Parks and the outdoors in Long Beach Island

25 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Long Beach Island.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

See
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Climb the famous lighthouse at the northern tip of LBI! There is also an Interpretive center to learn about the history of the lighthouse.
8AM-4PMPark: free, lighthouse: $3 adults, $1 children
Do
Beach Haven Watersports
Parasailing & Waverunners
You can rent watercraft ranging from pontoon boats to jet skis. The staff can be occasionally unhelpful though.
9AM-6PM daily
See
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (Holgate Unit)
Visit the LBI part of the Refuge to see nature with minimal human interference. This area is designated as a wilderness area, which means no wheeled vehicles of any kind. There's a parking lot at the end of Long Beach Boulevard with a bathroom.
Free
Do
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Fantasy Island is a place for rides, games, arcades, food and ice cream. Fantasy Island is a more family orientated place so the rides aren't exactly "extreme thrillers". The amusement park offers rides such as a merry-go-round, bumper cars, the "Sea Dragon", tea cups, drop tower, and more. Although Fantasy Island is a fun and entertaining place, they do not offer large roller coasters.
Admission, entertainment: free; rides: 75¢/token, 3-5 tokens/ride; arcade: games vary, but use quarters
See
Long Beach Island Historical Museum
Explore the history of the Jersey Shore, with a focus on LBI. The museum has an extensive postcard collection to look at and many artifacts. Most notable is the exhibit featuring the SS Morro Castle disaster. You can also try out a real ship engine telegraph!
Jul Aug 10AM-4PM daily; Jun Sep Sat-Sun; appt for 4 or more only off-season$3 donation
Do
Thundering Surf Water Park
A fun family water park that consists of many wet attractions. Thundering Surf includes eight giant water-slides, the "Cowabunga Beach" which is a kids play area, a giant water bucket, "Flowrider Double" which is a wave surfing stimulator and a lazy river. Thundering Surf also has mini-golf which customers find to be a great family activity.
Summer 9:30AM to 6PM$24-26; $10 for seniors
Eat
Uncle Will's
The only thing more famous than Uncle Will’s food is its around-the-block lines. Uncle Will’s serves traditional breakfast fare, and is particularly famous for its Daily Specials, especially the daily pancakes and French toast variations. Muffins and cinnamon buns made on the premises. Say “Hello!” to the giant ceramic pigs seating at some tables – the pig theme is abundant throughout the entire restaurant. Try to count them all! Parking on the boulevard gets full fast, so park up by the beach and walk down for a bite to eat. Reservations are not taken and Uncle Wills possibly as the longest waits on the island, so go early and spend time in the neighboring bookstore while you wait – the hostess will come find you in Atlantic Books!
April–October: Mon-Fri 8:30AM-1PM; Sat Sun 8:30AM-1PM, 5-8PM$5-17
Buy Not mapped
B&B Department Store
B&B Department Store sells a wide variety of items. The store is mostly known for selling low priced yet stylish women's clothing but they also offer a selection of men's and children's clothing. B&B also sells Long Beach Island souvenirs and beach supplies. There are several locations of the B&B Department store on the island. They are usually crowded because the B&B chain is extremely popular.
Eat Not mapped
Bay Village Pizza
Boasting “the biggest slices in town,” Bay Village Pizza really does serve up slices bigger than your head. The pizza has been voted best on the Island three years running by the local newspapers and the fresh-cut, seasoned French fries are a big hit, too. Bay Village Pizza offers take-out. Outdoor seating only, place orders at the counter. Parking is tough because it's in Bay Village – so park, shop, and then grab a bite.
Apr-Oct: Mon-Thu noon-11PM, Fri-Sun noon-midnight$3-6
Eat Not mapped
Bistro 14
Upstairs in Bay Village (the restaurant gets its name from the fourteen steps customers voyage up). The spacious restaurant has tons of windows and an outdoor balcony, all which offer great views of Bay Village and the water park. People watchers love sitting outside at Bistro 14. Burgers, salads, and seafood baskets complete with French fries and big hits. Complete raw bar, reasonably priced. The bistro is best for lunch, but also open for dinner and offers indoor and outdoor seating. Park in the Bay Village parking lots.
