Exploring Long Beach Island, NJ – Where to Go and What to Do

The old adage “Location, Location, Location” remains a key factor to consider when buying a home. The first few things this brings to mind for many buyers is the desirability of the area, the quality of the school district, the property tax rates and the condition of the surrounding homes. When searching for a vacation home or a year-round residence in an ocean resort area, it can be equally important to know what there is to do. Are there activities and attractions that you and your family would enjoy? Are you looking for great food and nightlife hot spots? Or do you want to live like the long-time locals? When exploring Long Beach Island, NJ, better known as LBI,  you’ll quickly discover there is no shortage of things to do, no matter what you’re looking for. Named one of the 2021 Top 10 beach towns on the Jersey Shore by Coastal Living magazine, LBI has it all.

Summer Hustle and Bustle

For those who like to always be on the go, summers on Long Beach Island will be right up your alley. The popular Jersey Shore island offers family fun and lively nightlife. For outdoor fun, there is Fantasy Island Amusement Park featuring rides, arcade games, food and fun for the whole family. You can also make a splash at Thundering Surf Water Park & Adventure Golf which features eight giant water slides, super soaker water guns, a giant tipping bucket, two 18-hole miniature golf courses and much more.

When evening rolls around, it’s time to think about dinner and entertainment. From fine dining to cheap eats and local cuisine, the list of great places to eat is endless. For upscale dining and Victorian charm, The Gables is a great choice. For good food with a more laid back atmosphere, check out The Chicken and the Egg, best known as “The Chegg” by locals and visitors alike. There is also Daddy O’s Hotel, Bar and Restaurant serving up classic fare and boasting a great rooftop bar to relax and take in the view. Or if you’re in the mood for live music and lively atmosphere, visit Nardi’s Tavern and Grill.

After dinner, you can head back to Fantasy Island for more rides, take in a game of miniature golf or enjoy the Flow House at Thundering Surf. For those who like theater, there is great summer stock at the Surflight Theater. You may want to do a little leisurely shopping at Bay Village and Schooner’s Wharf or you may want to visit the original flagship location of Ron Jon Surf Shop. No matter what your preference there never a shortage of fun things to do on LBI on a warm summer night.

Sit Back and Relax

Long Beach Island is the perfect place to buy a home for those who choose to live life on “island time.” If you’re all about relaxing in the surf and on the sand, then LBI is the perfect location. Eighteen miles long, at its widest point the island is only a half a mile wide – so you’re never more than a short walk from the beach. 

LBI is home to some of the East Coast’s finest beaches and each area of the island has its own unique attraction. The beaches of Surf City, Ship Bottom and Long Beach Township are popular with day-trippers and tend to be the busiest due to easy access to the bridge. For those looking for a more peaceful seaside atmosphere, you might want to travel a little bit farther to the beaches of Holgate or Barnegat Light, home of the Barnegat Lighthouse and State Park. You’ll also want to watch the sun go down at Sunset Park in Harvey Cedars.

Savoring the Off-Season

If you’re thinking about buying a home on Long Beach Island, whether it’s a vacation home or a year-round residence, you’ll want to know what there is to do when the summer season ends. While there’s no denying that the pace slows down in the offseason, there is still a lot of great ways to spend your free time.

September and October have the Annual Chowder Fest, the Ship Bottom Irish Festival, LBI Sea Glass & Art Festival and the LBI FLY International Kite Festival. This time of year is great for long walks on the beach, fishing or taking on a new hobby. Like any other town, this time of year is building up to the holiday season. There are Shipbottom’s annual Christmas Parade and Beach Haven’s Annual Tree Lighting in Veterans Park before ringing in the new year.

There are still plenty of great dining options on LBI during the winter months. Nardi’s Tavern and Grill stays open all year long as well as the Delaware Avenue Oyster House, the Gateway, the Port Hole Cafe and we can’t forget the Neptune Market, home of the half-pound Nooney burger. This little gem, located in Harvey Cedars, is a hybrid convenience store, deli, restaurant, bakery and more. So whether you’re dining out or eating in, there are plenty of options.

The Long Beach Island, NJ Experts

With so much to do on LBI all year long, LBI is a great place to live. If you’re ready to buy a home and join the locals, the Freeman Group can help you find the perfect home in the area of LBI that fits your lifestyle. We work and live on LBI and know the island well and have over 24 years of combined experience with LBI real estate. Contact us today and let’s get started on finding your dream home on LBI.