Long Beach Island

Travel Guide

Jersey Shore featuring a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Atlantic City which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach
Atlantic City showing general coastal views and a beach as well as a large group of people
Jersey Shore featuring boating and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Long Beach Island

Hop between a collection of attractive seaside townships and popular surf spots at the centre of the Jersey Shore coastline. 

Long Beach Island is a utopia for beach lovers, courting couples, families, partygoers and surfers. Discover the individual character of over half a dozen towns that spread along the 18-mile-long (29-kilometer) barrier island of Long Beach Island. Here stylish homes look out over waves crashing on the seashore and boats offer fishing tours from oceanfront marinas. Bars and restaurants line a central boulevard and a nature reserve teems with wildlife.

At the island’s northern tip is Barnegat Light, where vegetation-covered dunes spill down to the pristine white sand of Atlantic Ocean Beachfront. Stroll along a scenic pier at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and climb to the top of Barnegat Lighthouse. Parasailing excursions, party boats and sport fishing tours depart from Lighthouse Marina. Marvel at the luxurious mansions and watch beautiful sunsets in Harvey Cedars.

Surf City and Ship Bottom stand on either side of the causeway connecting to the mainland and are popular with daytrippers. Appropriately, Surf City is a great place to take surf lessons and ride rolling waves. Visit the bars, design stores, galleries, restaurants and surf shops on Long Beach Boulevard. To the south, Brant Beach and Long Beach Township offer similar activities at a slower pace.

Make your way to Beach Haven, the island’s action-packed and youthful entertainment center. Fantasy Island Amusement Park and Thundering Surf Water and Adventure Golf are major attractions. Browse maritime artifacts at the New Jersey Maritime Museum. October’s annual LBI Fly International Kite Festival takes place here and at other beaches.

For something different, visit Holgate Wilderness Area, which forms part of the larger Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Walk the deserted beaches, observe coastal vegetation and spot birdlife such as American oystercatchers and black skimmers.

Long Beach Island is 70 miles (110 kilometers) east of Philadelphia. The free LBI Shuttle bus makes getting between the townships easy without a car. Alternatively, travel via rented bike it’ll take about 90 minutes to cross the entire island.

Where to stay in Long Beach Island

Atlantic City showing general coastal views and a beach as well as a large group of people

Ship Bottom

You'll enjoy the beaches and museums in Ship Bottom. You might want to make time for a stop at Hartland Miniature Golf & Arcade or Long Beach.

Ship Bottom
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Surf City

Surf City is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Sandbar Golf and Long Beach.

Surf City
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North Beach Haven

While visiting North Beach Haven, you might make a stop by sights like Haven Beach and Brighton Beach.

North Beach Haven
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Harvey Cedars

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Harvey Cedars. You might want to make time for a stop at Long Beach or Barnegat Light Yacht Club.

Harvey Cedars
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Brant Beach

If you're spending some time in Brant Beach, Brant Beach and Brighton Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Brant Beach
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South Beach Haven

While visiting South Beach Haven, you might make a stop by sights like Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and Long Beach.

South Beach Haven
Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel

Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel

3.5 out of 5
119 E 9th St, Ship Bottom, Beach Haven, NJ
The price is €196 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€196
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach motel in Beach Haven. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Nice beach front property, could be updated especially across the street. But location is very nice"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel
Hotel LBI

Hotel LBI

3.5 out of 5
350 W 8th St, Beach Haven, NJ
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Beach Haven. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"I liked the stay."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Hotel LBI
The Beach House at Drifting Sands

The Beach House at Drifting Sands

2 out of 5
131 E 9th St, Beach Haven, NJ
The price is €135 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€135
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Beach Haven. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Flamingo Miniature Golf Course ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (12 reviews)
"A little dated but very nice resort. Kept well and clean and staff was very professional, polite and friendly."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

The Beach House at Drifting Sands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
GREAT LOCATION!!!  North Beach Haven

GREAT LOCATION!!! North Beach Haven

Long Beach Township
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Beach Haven. Enjoy a water park, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Bay Village and Settler's ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
"Great location!!! Close to all the Beach Haven activities Close to both bay and beach. Rooftop deck is beautiful at sunset. Very clean, very home-like feel. Matteo is very accommodating. Communication was awesome! Definitely would rent again."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

GREAT LOCATION!!! North Beach Haven
4BR Beach Haven Retreat Perfect for families with TEENS!

4BR Beach Haven Retreat Perfect for families with TEENS!

Beach Haven
Stay at this vacation home in Beach Haven. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Beach Haven Tennis Center and Surflight Theatre ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
A dream for families w young & older children!
"We had such a wonderful stay at the beach house! From check-in to check-out, the communication with the owner was absolutely fantastic—friendly, responsive, and super helpful every step of the way.The layout of the property worked perfectly for our group. The teens loved having their own separate ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

4BR Beach Haven Retreat Perfect for families with TEENS!
Sunset Cove: Bayview, fantastic location, close to everything

Sunset Cove: Bayview, fantastic location, close to everything

Long Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Beach Haven. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Brant Beach and Brighton ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Perfect for what we needed
"Booked for a last minute work trip as we could not find hotel accommodations. The host was very communicative and it was a lovely stay with everything as described in the listing. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Sunset Cove: Bayview, fantastic location, close to everything
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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