bus service, 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.

By bus

As of 2007, there is direct bus service to the Island by TransportAzumah. Alternatively, you can take a bus to nearby Manahawkin and then a taxi or rental car to the island.

TransportAzumah, a private bus service, will take you directly from New York City 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). The route is TAZ10. 347-927-0750

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.

Taxis

Long Beach Island: 609-492-2287
Ocean County: 609-698-1313
Phone: 609-693-2939
Toll Free: 877-693-2939
Phone: 609-607-1600
609-494-CABS(2227)
Serving LBI and surrounding area

Get around

Once on the Island, there are not many ways to get around besides private car. There is no public transportation. 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 taxi service. The Island is very strict with drunk driving, so when you go out at night, make sure you have a ride back to where ever you are staying. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry.

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. You can bring your own, or there are many places to rent them.

  • Faria's Surf/Sport (Beach Haven), 823 North Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-0200. Faria's offers many different rentals besides bikes. Use the website to find all the information you need. 
  • Faria's Surf/Sport (Ship Bottom), 506 Long Beach Blvd Ave, ☏ +1 609 494-8616. 
  • Surf Buggy, 1414 Long Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 609 361 3611. The website offers the prices for bikes as well as many different beach items. Prices are listed per hour, day, 3-days, and week. If you are worried about spending money, you may want to rent from The BoardWalk instead, they have cheaper prices. 

Taxi

There are three different taxi services depending on where you are located.

See

  • Barnegat Lighthouse State Park (Take Long Beach Blvd north and make a left onto Broadway), ☏ +1 609 494-2016. Park open during daylight all year. Lighthouse open daily 10AM-4:30PM (weather permitting) Memorial Day-Labor Day. Climb the famous lighthouse at the northern tip of LBI! And see a wonderful view of the coast and island itself. Also read this article for more info. Park: Free, Lighthouse: $1. 
  • Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (Take Long Beach Blvd all the way south (it becomes S Bay Ave)), ☏ +1 609 652-1665, fax: +1 609 652-1474, . Visit the LBI part of the Refuge to see nature with minimal human interference. The Refuge is only accessible by walking, once you park at the end of S Bay Ave. 
  • Long Beach Island Historical Museum, Engleside Ave and Beach Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-0700. Daily 10AM-4PM, Wed 7-9PM also (summer only). 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! $3 donation. 

Do

The beach
  • Beach (Go east from anywhere on the island.). Lifeguards on duty during daylight until 4 or 5PM. Swim/surf/body board in-between designated flags. Badges range in price depending on type and location. Season badges range from $18 - $30. Weekly badges can be anywhere from $15 - $20 and daily badges are usually $5 - $6. Tags for adults age 65 or older are discounted or free; badges for children under 12 are not required. Badges are on sale from 8:30AM to 3:30PM weekdays at the Borough Hall. Badge checkers will sell badges on the beach as well, but usually not until the last week in June.. 
  • Fantasy Island Amusement Park, 320 Seventh Street, Beach Haven, ☏ +1 609 492-4000, fax: +1 609 492-3512. Fantasy Island is a place for rides, games, arcades, food and ice-cream. It is appropriate for your 4 yr-old or your grandmother. 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 and more. Although Fantasy Island is a fun and entertaining place, they do not offer large roller coasters. Admission, Entertainment: Free; Rides: 75¢/token, 3-5 tokens/ride; Arcade: Games vary, but use quarters. 
  • Thundering Surf Water Slide & Squirt Works (Waterpark), 8th St. & Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-0869. 9:30AM to 6PM. Thundering Surf Water Slide & Squirt Works is 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 includes a mini adventure which is customers find to be a great family activity. $24-26; $10 for Seniors. 

Arts and Crafts

  • St. Francis Community Center, 47th St. & Long Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 609 494-8861. Recreation & educational programs for children & adults; arts, crafts, sports, exercise, special events. 

Boating & Water Sports

  • New Jersey Kayak (LBI rentals, lessons, and tours), 409 East Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 698-4440. 
  • Black Whale Cruises, Centre St. at the Bay, ☏ +1 609 492-0333. Boat trips to Atlantic City 
  • Miss Barnegat Light, 18th St. & Bayview, ☏ +1 609 494-2094. Ocean exploration 

Mini-Golf

Minigolf is a popular thing to do on LBI and there are several courses to try out.

