Attractions
Amusements and Night Life
LBI is known for it’s beautiful beaches first, then great architecture and family history, however, if its amusements and nightlife you’gre looking for you’ve come to the right place. Here the fun isn’t as irreverent as it can be at other “Jersey Shore” towns but still a great place to relax with friends, find a few new friends and/or get your blood running a little faster listening to some local bands, kicking back on a rooftop deck, sliding down the steep water slide or giving it some good competition at one of the MANY miniature golf courses and arcades. Find the websites for LBI Amusements and Nightlife by clicking on the photos below.
Recreation and Sporting Fields
There are many public parks and sporting fields on LBI. LBI also hosts a slew of pickle ball courts over the island for your enjoyment. The best way to find tennis and/or pickle ball courts are to google “pickle ball” in the town you are staying in or inquire at the local town hall. Some towns require sign ups for the courts and for the private use of fields during the day. There may also be a fee for use of the court or field and some towns also have equipment that can be rented for a cost too. Not all of the public parks or recreation fields have websites so listed below are the local town halls for obtaining information regarding use or rental of the court or field. Of course all playgrounds are open to the public. The photos below link to the town website where you can find out information about public parks and fields in each of the towns. Note: several towns on the island come under the UMBRELLA of Long Beach Township. The other towns not listed under Long Beach Township stand alone in their own Boroughs.
Nature, Hiking & Birding
Here you are on an island. Much of it has changed but the various townships on the island have made special considerations for preserving public space and setting aside areas of untouched land so that local wildlife and foliage can continue to grow and thrive. Many people that come to Long Beach Island not only come to enjoy the beaches and a good meal but to experience the ocean, sand and dunes in a way that reflects their love and awe of mother nature and the natural environment. The island has two major state preservations. Smaller trails and pockets of natural growth and change can be seen throughout LBI. The preserved areas are great opportunities to observe local birds that come to the area. Each year the preserve in Holgate closes for the breeding of the piping plovers which once were endangered but now have been heartily coming back in population. There are ducks that are rare and can be seen during the colder months on the shores of LBI and the snowy owl visits the preserves during the winter months. Year round seals and horseshoe crabs are spotted along the shores. With some patience (and sometimes the help of binoculars) dolphins, skates and even some whales appear in view.
Historic & Cultural
There’s lots to do on LBI for those that want to duck out from the beach and learn more about the island, enjoy a show and/or enjoy or fine tune some passion in the arts. There are several museums on the island which preserve some of the old photos and artifacts of the way Long Beach Island was developed and served as a host for year-round industry. The Museums serve as a point of reference to where you can see the transitions that occurred in year round living to seasonal vacationing all around. There are many photos that capture how the various storms that have come through the island have changed the landscape over the years and the museums offer walking tours, lectures and much more. The island also hosts a wealth of art galleries as well as opportunities for residents and visitors to participate in and create pieces that will become part of the collection of LBI cherished memories. LBI even has a live theater which is known all over as having top quality off Broadway shows as well as a season of live entertainment for little ones to enjoy and be inspired by. If you’re looking for lectures, historic tours, art classes, art showings, live theater, or film, it’s all here on the island. Most of the cultural opportunities listed below also have children’s programs. Click on the photos below to go to the websites for more information.
Bagels, Bakeries and Donuts
Long Beach Island was primarily a destination for Philadelphians. Originally, there was a railroad that connected Philadelphians to the island and since then generations continued to visit. With the advent of the car and highways, people from all over came to LBI and restaurants as well as bakeries have catered to their influence. Today there are many baked options on the island to start your day or to pick up an afternoon snack or delicious treat for dinner or desert. LBI continues the seashore tradition of options for donuts as well as “elephant ears” along the shoreline. And of course there’s the NY influence of a really good bagel. You can visit the bakeries’ websites by clicking on the photos below.
EQUIPMENT & LINEN RENTAL
Often visiting LBI can feel like you are far away on a tropical island. LBI businesses have rentals for almost anything you’ve forgotten at home or anything you’d like to try. Most rental properties do not include surfboards, paddle boards or linens. Instead of packing your car with equipment or linens that will need to be laundered when you get home, there are many businesses to meet your rental needs. Even an extra umbrella or beach chair is just a phone call away. (Children love 30 to 60 minutes exploring lbi pedaling along with parents on a rented bicycle or surrey.). Click on the photos below for a link to the rental websites.
ICE CREAM
LBI is known for it’s Chowderfest Competition held in the fall, however, there is an underlying competition that occurs all year for the very best ice cream on the island. Many people prefer their good old supermarket brands, some rely on some scoops at their good old favorite ice cream place, while some are searching for the very best in concoctions and hand made ice cream deserts.
BOATING, FISHING & WATER SPORTS
Boating, fishing and water sports are favorite past times on LBI. The accessibility to the Bay and the Ocean gives riding out on calm waters or catching a few waves the perfect setting for a day of fun. There are marinas, boat rental companies, bait shops, surf & paddle board, wave runners and kayak rentals throughout the entire island. Click on the photos below for more information on boating, fishing & water sports on their websites.
DINNER
If it’s a great dining experience you’re looking for at the shore, LBI is the place to come. People from all over gather in the evenings for the great sunsets and dining options. There are actually too many restaurants and take out food places to mention, but here is a selection of dinner options over the Island that have been recommended by our customers. If you have a great experience that is not listed here, please be sure to mention it to us so we can add it to this list. A link to the restaurant’s website is included by clicking on the photo so you can visit their menus.
LUNCH
Lunch options on LBI are as varied as the breakfast and dinner options. LBI-ers generally love cooling off and enjoying a bite at a cafe’ style eatery, sitting outside or in a nice cool restaurant or taking out some delicacies and having lunch on the beach or back “home” with family and/or friends. New trends and new options crop up each year. And if you happened to sleep in, some of the LBI eateries offer breakfast options all day. Here is a list of some places (click on photo for a link to their website) to get a quick bite or sit down lunch on the island.
BREAKFAST ON LBI
It’s an LBI tradition to visit a laid back pancake house or diner for breakfast while visiting the island. Each restaurant has it’s own fun vibe and families are always welcome. Whether you are looking to sit down with a special menu, looking for healthy options, or just want to pick up a coffee and some amazing baked goods, it’s all here for you to choose from to start your day. If your on “vacation time”, some of these eateries offer breakfast all day. Below is a list of places to visit for breakfast with a link to their websites.
Surflight Theatre
Live summer stock theatre
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
At Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, you’ll get your fill of outdoor adventures in Long Beach Island. The site marks one of the most important sites for ships to change course in the history of the region. The park is located on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail and daily tours are offered where you can see the lighthouse itself while also enjoying the trails and a stunning view of the waters. The lighthouse may be an especially great option for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Note that the lighthouse does close for inclement weather.