| Long Beach Island |
 Barnegat Lighthouse |
Long Beach Island or LBI is a small island in southern Ocean County. LBI is 18 miles long but only about a half mile wide with the Atlantic Ocean and bay sandwiching it. The island has rich history in fishing, whaling, and hunting dating back to the 1600’s. Today the island is comprised of over 20 towns but Barnegat Light was the first and still the most notable. Barnegat Light was originally named in 1614 by Dutch explorer Cornelius Mey. Barnegat Light houses LBI’s famous lighthouse Ol’ Barney. This lighthouse was partly designed by General George Meade, a famous Civil War general. Throughout the 1800’s the lighthouse went through multiple owners and renovations. By the mid 1900’s the lighthouse was no longer in use but became a tourist attraction that still draws people to LBI. The 217 stair lighthouse is open to tourists throughout the summer months and also is neighbor to part of the New Jersey Heritage Trail.
Today LBI can be reached by way of car on the Causeway bridge on route 72 east. In 1886, a railroad bridge connected LBI to the mainland but unfortunately a severe storm destroyed this passage. Remains of the old railroad are still rumored to be hidden in the bay under the current road.
 Ron Jon Surf Shop photo by Stacey Smith |
This lore of the old railroad is not the only legend of LBI, another story tells how the bustling township of Ship Bottom got its name. Around 180 years ago, a ship wrecked along LBI due to bad weather. A lone woman was rescued and supposedly make a cross in the sand at the site of the wreckage. This spot forever became known as “ship bottom” and today is one of LBI’s most exciting tourism spots.Ship Bottom not only has the original Ron Jon Surf Shop but also offers miniature golf courses, ice cream parlors, seafood restaurants, and night clubs with live entertainment. Another legend tells how a famous pirate Blackbeard hid his treasure on the island.
Ship Bottom is just one of the many townships full of entertainment. LBI is full of original restaurants and shops that spring to life during the summer months. One of the most entertaining towns is Beach Haven. Beach Haven is a safe family environment with something for everyone. In Beach Haven, Schooner’s Wharf has multiple shops and restaurants while Thundering Surf and Fantasy Island offer rides and games for children and adults. The Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven allows guests to watch classic plays put on by budding actors and actresses all summer long.
No matter where you travel on LBI, fun and excitement are only minutes away. Whether you want a relaxing beach vacation or an exhilarating summer, LBI is a must visit.
For a small sample of the many things to do while enjoying your stay on Long Beach Island, check out 18 Things to do on 18 Mile LBI
by Stacey Smith
| Barnegat - Free Beach (609)698-0080 Summary: Shore towns along Barnegat Bay offer their own brand of saltwater fun. Whether you prefer water skiing, crabbing, sailing, or just sightseeing by boat, in addition you will find numerous boat launching sites and rentals. Beach Type: Bay Beach Amenities: Bath Houses, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging, Picnicking Map |
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| Barnegat Light (609)494-7211 Summary: Some of the best beaches on LBI are found here, at the quiet northern end of the island. Charter fishing boats are available on the bay side, as are small-boat rentals and boat launches. Climb up the historic 165-foot red and white Barnegat Lighthouse, which was used as a lookout during WWI, and remains a symbol of the state's proud maritime heritage. Browse among the quaint shops of Viking Village. Surfing is allowed after hours, Beach Type: Ocean Beach, Bay Beach Amenities: Bath Houses, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lighthouse, Lodging, Picnicking, Surfing, Tennis Courts Map |
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| Loveladies (609)494-7211 Summary: Magnificent in size and wholly contemporary in architecture, the seaside sand castles of Loveladies are striking sights to behold. Each August, you might be able to see one up close on the annual Seashore Open House tour. Loveladies is the cultural hub of LBI and home to the Long Beach Island Arts and Science Foundation, open year round. Beach Type: Ocean Beach Amenities: Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Surfing, Tennis Courts Map |
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| Harvey Cedars (609)494-7211 Summary: Harvey Cedars offers both ocean and bay side bathing and is home to some of the shore's best surfing beaches. Recreational activities and amenities include volleyball, bocce, baseball, playground equipment and fitness track. Beach Type: Ocean Beach, Bay Beach Amenities: Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Surfing, Tennis Courts Map |
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| Surf City (609)494-7211 Summary: While vacationers flock to Surf City for weeks at a time, this area draws a lot of weekenders who come for the fabulous beaches on both the ocean and bay sides. Shopping and restaurants are available on Long Beach Blvd. Beach Type: Ocean Beach, Bay Beach Amenities: Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging, Surfing, Tennis Courts Map |
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| Ship Bottom (609)494-7211 Summary: Ship Bottom is the gateway and mid-point of Long Beach Island. It caters to vacationers and weekenders seeking great beaches, excellent surf and a concentration of restaurants and shops. Ship Bottom gets its name from a ship wreck in 1817, when a lone survivor, a woman, was found trapped in the hull of the overturned ship. Beach Type: Ocean Beach, Bay Beach Amenities: Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging, Picnicking, Surfing, Tennis Courts Map |
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| Beach Haven (800)292-6372 Summary: After a day in the sun, shop among the 50 merchants in Bay Village, Schooner's Wharf, and Pier 18 Mall. For lively entertainment, try Fantasy Island Amusement Park suited to children of all ages, or the nearby Thundering Surf Water Park and Squirt Works, and Settler's Mill Adventure Miniature Golf. Make sure you catch a top notch play at Surflight Theater or sit back and sing for your desert at Show Place Ice Cream Parlor. Sail to Atlantic City on the Black Whale on calm and sheltered bay waters. Beach Type: Ocean Beach, Bay Beach Amenities: Amusements, Bath Houses, Fishing, Handicap Accessible, Lifeguards, Lodging, Surfing, Tennis Courts Map |
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