Long Beach Island
From Wikitravel
Long Beach Island is an island in New Jersey.
[edit] History
Long Beach Island, famous Exit 63 off the Garden State Parkway, is an 18 mile long barrier island located in Ocean County, New Jersey. The Island derives its name from its white sand beaches that stretch the entirety of the 18 miles. LBI was discovered in 1614 by Captain Cornelius Jacobsen May, a Dutch explorer and tradesman. After discovery, the island evolved from important fishing hub to playground for well-to-do men and women. During its history, the island was rattled by a few major hurricanes, including the largest in 1944. A famous photograph of a home slowly falling victim to this hurricane is hung in many stores, restaurants, and hotels on the island today.
Nowadays, Long Beach Island's numerous tourists attractions and white sandy beaches make LBI a huge tourist spot. The summer months are busiest, "the season" ranging from mid-May through Chowda Fest in October. The majority of the island shuts down during the winter months. Although evolved from the 1950's days of full-coverage bathingsuits, LBI is certainly still a playground of sorts.
[edit] Get in
Long Beach Island is about 18 miles long off of the coast of Southern New Jersey. There is only one road leading into and out of the Island, Rt. 72. If you are driving there, that would be the road that you would take. However, if you are using other modes of transportation, you would have to go to Manahawkin and have a car service take you over the bridge. Manahawkin is approximately 7 miles away from Long Beach Island.
By bus
From New York City
TransportAzumah,[1] which usually travels between colleges, will be starting to travel from New York City to Long Beach Island over the summer. The busses will start to run on May 23, 2008 (Memorial Day Weekend) and go until September 26, 2008. The first and last months of the summer (May 23rd to June 20th and September 2nd to September 26th) the busses will only run from Friday nights to Sundays. The rest of the summer, however, the bus will run everyday of the week. It is $35 for a one way ticket, and if you are a student or child it is only $20. Call +1 914 227 3105 (8AM to 2PM).
From New York, or Newark, NJ NJ Transit bus #67 or #319 to Toms River and then NJ Transit bus #559 to Manahawkin After arriving in Manahawkin, you will have to take a car service over to the Island.
From Atlantic City NJ Transit bus #559 to Manahawkin After arriving in Manahawkin, you will have to take a car service over to the Island.
From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NJ Transit bus #551 to Atlantic City, NJ Once in Atlantic City, take the same train that is stated above in the “Atlantic City” section. Once in Manahawkin you can take a car service to the Island.
If you have anymore questions, you can go to the NJ Transit website and find your location. The website is: [2]
By Train
From New York City, NY or Newark, NJ There are no trains that go directly from either of these locations to Manahawkin or Atlantic City. It is much easier to take New Jersey Transit, or if it’s the summer, to take TransportAzumah. If you do prefer trains though, you can take a train to Philadelphia and then go to Manahawkin. Below is the information for the train in Philadelphia.
From Philadelphia, PA When leaving from Philadelphia, take Amtrak train to Atlantic City. Than take a bus from Atlantic City to Manahawkin. After arriving in Manahawkin, take a car service to the Island. Website for Amtrak is: [3]
Finding a Car Service
Lacey Transportation Co., P.O. Box 169, Forked River NJ 08731 Phone: Phone: +1 609 693 2939 Toll Free: +1 877 693 2939 [4]
Anchor Limousine Service Long Beach Island: +1 609 492 2287 Ocean County: +1 609 698 1313 [5]
[edit] Get around
Once on the Island, there are not many ways to get around. There is no public transportation. Depending on which hotel you stay at, they may offer transportation services. If you are not staying at a hotel and need to get around, you can use a taxi service. The Island is very strict with drunk driving, so when you go out at night, make sure you have a ride back to where ever you are staying. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry. There are three different taxi services depending on where you are located.
