Long Beach Island

New Jersey barrier island of wide Atlantic beaches, bay sunsets, and lighthouse-tipped fishing towns.

Long Beach Island — universally called LBI — is an 18-mile barrier island off the southern New Jersey coast, connected to the mainland by a single causeway at Ship Bottom. It is one of the classic Jersey Shore summer destinations, quieter and more family-oriented than the boardwalk towns further north.

The island is narrow enough that you can walk from the bay side to the ocean in a few minutes. Beach Haven at the southern end has the most restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Surf City and Harvey Cedars in the middle are more residential. Barnegat Light at the northern tip is where you will find "Old Barney," the 1859 lighthouse, and some of the best fishing on the island.

LBI fills up fast in summer — house rentals book months in advance, and the causeway backs up on Friday afternoons. But the beaches are wide and clean, the surf is reliable, and the sunsets over Barnegat Bay are hard to beat.

Guide

Getting There

LBI is reached by car via the Route 72 causeway from the mainland. From the north (New York, North Jersey), take the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 63, then Route 72 east. From Philadelphia, take the Atlantic City Expressway to the Garden State Parkway north, then Exit 63.

The nearest major airports are Philadelphia (PHL) and Newark (EWR), both about a hundred minutes' drive. Atlantic City Airport is closer but serves fewer routes. There is no public transit to the island itself — you need a car or a pre-arranged car service.

Guide

Things to Do

Long Beach Island's main draw is the beach, but the island also has family attractions, bayfront sunsets, fishing, and the lighthouse at Barnegat Light. The best plan is usually simple: pick a beach town as your base, then move north or south for specific stops.