Nathan Colmer
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Things to do on Long Beach Island
Explore Local Attractions and Activities on Long Beach Island New Jersey
Discover the best attractions, activities, and experiences across Long Beach Island (LBI), New Jersey—whether you're seeking family fun, coastal adventure, or local culture. This guide highlights top-rated things to do in Surf City, Beach Haven, Barnegat Light, Long Beach Township, and beyond, helping you understand the best things to do on Long Beach Island and plan the perfect LBI visit.
Things to Do on Long Beach Island, New Jersey
Long Beach Island, New Jersey, offers a perfect blend of coastal beauty and endless activities for visitors of all ages. With 18 miles of sandy beaches, charming towns, and a wide variety of attractions, LBI is the ideal destination for both adventure and relaxation. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation, LBI has something for everyone—from outdoor activities to unique local experiences, there are plenty of things to do on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.
Explore the island's rich history, enjoy a variety of watersports, or take in the breathtaking views from the Barnegat Lighthouse. Whether you're looking to unwind or seek out some thrills, LBI offers plenty of ways to make your visit unforgettable.
Long Beach Island Beaches
The beaches of Long Beach Island have long been known as among the best on the East Coast. The natural white sand beaches of "sugar sand" are cleaned daily by specialized machines to remove any debris that may have washed up. While all the beaches on LBI are public, a beach badge is required during the summer season.
Dining on Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island is dotted with many award-winning restaurants. The options range from small "local" eateries to upscale, Zagat-rated establishments. LBI has the advantage of the local Barnegat Light fishing fleet to provide some of the best seafood around!
Bars and Nightlife on Long Beach Island
For the "over 21" crowd, LBI offers some fun party bars at the Jersey Shore! There are small local watering holes and large, themed parties such as "Thunder Thursday" at "The Shell" and celebrity-adorned Bird and Bettys in Beach Haven. No night out on LBI is complete without late-night wings at "The Chegg".
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Top LBI Activities to Try
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Barnegat Lighthouse: Visit this iconic landmark for incredible views and a glimpse of LBI’s history.
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Surrey Bike Ride: Rent a multi-person bike and explore the island’s charming streets.
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Mini Golf & Thundering Surf Water Park: Enjoy family fun at a local mini golf course or water park.
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Amusement Parks & Sunset Cruise: Have fun at Fantasy Island Amusement Park or take a scenic boat cruise at sunset.
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Museums & Arts: Check out local museums and stop by the Long Beach Island Arts Foundation for art exhibits.
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Eco Tours & Paddleboarding: Discover the back bay with an eco tour or try stand-up paddleboarding.
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Clambake at Home: Enjoy a traditional clambake in your backyard.
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Bike Bar Crawl: Explore LBI’s nightlife with a bike bar crawl.
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Beach Stroll & Yoga: Relax with a sunset beach stroll or a peaceful yoga class on the sand.
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Shopping & Dining: Shop at Schooner’s Wharf and Bay Village, then grab a drink at the Beach Bar at the Sea Shell.
No matter what you're in the mood for, Long Beach Island is sure to offer something special for your visit!
EXPLORE MORE LONG BEACH ISLAND REAL ESTATE
Top Things to Do on Long Beach Island New Jersey
Discover the best attractions, activities, and experiences across Long Beach Island (LBI), New Jersey—whether you're seeking family fun, coastal adventure, or local culture. This guide highlights top-rated things to do in Surf City, Beach Haven, Barnegat Light, and beyond, helping you plan the perfect LBI visit.
Beaches & Outdoor Recreation on Long Beach Island
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Sun, Surf & Sand: Enjoy miles of well-maintained beaches spanning Surf City, Ship Bottom, and Beach Haven. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, shell collecting, or casual strolls along the shore.
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Barnegat Lighthouse State Park: Climb the iconic “Old Barney” lighthouse for panoramic views of the Atlantic and Barnegat Bay. The park also features maritime forest trails, bird‑watching, fishing, and a historic museum.
LBI Attractions & Family Fun
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Fantasy Island Amusement Park: A classic family destination with rides, an arcade, and a midway in Beach Haven.
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Thundering Surf Waterpark: Features slides, lazy rivers, FlowRider surfing, and cabanas—perfect for cooling off on hot days.
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Surflight Theatre: The island’s only professional theater in Beach Haven, showcasing Broadway-quality productions and children’s shows.
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Hartland Mini Golf & Arcade: A top-rated mini golf course with arcade games in Ship Bottom—great for kids and families.
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Settler's Mill Gold: An updated and expansive golf course right in the heart of Beach Haven.
Water Sports & Outdoor Adventures on LBI
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Kayaking, Paddleboarding & Pontoon Boats: Rent gear at South End Surf n' Paddle, Beach Haven Watersports or Holgate H2O Sports to explore the bay’s calm waters.
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Jet Ski & Parasailing Trips: Take to the skies with parasailing or ride jet‑skis from Holgate H2O Sports or Water Sports LBI.Jet Ski & Parasailing Trips: Take to the skies with parasailing or ride jet‑skis from Holgate H2O Sports or Water Sports LBI.
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Surf Lessons & Bike Rentals: LBI Surfing & Bikes offers surf lessons, paddleboards, and beach cruisers—all family-friendly and accessible as does South End Surf n Paddle
Local Events & Culture on Long Beach Island
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Historic & Community Events: Join star-gazing nights, lighthouse climbs, volunteer fire company gatherings, and holiday parades across the island.
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Seasonal Festivals: Attend annual events like the Kite Festival, Chowderfest, Festival of the Sea, and outdoor summer concerts.
Dining, Shopping & Nightlife on LBI
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Live Music, Bars & Cozy Cafés: Enjoy live bands, rooftop bars, dive bars, coffee shops with Atlantic views, and late-night eats across the island.
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Local Eateries & Seafood Spots: Indulge in casual bites at spots like Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon, Chicken or the Egg, Wally’s, Black Whale, and The Tavern at Black Eyed Susan's.
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Sweet Treats & Local Shops: Satisfy cravings at Country Kettle Fudge Shop, Showplace Ice Cream Parlor, and Surf City’s vintage 5 & 10. Browse galleries and unique boutiques in downtown Beach Haven.
Rainy Day Activities and Nearby Attractions
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Rainy Day Ideas: Spend the day in Beach Haven, shopping at the many indoor and outdoor shopping centers. There are plenty of places to enjoy LBI's shopping and dining while staying dry, check out a local museum, or climb the lighthouse. Read the full list of things to do when it rains on Long Beach Island.
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Nearby Attractions: While there are plenty of things to do on Long Beach Island, there are some fun places to visit nearby too. Atlantic City (about 45-60 monutes by car) offers top notch entertainment and shows, the Tuckerton Seaport (about 30-45 minutes by car or via the free water shuttle) had a collection of historic stores and history exhibtis and Smithville (one of my favorites and about 60 minutes by car) is a laid back shopping experince with some excellent dining options.