Express Taxi and Limousine: Ship Bottom; +1 609 492 1616
ACE Cab and Van Service: Beach Haven; +1 609 607 1500
Cannon Taxi Service: Surf City; +1 609 698 7877
Bike Riding
Another way to get around the island is by renting bicycles. Throughout the streets, there are bicycle lanes, so it is very safe to get around. There are different places to rent them.
The BoardWalk: 2306 South bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ; + 1 609 492 3298 [6] The website is not set up completely, but it has a link to see the different types of bikes you can rent, and how much it will be per hour, day and week.
A.J.’s Rentals: 311 South Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ; +1 609 492 2626 They do not have a website however. If you have questions for them, just give them a call!
Farias’ Surf/Sport: 823 North Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ; +1 609 492 0200 506 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom NJ, +1 609 494 8616. [7] This store offers many different rentals besides bikes. If you go to the website, you will be able to find all the information you need.
Surf Buggy: 1414 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJ; +1 609 361 3611; [8]. The web site offers the prices for bikes as well as many different beach items. The prices are listed per hour, day, 3-days, and week. If you are worried about spending money, you may want to rent from The BoardWalk instead, they have cheaper prices.
[edit][add listing] See
Long Beach Island Historical Museum, Engieside & Beach Aves., Beach Haven, +1 609 492 0700. Summer hours: 2-4PM & 7-9PM daily plus 10AM-noon on Tues. & Fri.; May, June, Sept. & Oct., 2-4PM Sat. & Sun.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park [9], Barnegat Light, +1 609 494 2016. Lighthouse open 9AM-4:30PM daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, weekends during May, Sept. & Oct. Park open dawn to dusk all year.
A Paul King County Park, Rtes. 9 & 72, Manahawkin, +1 609 597 5194. Admin., 732-506-9090
Popcorn Park Zoo, Humane Way off Lacey Rd., Forked River, +1 609 693 1900. Open daily, 1-5PM.
Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Great Creek Rd. Oceanville, NJ 08231 Phone: +1 609 652 1665 Fax: +1 609 652 1474 The Wildlife Drive and trails are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. At various times during the year they must close the Wildlife Drive and trails to the public to carry out wildlife management plans, so it is best to check the web site or call prior to visiting.Forsythe [10]
[edit][add listing] Do
Beach
Barnegat Light, +1 609 494-9196
Beach Haven, +1 609 492-0111
Harvey Cedars, +1 609 494-2843
Long Beach Township, +1 609 361-1000 (includes:) Beach Haven Crest / Beach Haven Gardens / Beach Haven Inlet / Beach Haven Park / Beach Haven Terrace / Brant Beach / Brighton Beach / Haven Beach / High Bar Harbour / Holgate / Loveladies / North Beach / North Beach Haven / Peahala Park / South Beach Haven / Spray Beach / The Dunes
Ship Bottom, +1 609 494-2171
Surf City, +1 609 494-3064
Life guards on duty. Swim/surf/body board in-between designated flags.
Badges are required. Costs: Badges range in price depending on type and location. Season badges range from $18 - $30. Weekly badges can be anywhere from $15 - $20 and daily badges are usually $5 - $6. Tags for adults age 65 or older are discounted or free; badges for children under 12 are not required. Badges are on sale from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays at the Borough Hall. Badge checkers will sell badges on the beach as well, but usually not until the last week in June.