  • Hartland Miniature Golf & Arcade, 28th St. & Long Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 609 494-7776. 
  • Sutter's Mill Miniature Golf & Upper Deck Batting Cages, 8th St. & Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492 0869. 

Movies

It may seem odd to go to the movies while on vacation, but many tourists to LBI do.

Spas

Buy

There are hundreds of shops up and down the Island, ranging in size and mainly along Long Beach Boulevard.

  • Bay Village, 9th St and Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-2800. Built in 1965, Bay Village is meant to look like a 19th century village. It has several shops, restaurants, and the Island famous Country Kettle Fudge and Crust and Crumb Bakery. 
  • B&B Department Store, 9th St. & Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-3050. B&B Department Store sells a wide variety of items. The store is mostly known for selling low priced yet stylish womens clothing but they also offer a selection of mens and childrens 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. 
  • Hand's Department Store, 14th and Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-2385. Sells all sorts of goods like an old-fashioned general store. Everything from clothing, souvenirs, some foods, tools, beach supplies, and more. Think of Wal-Mart, but smaller and more expensive. Hand's has pretty much everything you will need while on LBI. 
  • Island Sun Jewelers, 811 North Bay Ave (Located across from Fantasy Island and to the left one block), ☏ +1 609 492-1165. Island Sun sells mainly clothing, but also jewelry, souvenirs, postcards, beach supplies, and even hermit crabs. 
  • Ron Jon Surf Shop, 801 Central Ave, ☏ +1 609 494-8844, . Daily 8AM-11PM. 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. 
  • Silver Sun Mall, 3rd St and Bay Ave. 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 appetite!

Breakfast

  • Fred’s Beach Haven Diner, 2404 S. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-6202. Mid April-early October, M-F 7AM-2PM. Sa-Su 8AM-2PM, 6PM-9PM. Taking up an entire block on the boulevard, Fred’s is a huge restaurant. Part diner, complete with counter and tiny jukeboxes, part carpeted dining room, Fred’s has a huge breakfast and lunch menu, complete with all the classics. The corn beef hash made Fred famous, and yes, the restaurant is really named after its true owner. To avoid an hour-or-more wait, make sure to arrive before 9:30AM or after 11:30AM. Reservations are not taken and indoor seating only. Parking on the boulevard is always packed near Fred’s, so parking the car up by the beach and walking down to the main drag works best. BYO. $9-$20. 
  • Scojo’s Restaurant, 307 N. Bay Ave, Surf City, ☏ +1 609 494-8661. May–January, M-Su 8AM-3PM. Located 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 it's 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. $5-$12. 
  • Uncle Will’s Pancake House, 3 S. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-2514. April–October, M-F 8:30AM-1PM;S/S 8:30AM-1PM, 5PM-8PM. 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! $5-$17. 

Lunch

  • Bay Village Pizza, 9th Street and Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-4484. Apr-Oct: M-Th 12PM-11PM,F-Su 12PM-12AM. 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 its located in Bay Village – so park, shop, and then grab a bite. $3-$6. 
  • Bistro 14, 9th St, ☏ +1 609 492 6100. Apr-Oct: M-Su 12PM-11PM. Located 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. $10-$22. 
  • Broadway Pizza, 1718 N. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 494-7281. May-Sep: M-Su 11AM-12AM. French fries, burgers, hotdogs, pizza and other grilled goodies. $2-$6. 
  • Country Kettle Chowda, 800 N. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-2800. May-Oct, M-Su Noon-10PM. 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, located among the shops in the Village. $3-$5.. 
  • The Gazebo, Schooner’s Wharf (Go all the way to the far end of the Wharf and you will see it.), ☏ +1 609 492-5811. May-Oct: Daily Noon-10PM. 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. $6-$14. 
  • The Holiday Snack Bar, 401 Centre St, ☏ +1 609 492-4544. Mid May-late Aug: Daily 11AM-9PM. 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. $2-$8. 
  • Inlet Deli, 33 W. 4th St, ☏ +1 609 494-3049. May-Aug: 5:30AM-6PM. 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. $4-$11. 
  • A Little Bite of Italy Deli, 1419 Long Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 609 361-0506. Open all year round.. A local Italian deli that serves pizza, baked goods, soups and salads. 

