Why visit just one beach town when you can enjoy an entire island full of summer fun? Long Beach Island has it all–the bay, the beach, and plenty of fun, food and entertainment to keep the whole family busy whether you’re visiting for the week or staying all summer long. So pack up the car, grab your sunscreen and head down to Exit 63 to see all that Long Beach Island has to offer. Read on for our top picks for your next LBI vacation. [bibblio style=”bib–default bib–hover bib–white-label bib–row-2 bib–title-only bib–size-16 bib–font-arial” query_string_params=”e30=” recommendation_type=”optimised”]
The Best Events
Best for Everyone: Summer Concert Series
When: Thursday nights from July 7 through August 18 at 7:00 pm
Where: Waterfront Park, 10th Street & Shore Avenue, Ship Bottom
Description: What goes better with a beautiful beach sunset than live music? Ship Bottom’s Waterfront Park hosts free concerts on Thursday nights throughout the summer, featuring rock, country and Top 40 favorites. Just bring your chairs!
More information: www.shipbottom.org/annual-events.html or call 609-494-2171
Best for Families: Maritime Museum Friday Kids Programs
When: Friday mornings from July 1 through August 26 at 10:00 am
Where: 528 Dock Road, Beach Haven
Description: Every Friday morning, the Maritime Museum offers various programs filled with hands-on activities for children ages 3-13. Pre-registration is not required. Kids will learn about the plants and animals that live in the ocean’s ecosystem and what they can do to help protect the environment. The museum also offers several weeks of Marine Science Camp for children in grades K-8, but registration is required in advance.
More information: www.njmaritimemuseum.org or call 609-492-0202
The Best Restaurants
Best for Lunch: Shore Fire Grille
Address: 1718 Long Beach Boulevard, Surf City
Description: Some would give this honor to The Chicken or The Egg in Beach Haven, but I have loved Shore Fire Grill ever since I first ate there last summer. Mahi-mahi tacos, loud puppies (think hush puppies with a spicy sauce) and the salmon burger (served on a brioche bun) are some of my favorites. Also on the menu: burgers, wings, salads and an array of delicious sandwiches. This place is definitely casual, but the food is so good that we returned with a bottle of wine and a six-pack for our anniversary dinner.
More information: www.shorefiregrille.com or call 609-494-7100
Best for Dinner: The Arlington
Address: 1302 Long Beach Boulevard, Ship Bottom
Description: Whether you choose the Seared Hudson Valley Duck Breast, the Viking Village Swordfish or the Vegan Yakisoba Bowl, you will not be disappointed. The Arlington is one of the pricier restaurants for dinner, but it is well worth it. You’ll find traditional seafood, poultry and beef dishes, along with inventive fare such as Bacon Mac & Cheese and Crispy Chicken Skins. (Trust me, you don’t want to miss those!) The Arlington is also open for lunch during the week and brunch on the weekends.
More information: www.arlingtonlbi.com or call 609-494-8848
The Best Tourist Attraction
Bay Village/Fantasy Island
Address: 9th & Bay Avenue, Beach Haven
Description: Shop for souvenirs at BEACHED, taste some famous Country Kettle fudge or chowder, or just browse through the cute shops at Bay Village. Then head over to Fantasy Island with the kids, where you can try your luck in the indoor arcade or ride the mighty Sea Dragon! Kids ride for just $15 on “Pop One Price Day,” offered every Friday during the summer season. Also located in the vicinity is Thundering Surf Waterpark and dozens of waterfront restaurants.
More information: www.bayvillagelbi.com or www.fantasyislandpark.com
The Best Beach Tips
Beach tags: Buy daily beach tags at all beaches directly from badge checkers. Seasonal beach badges may be purchased at one of two beach badge sales locations: 68th Street Beach Badge Office in Brant Beach or the L.B.I. Arts Foundation Tennis Court in Loveladies.
Beach parking: Depending on the town, there are both free parking and paid parking options available. If you want free parking, be prepared to arrive early or you’ll be stuck parking several blocks from the beach.
Changing facilities: Click here to find a list of public restrooms and showers for each of the beach towns on Long Beach Island.
More information: www.lbtbp.com/beach-badges or call 609-361-6675
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Stephen Bonk/Adobe Stock
Additional Images (in order) Courtesy:
Borough of Ship Bottom
Facebook/New Jersey Maritime Museum
Facebook/Shore Fire Grille
Facebook/The Arlington
Facebook/Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Jennifer Battista
