Beaches & Ocean Questions

​

Where is Long Beach Island?

Long Beach Island, commonly known as LBI, is a barrier island located off the coast of Ocean County, New Jersey. The island stretches approximately 18 miles from Barnegat Light in the north to Holgate in the south.

'

How many towns are on Long Beach Island?

LBI consists of six municipalities:

• Barnegat Light

• Harvey Cedars

• Surf City

• Ship Bottom

• Long Beach Township

• Beach Haven

​

Do I need a beach badge?

Yes. Beach badges are generally required during the summer season for anyone age 12 and older.

​

Are beach badges valid island-wide?

No. Each municipality sells its own badges, and they are usually only valid within that specific town.

​

Which town has the best beaches?

Each town offers a different experience:

• Barnegat Light: Quiet and scenic

• Harvey Cedars: Relaxed and residential

• Surf City: Family-friendly

• Ship Bottom: Convenient access

• Long Beach Township: Diverse beach options

• Beach Haven: Close to attractions

​

Are beaches lifeguarded?

Yes. Lifeguards are stationed on most public beaches during the summer season.

​

Can I surf on LBI?

Yes. Designated surfing beaches can be found throughout the island.

​

Are dogs allowed on the beaches?

Rules vary by municipality and season. Many towns allow dogs during the off-season but restrict them during summer daytime hours.

​

Are beaches free after a certain time?

Most municipalities stop checking badges later in the afternoon, though policies vary and beach badges are not required in the offseason.

​

Vacation & Travel Questions

​

How do I get to Long Beach Island?

Most visitors access the island via Route 72 through Ship Bottom. Additional access is available via the Route 9 bridge in Beach Haven.

​

How far is LBI from New York City?

Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic.

​

How far is LBI from Philadelphia?

Usually about 1.5 hours by car.

​

What is the best time to visit Long Beach Island?

The prime season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Many locals consider September the best month due to warm weather and fewer crowds.

​

Is Long Beach Island crowded?

Summer weekends are very busy, particularly in July and August. Spring and fall offer a quieter experience.

​

Is LBI walkable?

Certain areas, especially Beach Haven, Surf City, and Ship Bottom, are highly walkable.

​

Can you bike around Long Beach Island?

Absolutely. Biking is one of the most popular ways to explore the island.

​

Family Questions

​

Is Long Beach Island family-friendly?

Yes. LBI is widely considered one of the most family-oriented beach destinations on the East Coast.

​

What are the best things for kids to do?

Popular attractions include:

• Fantasy Island Amusement Park

• Thundering Surf Water Park

• Mini golf

• Arcades

• Surf lessons

• Crabbing

• Fishing

• Bay beaches

• Ice cream shops

​

What is the best town for families?

Many families prefer:

• Beach Haven

• Surf City

• Ship Bottom

• Brant Beach

• Beach Haven Gardens

​

Are there playgrounds on LBI?

Yes. Numerous playgrounds are located throughout the island.

​

Are there activities for teenagers?

Yes. Surfing, boating, fishing, shopping, biking, watersports, live music, and beach activities are extremely popular.

​

Dining Questions

​

Is Long Beach Island known for seafood?

Absolutely. Fresh seafood is one of LBI's signature dining experiences.

​

What is the most popular restaurant?

The Chicken or the Egg (Chegg) is one of the island's most famous restaurants.

​

Does LBI have fine dining?

Yes. Popular upscale restaurants include:

• The Gables

• Stefano's

• Daymark

• Delaware Avenue Oyster House

• Parker's Garage

​

Are there waterfront restaurants?

Many restaurants offer waterfront dining, including:

• Tucker's Tavern

• Bird & Betty's

• Parker's Garage

• Hotel LBI

​

Are there late-night dining options?

Yes. Several bars, taverns, and restaurants offer food service well into the evening during summer.

​

Nightlife Questions

​

Does Long Beach Island have nightlife?

Yes. While family-oriented, LBI offers a vibrant nightlife scene.

​

What are the most popular bars?

Popular choices include:

• Bird & Betty's

• Tucker's Tavern

• Daddy O

• Surf City Hotel

• Nardi's Tavern

• Hudson House

• Joe Pop's

• Buckalew's

​

Are there rooftop bars?

