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Long Beach Island (LBI) is an 18-mile-long, quarter-mile-wide barrier island off the Ocean County coast of southern New Jersey. It sits roughly 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 90 miles south of New York City, making it a classic summer destination for families and day-trippers from both metro areas.
The island encompasses a string of distinct small boroughs — Barnegat Light to the north, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, Ship Bottom (home of the only bridge access point), Beach Haven, and Holgate to the south — each with its own character but all sharing the same essential draw: wide, clean Atlantic beaches and a relaxed shore-town pace.
Outside of peak summer (July–August), LBI becomes noticeably quieter. Many restaurants and shops operate seasonally, and some close entirely between October and May. Visitors who come in shoulder season — late May, June, or September — often find the island more affordable and less crowded while still enjoying good weather. Winter visits are possible but require advance planning, as services are limited.
Before You Go
LBI is a domestic U.S. destination, so no passport or visa is required for U.S. citizens. International travelers should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for current entry requirements.
Seasonality
- Peak season (July–August): Expect heavy traffic, higher accommodation rates, and beach-badge requirements on most beaches. Book lodging well in advance — popular weeks can sell out months ahead.
- Shoulder season (late May–June, September): More relaxed, cooler evenings, and some businesses still open. Beach badges may not be required in early and late shoulder weeks — verify locally.
- Off-season (October–April): Most rental properties and many restaurants close. A small year-round community remains.
Beach Badges
Most LBI municipalities charge a seasonal beach badge fee for access to guarded beaches during summer. Fees and hours vary by borough; verify current rates with each municipality's beach office before you go.
What to Pack
Sunscreen, beach chairs or an umbrella (rentals available locally), layers for cool evenings, and cash for smaller shops and local stands that may not accept cards.
Getting There
By Car
The only road access to LBI is via the Route 72 causeway, which enters the island at Ship Bottom. From New York City, the drive is typically 90 minutes to 2 hours under normal conditions; from Philadelphia, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. On summer Friday afternoons, the causeway and surrounding roads can see significant delays — plan accordingly or travel midweek.
By Air
The closest major airports are Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), approximately 75 miles away, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), roughly 90 miles away. Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in Egg Harbor Township is the closest regional option, about 35 miles from Ship Bottom.
By Bus
NJ Transit operates bus service to the LBI area. Routes and schedules change seasonally; check the NJ Transit website (njtransit.com) for current schedules and stops. Direct service to the island itself is limited — verify connections locally.
Parking
Parking during summer is limited and competitive, especially near popular beach access points. Many boroughs have metered or permit-only parking. Arriving early in the morning is the most reliable strategy.
Getting Around
LBI has no public transit system on the island itself. A personal or rental vehicle is the most practical way to navigate between boroughs, particularly for families with gear.
Cycling is an excellent and popular option. The island is flat, and a well-used bike path runs along the Boulevard (the main north-south road) for a significant portion of the island's length. Bicycle rentals are available from multiple shops, particularly in Beach Haven and Surf City — verify current operators and rates locally.
Walking works well within individual boroughs, especially in Beach Haven's commercial district, which is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Between boroughs, distances can be long for walking.
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate on the island but availability can be inconsistent in off-peak hours or at the northern end of the island. Taxis operate seasonally — verify availability locally.
Where to Stay
Accommodation on LBI skews heavily toward weekly vacation rentals (Saturday to Saturday during peak summer), which is the traditional model for families. Platforms such as VRBO and Airbnb list a wide inventory of houses, condos, and cottages across all boroughs. Booking a full week rather than a partial stay gives you the most options in peak season.
Hotels and motels exist but are relatively limited compared to the rental market. Beach Haven has the highest concentration of inn-style and motel properties. A small number of bed-and-breakfast properties operate across the island — search locally for current listings, as inventory changes between seasons.
Camping is not available on the island itself. The closest campgrounds are on the mainland in Ocean County — verify options and availability through the Ocean County Parks system or private campground directories.
Prices vary significantly by season, borough, proximity to the beach, and property size. Off-season rentals are substantially cheaper and often available by the night. Always confirm what is included (linens, beach badges, parking passes) before booking.