Dinner

  • Boathouse Restaurant, 13015 West Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-1997. Jun-Aug: Daily 5PM-11:30PM. 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. $18-$42. 
  • The Chicken or the Egg (The Chegg), 207 N. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-FOWL (3695). May-Oct: Daily Open 24 Hours. 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. $8-$15. 
  • Howard’s, 33rd Street and S. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-2319. May-Sep: Daily 5PM-11PM. 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. $19-$45. 
  • Joey’s Pizza, 8106 S. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 361-1122. Apr-Sep: M-F Noon-10:30PM, Sa-Su Noon-11PM. 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. $12-$18. 
  • Oasis Grill, 8001 N. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 361-0111. May-Sep: M-Sa Noon-9PM. Serving up typical grill fare, Oasis is famous for their burgers. Indoor and outdoor seating; order at the counter. $6-$14. 
  • The Plantation, 7908 S. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 494-8191. Year round: M-F 5PM-10PM, Apr-Sep until 11PM. 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. $35-$65. 
  • Roberto’s Dolce Vita, 12907 N. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492 1001. May-Sep: M-F 5PM-10PM. Sa-Su 5PM-11PM. 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. $21-$43. 
  • Tucker’s, Engleside at the Bay, ☏ +1 609 492-2300. Year round: Daily 11AM-11PM. This spacious restaurant located 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 alike in recent years. 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. $14-$40. 
  • Yellow Fin, 104 N. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 494-7001. May-Oct: Daily 5PM-11PM. A small, upscale restaurant on the northern end of Surf City, Yellow Fin offers an array of specialty seafood dishes. Casual business attire appropriate. $25-$45. 

Dessert

  • Lainie's, 811 Bay Ave (Across the Blvd from Fantasy Island and a block to the left), ☏ +1 609 207-0777. 

Drink

LBI has a great night life. There are numerous bars to choose from. Most of the bars require casual attire.

  • Buckalew's Restaurant & Tavern, 101 Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-1865. Open year round. Traditional Jersey atmosphere. 
  • Daddy O's, 4401 Long Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 609 494-1300. open year round. Largest bar on the island. Stylish and casual, upscale so the prices are higher. 
  • Gateway, 8th St. Causeway, ☏ +1 609 494-1661. Local bar, karaoke, Weird Al impersonator comes on occasion 
  • The Hudson House. Tucked away on a residential street in Beach Haven, "The Hud" offers drinks of all kind and a great atmosphere. 
  • Joe Pop's Shore Bar & Restaurant, 20th St. and Long Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 609 494-0558. Local bands every night, dance floor, pool tables, air hockey, shuffle board, darts, and video games. 
  • The Ketch, 2nd Street & Dock Rd, ☏ +1 609 492-3000. 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. 
  • The Marlin, 2 S. Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-7700. Dress up attire is preferred; pool tables, bar, live entertainment. 
  • Nardi's, 118th Street & Long Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 609 492-9538. Has a pink drunk bus that picks up and drops off. Local & live bands. 
  • The Quarterdeck Inn & Restaurant, 351 W. 9th St, ☏ +1 609 494-9055. Recently renovated. 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 
  • Sea Shell Club & Restaurant, 10 S Atlantic Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-4611. 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' Dollar shots and Dollar Coors lights. 
  • Spray Beach Inn, 24th St. & Ocean Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-1500. 'LBI's best kept secret' right off the beach with and indoor & outdoor bar. Friendly environment. Happy Hour M-F 3PM-7PM. 
  • Terrace Tavern, 1 Long Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 609 492-9751. Sports bar, with 40 different 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.

  • 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:

  • Buccaneer Motel, 2600 North Bay Ave, ☏ +1 609 492-4582, . The Buccaneer is one of the few hotels on the bay side of the Island. It has an indoor and an outdoor pool, both heated, as well as a jacuzzi. In addition, there is a rooftop deck for you to relax. You can also rent a boat or tie up your own at their private dock. In season: $76-$275; Off season: $65-$180. 
  • Mariner Inn, 33rd St and Long Beach Blvd. Check-in: 11AM, check-out: 3PM. 

Bed and Breakfasts

  • The Island Guest House, 207 Third St, ☏ +1 609 709-5791, toll-free: +1-877-LBI-STAY (524-7829), . Located in the heart of Beach Haven and just a few blocks from the ocean, this bed and breakfast is in a restored building that was built around 1900. Owners Mark and Joanne will cater to your every need 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, as well as an adjacent cottage that sleeps four. Free WIFI. $175-$349. 

Connect

Go next

Atlantic City is about 65 miles south of LBI. Long Beach Island Events and Entertainment

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