Yes. Popular rooftop locations include:

• Daddy O

• Hotel LBI

• Tucker's Tavern

​

Is there live music?

Live music can be found throughout the summer at bars, restaurants, festivals, and entertainment venues.

​

Events Questions

​

What is the biggest event on LBI?

The Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off, formerly Chowderfest, is one of the island's largest annual events.

​

What is the Lighthouse Film Festival?

A nationally recognized independent film festival that takes place every summer.

​

What is HopSauce Festival?

A popular event featuring craft beer, hot sauce, live music, and local vendors.

​

Does LBI have holiday celebrations?

Yes. The island hosts:

• Christmas parades

• Boat parades

• Tree lightings

• Santa visits

• Holiday markets

​

What is Kite Fest?

The LBI Fly International Kite Festival is a family-friendly event featuring giant kites and aerial demonstrations.

​

Real Estate Questions

​

Is Long Beach Island a good place to buy property?

LBI remains one of the most desirable coastal real estate markets in New Jersey due to its limited inventory, strong rental demand, and desirable lifestyle.

​

Can I buy a vacation home on LBI?

Yes. Many owners use properties as second homes, rental investments, or future retirement residences.

​

Are short-term rentals allowed?

Yes, vacation rentals are a significant part of the local economy on Long Beach Island.

​

Which towns are the most expensive?

Generally:

• Loveladies

• North Beach

• Harvey Cedars

• Haven Beach

• The Dunes

• The Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club section of Beach Haven

​

What areas are popular for investment properties?

Many investors focus on:

• Beach Haven

• Ship Bottom

• Surf City

• Brant Beach

• Beach Haven Gardens

due to strong rental demand.

​

Is oceanfront property available?

Yes. LBI offers oceanfront, oceanblock, bayfront, lagoon-front, and waterfront properties.

​

Boating & Fishing Questions

​

Is Long Beach Island good for boating?

Absolutely. The island offers extensive bay access, marinas, boat launches, and waterfront dining.

​

What fish can I catch?

Popular species include:

• Striped bass

• Fluke

• Bluefish

• Tuna

• White marlin

• Black sea bass

• Weakfish

​

Are there fishing charters?

Yes. Many charter boats operate from marinas throughout the island.

​

Can I crab on LBI?

Yes. Recreational crabbing is a favorite activity for residents and visitors.

​

Weather Questions

​

What is summer weather like?

Typical summer temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s with frequent ocean breezes.

​

When is the ocean warmest?

Usually from late July through September.

​

Does LBI get hurricanes?

Like all coastal communities, LBI can be affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. Modern construction standards and extensive dune systems help improve resilience.

​

What is the best month on Long Beach Island?

Many locals choose September because:

• Water temperatures are warm

• Crowds are smaller

• Restaurants remain open

• Weather is often excellent

​

History Questions

​

How old is Long Beach Island?

The island's history dates back centuries, with fishing villages and maritime activity predating modern development.

​

What is Old Barney?

Old Barney is the nickname for Barnegat Lighthouse, one of New Jersey's most iconic landmarks.

​

Why is Beach Haven called Beach Haven?

The area was developed as a seaside resort community in the late 1800s and was named for its attractive beachfront location.

​

Miscellaneous Questions

​

Is LBI open year-round?

Yes. While summer is the busiest season, Long Beach Island has a growing year-round community.

​

Is there a hospital on Long Beach Island?

There are medical facilities on the island, while larger hospitals are located nearby on the mainland.

​

Are there grocery stores?

Yes. Several grocery stores, markets, seafood shops, and specialty retailers operate throughout the island.

​

Is Long Beach Island expensive?

Compared to many Jersey Shore destinations, LBI is generally considered an upscale market, particularly for oceanfront real estate.

​

Why do people love Long Beach Island?

People are drawn to LBI because of its beautiful beaches, family-friendly atmosphere, vibrant restaurant scene, boating opportunities, tight-knit communities, and relaxed coastal lifestyle. For many families, visiting Long Beach Island isn't simply a vacation tradition—it's a way of life.