Things to See & Do
Beaches
Every borough has beach access, and the beaches are the island's primary draw. The Atlantic-facing beaches offer surf and open ocean; the bay side (facing Little Egg Harbor and Barnegat Bay) is calmer and popular for families with young children and for water sports.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Situated at the northern tip of the island in Barnegat Light borough, the 1859 lighthouse (known locally as "Old Barney") is open for climbing seasonally. The surrounding state park offers bay-side fishing, picnicking, and nature trails through maritime shrubland. Admission and climbing fees apply — verify current rates with the New Jersey State Park Service.
Water Sports
Surfing is popular at several spots, particularly around Surf City and Harvey Cedars. Kayaking and paddleboarding on the bay side are widely available, with rental operators active during summer. Confirm current outfitters locally.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park (Beach Haven)
A classic boardwalk-style amusement park with rides and games, operating seasonally in Beach Haven. A family staple on the island for decades.
Miniature Golf and Arcade Entertainment
Multiple mini-golf courses and arcades operate across the island, particularly concentrated in Beach Haven.
Fishing
Barnegat Bay and the surrounding waters are popular for recreational fishing — surf fishing, bay fishing, and offshore charter trips. Several marinas on the bay side offer charter boat services; verify current operators and licensing requirements locally.
Food & Drink
LBI's food scene is anchored in classic Jersey Shore fare: fresh seafood, ice cream shops, pizza, and casual waterfront dining. The concentration of restaurants is highest in Beach Haven, which has the most year-round dining options, though most establishments still operate on a seasonal schedule.
Seafood is the island's strong suit. Clams, crab, flounder, and bluefish pulled from local waters appear on many menus. Fish markets on the bay side sell fresh catch directly, and several restaurants offer raw bars. Specific restaurant recommendations change as businesses open and close between seasons — ask locals or check current reviews on Google or Yelp for up-to-date options.
Casual dining and takeout are well-represented: boardwalk-style pizza, sub shops, soft-serve ice cream, and breakfast diners are easy to find throughout the island in summer. Families with rental houses often shop at local grocery stores (Ship Bottom and Beach Haven have supermarkets) and cook in.
Bars and nightlife are modest in scale given the island's residential character. Beach Haven has the most active evening scene, with a handful of bars and live music venues operating seasonally. The atmosphere is generally laid-back rather than late-night.
Alcohol is available at licensed establishments and liquor stores; the island is not a dry community. Verify hours and any local ordinances if relevant to your plans.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency, dial 911. Each borough has its own local police department; the Ocean County Sheriff and New Jersey State Police also serve the area.
Medical Care
There is no full-service hospital on LBI. Urgent care centers operate seasonally on the island — verify current locations and hours locally before your trip. Southern Ocean Medical Center (Stafford Township) is the nearest hospital, on the mainland. For serious emergencies, transportation to the mainland may be necessary.
Connectivity
Cell coverage from major U.S. carriers is generally reliable across the island. Wi-Fi is available at most rental properties and many businesses.
Money
ATMs are available at bank branches and some convenience stores. Most established businesses accept major credit and debit cards, but smaller stands, farmers markets, and some parking meters may prefer or require cash.
Tipping
Standard U.S. tipping customs apply: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars per bag for bellhops where applicable.
Safety
LBI is generally a safe, low-crime destination. The primary safety concerns are environment-related rather than crime-related.
Ocean swimming: Always swim near a lifeguard when possible. LBI beaches are guarded during peak season, but hours are limited — verify flag conditions and guard schedules posted at each beach access. Rip currents are the most significant hazard; if caught in one, swim parallel to shore rather than fighting it.
Sun and heat: The reflective beach environment amplifies UV exposure. Reapply sunscreen regularly, stay hydrated, and seek shade during peak afternoon hours, especially with children.
Coastal weather: Nor'easters and tropical storms can affect the island, particularly in late summer and fall. Monitor NOAA weather forecasts during your visit. In the event of a severe weather warning or mandatory evacuation order, follow instructions from local authorities promptly — LBI's single-bridge access can become congested during evacuations.