Amusement Park
Fantasy Island Amusement Park, 3.20 W. 7th St., Beach Haven, +1 609 492 4000 Fantasy Island is a place for rides, games, arcades, food and ice-cream. It is appropriate for your 4 yr-old or your grandmother. Admission and entertainment are free and so is the parking. Fantasy Island [11]
Water Sports
Beach Haven Watersports, 2702 Long Beach Blvd., Beach Haven Gardens. Parasailing, +1 609 492 0375; Waverunners, +1 609 492 3518
Horizon Sailing 3110 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, +1 609 494 9393
New Jersey Kayak, 409 East Bay Ave., Barnegat, New Jersey 08005 +1 609 698 4440 (LBI rentals, lessons and tours)
Pontoon Rides, 26th St. at the Bay, Ship Bottom, +1 609 494 1212
Thundering Surf Water Slide & Squirt Works, [12] 8th St. & Bay Ave., Beach Haven, +1 609 492 0869
Water Sports, 3100 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, +1 609 494 2727
Mini-Golf
Beacon Mini Golf,1710 LB Blvd.; Beach Haven, NJ +1 609 492 7719
Hartland Miniature Golf & Arcade, 28th St. & Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom, +1 609 494 7776
Sutter's Mill Miniature Golf & Upper Deck Batting Cages, 8th St. & Bay Ave., Beach Haven, +1 609 492 0869
Mr Tee's Putt & Play, 226 Engleside Ave., Beach Haven, NJ 08008-1763 +1 609 492 8689
Golf
Ocean County Golf Course at Atlantis, Country Club Blvd., Little Egg Harbor, +1 609 296 2444 This is an 18-hole public course. Tee Time privileges are available only to those who have valid Resident ID Cards or those who have purchased Non-Resident Tee Time Cards.
Ocean Acres Country Club, Buccaneer Lane, Manahawkin, +1 609 597 9393 This is an 18-hole public course. [13]
Party Boats and Excersions
Miss Barnegat Light, 18th St. & Bayview, Barnegat Light, +1 609 494 2094
Sea Gypsy, Beach Haven Yacht Club, Engleside Ave., Beach Haven, +1 609 492 2843
Black Whale, Cruises, boat trips to Atlantic City, Centre St. at the Bay, Beach Haven, +1 609 492 0333
Ecotour Enviromental Kayaking, Kayak tours of Barnegat Bay & estuary habitats, kayak rentals, open year round, 3 Grand Bay Harbor drive, Waretown NJ 08758 +1 609 660 0965
Miss Barnegat Light, Ocean exploration, 18th St. & Bayview, Barnegat Light, +1 609 494 2094
River Lady, Cruise & dinner boat, 1 Robbins Pkwy., Toms River, +1 732 349 8664
Movies
Hoyts Beach 4, Long Beach Blvd., Beach Haven Park, +1 609 492 6906
Hoyts Colonial Twin, Bay Ave. & Centre St., Beach Haven, +1 609 492 4450
Hoyts Colony 4, 35th St. & Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, +1 609 494 3330
Hoyts Harbour Twin, Rte. 72 E., Manahawkin, +1 609 597 4949
Spa
Freedom, 33rd St and Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ, +1 609 494 6554
Lyceum Health and Fitness Club, 265 W. 8th St., Ship Bottom, NJ, +1 609 494 4393
Arts and Crafts
St. Francis Community Center, 47th St. & Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, +1 609 494 8861. Recreation & educational programs for children & adults; arts, crafts, sports, exercise, special events.
[edit][add listing] Eat
If you love to eat, you’ve come to the right island! Long Beach Island is packed with restaurants and eateries from Lighthouse to Inlet, with the majority of them centralized in Beach Haven, Surf City, and Harvey Cedars. Many restaurants do not take reservations and some can have waits as long as 3 hours for a meal, so timing is key when it comes to dining on LBI. Because rentals change over on Saturdays, avoid going out to eat Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Optimum days to dine out are Thursdays and Fridays, when most tourists are devouring the leftovers they have in their refrigerators before departing. Bon appetite!
Breakfast
Fred’s Beach Haven Diner 2404 S. Bay Ave., Beach Haven, +1 609 492 6202. Mid April-early October, M-F 7AM-2PM. Sa-Su 8AM-2PM, 6PM-9PM. Taking up an entire block on the boulevard, Fred’s is a huge restaurant. Part diner, complete with counter and tiny jukeboxes, part carpeted dining room, Fred’s has a huge breakfast and lunch menu, complete with all the classics. The corn beef hash made Fred famous, and yes, the restaurant is really named after its true owner. To avoid an hour-or-more wait, make sure to arrive before 9:30AM or after 11:30AM. Reservations are not taken and indoor seating only. Parking on the boulevard is always packed near Fred’s, so parking the car up by the beach and walking down to the main drag works best. BYO. $9-$20.
