Things to do on Long Beach Island

Long Beach Island wants you to know it’s different from other spots along the Jersey Shore. Its official slogan — “Beach Culture Redefined” — signals to locals and visitors that this is the sunny refuge they seek.

“This is a place where memories are made through quality downtime, exciting festivals, delicious meals, and artistic expression,” said Lori Pepenella, CEO of LBI’s Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce.

Here are some places to check out in Long Beach Island.

Start at this park, complete with an interpretive tourist center and maritime forest. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Unfortunately, due to a restoration project, the “Old Barney” Lighthouse is closed to the public. But make it a point to return after it’s complete. You will want to see the natural beauty of Long Beach Island or enjoy views of the bay from the jetty.

📍 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, 🌐 njparksandforests.org/parks, 📞 609-494-2016, 📷 @discoverbl, 🕑 Daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

A quick drive south to the historic village provides free behind-the-scene dock tours each Friday morning during the summer. It also features a fish market and access to the Miss Barnegat Light, a fishing and cruise boat that accommodates deep-sea fishing tours during the day and sunset cruises at night.

📍 19th and Bayview, Barnegat Light, 🌐 vikingvillageshows.com, 📞 609-361-8039, ✉️[email protected]

When you’ve had your fill of salt water, consider a visit to the family-owned park, a staple of Long Beach Island for more than 40 years. Founders Chris and Julie Mesanko and their children oversee dozens of water slides, pools, and an adventure golf course. The park opens June 11 (weather permitting).

📍 300 Taylor Ave., Beach Haven, 🌐 thunderingsurfwaterpark.com, 📞 609-492-0869, 📷 @thunderingsurfwaterpark

The island’s only amusement park, based in Beach Haven, introduced new rides and expanded its arcade about three years ago.

📍 750 N. Bay Ave., Beach Haven, 🌐 fantasyislandlbi.com, 📞 609-492-2319, 📷 @fantasyislandlbi

For more than 70 seasons, the Beach Haven venue has hosted a lineup of main-stage and children’s productions each night. Bonus: The theater houses an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with servers who sing and dance. Tickets can be purchased online.

📍 201 Engleside Ave., Beach Haven, 🌐 surflight.org, 📞 609-492-9477, 📷 @surflighttheatre

For beachside dining, dip into LBI favorites like Howard’s in Long Beach Township, which has been in business since 1950, and serves a mean fried lobster.

📍 13500 Baltic Ave., Long Beach, 🌐 howardsrestaurant.com, 📞 609-492-4000, 📷 @howardsrestaurant

The parlor pairs its home-spun ice cream with a wonderful name and creative takes on everyone’s favorite Shore dessert.

📍 211 S. Bay Ave., Beach Haven, 🌐 thewoohoo.com, 📞 609-492-5433, 📷 @woohoolbi

Great place to meet friends for cocktails and a bite to eat, and an extensive wine, beer and, naturally, oyster menus.

📍 13211 Long Beach Blvd., Beach Haven, 🌐 delawareaveoysterhouse.com, 📞 609-492-3352, 📷 @theoysterhouselbi

The quirky Beach Haven restaurant celebrates its 31st anniversary this year, having opened Memorial Day 1991. The Chegg (as it’s known by regulars) can attribute its staying power to its creative presentation, its creative breakfast menu, and its juicy wings.

📍 207 North Bay Avenue, Beach Haven, 🌐 492fowl.com, 📞 609-492-3695, 📷 @chegg609

Gotta love the creamy fudge at Country Kettle, spun with a special recipe that was handed down from a science teacher to his students, along with the business.

📍 830 N. Bay Ave., Beach Haven, 🌐 countrykettlefudge.com, 📞 609-492-2800, 📷 @countrykettlefudgelbi

While at Daddy O’s, which also houses a hotel, be sure to try the Spicy Strawberry Margarita (Chili Infused Mi Campo Blanco Tequila, Strawberry, Lime, Agave) on the rooftop bar that overlooks both the bay and Atlantic Ocean.

📍 4401 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, 🌐 daddyolbi.com, 📞 609-494-1300, 📷 @daddyolbi

Sits on the bay side of LBI, where one can try a Parker’s Pearl Oyster, custom-cultivated for the restaurant by Barnegat Oyster Collective in Rose Cove. It’s the only raw bar in New Jersey that can claim having its own unique oyster variety.

📍 116 Northwest Ave., Beach Haven, 🌐 parkersgaragelbi.com, 📷 @parkersgaragelbi

Hotel LBI, the swanky luxury hotel that opened in 2019, includes 102 guest suites, a premium spa and pool, plus a rooftop deck. It also includes several venues, including the 200-seat Salt Kitchen & Cocktail Bar for “casual fine dining.”

📍 350 W. Eighth St., Ship Bottom, 🌐 hotellbi.com, 📞 609-467-8000, 📷 @hotellbi

This article has been updated since it first published.

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Steven White contributed to this article.