Apr-Oct: daily noon-11PM$10-22
Buy Not mapped
Farias Surf & Sport
Faria's offers many different rentals besides bikes, such as surfboards and other beach equipment.
Buy Not mapped
Hand's Department Store
Sells all sorts of goods like an old-fashioned general store. Everything from clothing, souvenirs, some foods, tools, beach supplies, and more. Think of Wal-Mart, but smaller and more expensive. Hand's has pretty much everything you will need while on LBI.
Eat Not mapped
Inlet Deli
Steps outside of Barnegat Light State Park, Inlet Deli offers casual deli fare and is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Inlet Deli has larger facilities than most other casual dining options and is air conditioned in the summer months. If you're on the far north end of the island, there is no better place to stop for lunch. If you're planning a day on the water, order a few sandwiches to pack in the cooler for later in the day.
May-Aug: daily 5:30AM-6PM$4-11
Buy Not mapped
Island Sun Jewelers
Island Sun sells mainly clothing, but also jewelry, souvenirs, postcards, beach supplies, and even hermit crabs.
Buy Not mapped
Ron Jon Surf Shop
The famous Ron Jon Surf Shop started in LBI, but only maintains one store here. Nonetheless, this huge store is full of surfing and other ocean equipment to ensure you have a great time at the beach. Ron Jon Surf Shop also includes laid back surf apparel for men, women and children. The prices are reasonable and the brand is popularly known on the island. The Ron Jon company not only sponsors professional surfers but also many events for causes on the island.
Daily 8AM-11PM
Drink Not mapped
Sea Shell Club & Restaurant
Drinks are served all day. There are 2 entrances; one is right off the beach or the main entrance. Shoes are optional. Live bands play throughout the day, drinks are served at the tiki bar, drinks can be taken to the pool, or drinks can be brought to the beach. At night the bar is outside and inside. The inside has a dance floor. Thursday nights are 'Thunder Thursdays' $1 shots and $1 Coors Lights.
Buy Not mapped
Silver Sun Mall
The Silver Sun Mall is a small agglomeration of shops in one building. They sell mainly clothing, souvenirs, toys, and beach supplies.
Drink Not mapped
Spray Beach Inn
'LBI's best kept secret' right off the beach with and indoor & outdoor bar. Friendly environment. Happy Hour M-F 3-7PM.
Do Not mapped
The Beach
Lifeguards on duty during daylight until 4 or 5PM. Swim/surf/body board in-between designated flags.
Badges range in price depending on type and location. Season badges cost $18-30. Weekly badges $15-20 and daily badges are usually $5-6. Tags for adults age 65 or older are discounted or free; badges for children under 12 are not required. Badges are on sale from 8:30AM to 3:30PM weekdays at the Borough Hall. Badge checkers will sell badges on the beach as well, but usually not until the last week in June.
Eat Not mapped
The Chicken or the Egg
The Chegg
Situated near the southern end of Beach Haven, "The Chegg" is the only 24-hour joint around. Popular with families for the basic three meals, the restaurant has a huge menu with all the typical diner favorites. All meals served all day. The Chegg is also the most popular hangout for intoxicated partiers after-hours. Stop by if you’ve had a few for a good time after midnight. BYO.
May-Oct: daily 24 hours$8-15
Drink Not mapped
The Hudson House
Tucked away on a residential street in Beach Haven, "The Hud" offers drinks of all kind and a great atmosphere.
Eat Not mapped
Tucker’s
This spacious restaurant by the bay in Beach Haven offers a wide variety of all-American cuisine. The chef’s specialty appetizer, fried tomatoes, has become a huge hit with locals and visitors. A kids' menu is available. Shuffleboard and popcorn are available near the bar during the summer season. Indoor and outdoor seating available – check out the Black Whale tour boat parked in the bay nearby if seated on the patio. Reservations are taken at Tuckers.
Year round: daily 11AM-11PM$14-40
Buy
Farias Beach Haven
823 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven
Daily 10AM-6PM
Do Not mapped
Hoyts Beach 4
Long Beach Blvd
Do Not mapped
Sea Gypsy
Beach Haven Yacht Club
Engleside Ave

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Long Beach Island (CC BY-SA 4.0).