Top 5 Reasons Long Beach Island, NJ is so Popular
If you’ve ever Googled the top summer destinations in the United States, chances are your search results will show you Long Beach Island in New Jersey. There are plenty of reasons for that.
Established in 1690, Long Beach Island initially served as a destination for hunters, particularly those who hunted whales. In the 19th century, the area began to gain fame as a premier summer resort destination, with stores and hotels rivaling those seen in New York City.
Today, Long Beach Island is a utopia for beach lovers, families, and surfers. With over half a dozen towns spread along 18 miles, visitors are spoiled for choices. Each area boasts a unique scene, from bustling beach fronts to relaxing natural retreats.
If you’re planning a summer trip, here are five reasons Long Beach Island should be on your list.
1. Sun-Kissed Beaches
One of the top reasons why visitors come to Long Beach Island is its beaches. The area boasts 18 miles of pristine sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, providing ample space for swimming, sunbathing, or beach activities.
Some of the beaches we recommend include:
Beach Haven: Perfect for families looking for an area with a mix of activities, such as the Fantasy Island Amusement Park, the Thundering Surf Waterpark, and various retail stores and restaurants.
Surf City: Popular amongst travelers looking for wide, sandy beaches and excellent surf conditions.
Ship Bottom: Serves as a gateway to Long Beach Island, offering visitors easy access to the rest of the island.
Harvey Cedars: Known for its less crowded beaches and beautiful dune vistas.
Holgate: Offers a secluded beach experience for tourists hoping to bird-watch and explore natural dunes.
Spray Beach: Lifeguards, clean facilities, and nearby dining options make this area perfect for families with children.
2. Restaurants
Apart from having vast options for beaches, Long Beach Island visitors are also spoilt for choices when it comes to restaurants. The 18-mile stretch is dotted with delicious delis, diners, restaurants, and taverns to satisfy every appetite.
If you’re into “everything bagel,” we recommend The Bagel Shack, specifically their pork roll, egg, and cheese or the French toast bagel with cream cheese. Trust us, you’ll never have bagels the same way again. A local tip: Have someone go early and pick up the bagels before the line gets long.
For lunch, we suggest Country Kettle Chowda. Many restaurants serve chowder, but Country Kettle’s is by far our favorite. You can also order it in a cup or a bread bowl to go!
For other eats, we recommend checking out Delaware Ave. Oyster House for the best oysters and crispy octopus, The Old Causeway Steak & Oyster House for its premium Angus steaks and “Bonsai” oysters, Black Eyed Susans for its gnocchi lobster and burrata pizza, and Kubel’s Barnegat Light for its Barnegat Light sea scallops and Kubel’s crab pie.
3. Shopping
No trip is complete without shopping. Fortunately, Long Beach Island offers endless shopping options. Sur la Plage, for instance, carries products from major brands, including Free People, Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, and Sail to Sable. If it’s affordable clothing you’re after, you’d love the Island Gypsy boutique. This quaint shop sells a selection of trendy sweaters and dresses perfect for any season.
At Long Beach Island, there’s more to shop than just clothes. Stores like How to Live and Artifacts and Company sell the cutest home décor, beachy furniture, home accessories, and coastal art. Furthermore, Artifacts and Company offers flower arrangements for those looking for a gorgeous centerpiece.
4. Family-Friendly Activities
Are you looking for a break from the beach? We’ve got you covered! While Long Beach Island is famous for its sandy shores, there are many activities for solo and group travelers, even those with children, that won’t require you to dip your toes in water.
One of the top places to visit is Surflight Theatre where they host various theatrical plays, including Disney classics and Footloose. Another local favorite is Nelson Avenue Park, where families can try pickleball and skating.
There is one other place that’s perhaps on the list of every Long Beach Island visitor---the Barnegat Lighthouse. The lighthouse is the biggest landmark of the island and is such a beautiful spot for taking photos.
5. Water Activities
This wouldn’t be a complete list if we didn’t include water activities. Local marinas offer boat excursions and rentals. There are also bait and tackle shops as well as charters.
If you’re seeking water activities that offer a more thrilling experience, Long Beach Island has sailing, surfing, tubing, and paddle boarding activities for all ages. Various shops offer surfing lessons in Long Beach Island, with the leading school being South End Surf N’ Paddle.
South End’s surfing classes are made available for anyone as young as 6. All surfers are assigned a dedicated instructor who will personalize the lessons to their skill level and goals. This approach allows them to focus on improving the confidence and skill of each hopeful surfer.
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Outside of surfing, South End offers StandUp Sunset Paddle Board experiences for beginners and advanced paddlers alike. Each session sees paddlers gliding past Mordecai Island, exploring hidden coves, and spotting local wildlife.
Furthermore, South End offers an SUP Yoga Class where yogis are treated to a 90-minute yoga session while floating on the peaceful waters of Barnegat Bay. The class offers a truly unmatched experience of harmony and wellness.
