About Long Beach Island, NJ
Long Beach Island (LBI) is a barrier island and summer vacation destination located on the coast of Ocean County, sitting between Atlantic City to the south and Island Beach State Park to the north. The island is approximately 18 miles in length, one-and-a-half miles out to sea, and includes three miles of marsh protected as part of Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge located on the southern tip. The island is home to about 10,000 people on a year-round basis, but the population swells significantly during the summer months and reaches about 100,000-200,000 people, including part-time residents and tourists. The primary industries of the island include tourism, fishing, and real estate.
Long Beach Island has been continuously settled since 1690, initially being a destination for hunters and first recorded by Henry Hudson on his passing. Barnegat Inlet, to the north of the island, was an important path for freight shipments and whaling from the 17th century through the 20th century. In 1899, Long Beach Township was formed as a way to organize the small towns of the island. Today, Long Beach Township incorporates 19 of the current 24 towns. Surf City, Harvey Cedars, and Beach Haven were already incorporated in 1899 when Long Beach Township was formed. Barnegat Light and Ship Bottom would follow later forming what the island is today; a beach-goers haven with some of the best real estate on the Eastern Seaboard!
What To Do On Long Beach Island
LBI offers much more than just a gorgeous beach and killer surf! Explore the island and you will find plenty of family-fun activities, excellent restaurants, concerts, an active night life, and of course a landscape of your dreams. Scroll down below to see my suggestions. Visit today!
Family-Fun Activities
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Location: 750 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven
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Location: 300 Taylor Ave, Beach Haven
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Boats out of Beach Haven:
- Benita J, 38' Custom Downeast Sportfish, Capt. Dave Wittenborn, 609-577-2797
- Irish Jig Sportfishing, Parker 2520 Pilot House, Capt. Gary M. Dugan Jr., 609-760-3717
- June Bug, 41' Ricky Scarborough Express, Capt. Lindsay Fuller, 609-685-2839
- Star Fish, 2-19 anglers, Capt. Carl Sheppard, 609-492-2591
- Lighthouse Sportfishing, 23' Dusky, Capt. Alex Majewski, 609-548-2511
Boats out of Barnegat Light:
- Double Trouble, 6 anglers, Capt. Sonny Shepanski, 609-361-9315
- Jersey Devil, 62', Capt. Russ Jacobus, 609-971-9292
- Reel Trouble, 40', Capt. Bill DuBois, 609-709-0226
- Sea Eagle, 1-4 anglers, 26' Fortier Bass, Capt. Rick Lamb, 609-560-2081
- Skirt Chaser, 6 anglers, Capt. Frank Hutchco, 1-800-917-3034
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Bay Village, located in the heart of Beach Haven, is home to a plethora of shopping, restaurants, family-activities, candy stores, ice cream shops, waterpark, amusement park and much more!
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LBI Surfing: 609-494-7873
Wave Hog Surf Shop: 609-494-1040
South End Surf & Paddle: 609-492-8823
Farias Surf & Sport: 609-494-7368
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Viking Village is a hub of fishing, fishing vessels, and unique shopping located on the north end of the island in Barnegat Light. Read more here.
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Barnegat Lighthouse, also know as “Old Barney”, is located at the most northern tip of the island in Barnegat Light. Grab the family and head to the lighthouse to climb to the top, learn of its history, and walk the nature trails surrounding the area. Read more info about the lighthouse here!
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Enjoy many of the islands hidden nature trails. Most of these trails can be found in High Bar Harbor, Barnegat Light, and Holgate. During specific months these trails can turn into world-class bird watching spots. Click here to see the list of birds observed on LBI in the Edwin B. Forsythe Bird Sanctuary in Holgate.
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The island has many festivals/events that take place during the summer months along with the fall. Some events include surf competitions, food contests, the annual ChowderFest, weekly concerts, and much more!
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Surflight Theatre- “Broadway at the Beach!”
Recommended Restaurants
Interactive Map
Events
Discover what is happening on LBI! Some common events on the island include surf contests, beach clean-ups, shows at the Surflight Theatre, outdoor concerts, Volunteer Fire Co. events, Christmas parade, Chowderfest, Fourth of July Fireworks, and much more. Click on the link below to access the island’s event calendar or the link to The Sandpaper.
Long Beach Island Blog
Click below to read my blog discussing all things LBI & real estate. Learn LBI real estate tricks, stay up to date with current market performance, read professional market insights, find island events, stay in tune with local news, and much more!
Summer Concerts
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Harvey Cedars
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Barnegat Light
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Long Beach Township
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Beach Haven
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Surf City
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Ship Bottom
Volunteer Opportunities
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Alliance For a Living Ocean (ALO)
ALO is a local non-profit with one simple goal, to engage and grow a community of ocean allies to safeguard our beloved shores in the present and future. ALO is involved in beach clean-ups, hosts/sponsors many competitions on island, educates adults and children about our ecosystem, and more!
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Surflight Theatre LBI
Surflight Theatre is a non-profit organization that depends on you for continued support. Volunteers provide a tremendous helping hand in the day to day activities, and are always welcome!
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Waves of Strength
Very simply put, the idea for this registered 501 (c)(3), nonprofit organization came from a lifelong local surfer who wanted to harness the healing power of the ocean and share it with all local Long Beach Island and surround area children who may be battling a disease, living with a disability or experiencing an unfortunate circumstance that would otherwise prevent them from being able to partake in a conventional surf experience.
Waves of Strength truly believes in the healing power of the ocean, in the concept of “surf therapy” and its positive effects on cognitive and physical development, self-confidence and personal growth, as well as stress relief and socio-emotional well being for our younger generations. Do not miss out on this great opportunity to give back!
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Reach out for more opportunities to give back to our Island!
The island offers many opportunities through most of the year to either give back to the island, community, or both. If interested in other volunteer opportunities please reach out!