Scojo’s Restaurant 307 N. Bay Ave., Surf City, +1 609 494 8661. May-January, M-Su 8AM-3PM. Scojo’s, located in a house-turned-restaurant, is possibly the most popular breakfast spot north of the Causeway, offering all the traditional breakfast fare ranging from eggs and omelets to pancakes, waffles, and French toast, though not recommended for the claustrophobics in the crowd. Reservations are not taken and waits tend to be over an hour on weekends. Indoor seating only. $5-$12.
Uncle Will’s Pancake House 3 S. Bay Ave., Beach Haven, +1 609 492 2514. April-October, M-F 8:30AM-1PM. Sa-Sun 8:30AM-1PM, 5PM-8PM. The only thing more famous than Uncle Will’s food is its around-the-block lines. Uncle Will’s serves traditional breakfast fare, and is particularly famous for its Daily Specials, especially the daily pancakes and French toast variations. Muffins and cinnamon buns made on the premises. Say “Hello!” to the giant ceramic pigs seating at some tables – the pig theme is abundant throughout the entire restaurant. Try to count them all! Parking on the boulevard gets full fast, so park up by the beach and walk down for a bite to eat. Reservations are not taken and Uncle Wills possibly as the longest waits on the island, so go early and spend time in the neighboring bookstore while you wait – the hostess will come find you in Atlantic Books! $5-$17.
Lunch
Bay Village Pizza 9th Street and Bay Ave., Beach Haven, +1 (609) 492 4484. April-October, M-Th Noon-11PM. F-Su Noon-Midnight. Boasting “the biggest slices in town,” Bay Village Pizza really does serve up slices bigger than your head. The pizza has been voted best on the Island three years running by the local newspapers and the fresh-cut, seasoned French fries are a big hit, too. Bay Village Pizza offers take-out. Outdoor seating only, place orders at the counter. Parking is tough because its located in Bay Village – so park, shop, and then grab a bite. $3-$6.
Bistro 14 9th Street, Beach Haven, +1 (609) 492 6100. April-October, M-Su Noon-11PM. Locates upstairs in Bay Village (the restaurant gets its name from the fourteen steps customers voyage up). The spacious restaurant has tons of windows and an outdoor balcony, all which offer great views of Bay Village and the water park. People watchers love sitting outside at Bistro 14. Burgers, salads, and seafood baskets complete with French fries and big hits. Complete raw bar, reasonably priced. The bistro is best for lunch, but also open for dinner and offers indoor and outdoor seating. Park in the Bay Village parking lots. $10-$22.
Broadway Pizza 1718 N. Bay Ave., Surf City, +1 609 494 7281. May-September, M-Su 11AM-Midnight. French fries, burgers, hotdogs, pizza and other grilled goodies. $2-$6.
Country Kettle Chowda 800 N. Bay Ave., Beach Haven, +1 (609) 492 2800. May-October, M-Su Noon-10PM. Manhattan and New England style chowder (pronounced “chowda”), served in a sourdough bread bowl or not is the only thing on the menu, besides the daily soup option. Minimal outdoor seating is offered, located among the shops in the Village. $3-$5.
The Gazebo Schooner’s Wharf, Beach Haven, +1 (609) 492 5811. May-October, M-Su Noon-10PM. Burgers and pizza, coffee and soft drinks offered. Full sushi bar, reasonably priced. Indoor and outdoor seating, The Gazebo is a great lunch option during a day of shopping. The restaurant is also open for dinner. $6-$14.
The Holiday Snack Bar 401 Centre Street, Beach Haven, +1 (609) 492 4544. Mid May-late August, M-Su 11AM-9PM. Take a seat at the giant, singular wrap-around counter in this small restaurant and talk up the other patrons! Home-style burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, fries, onion rings make up the menu. Portions run small, on account of the joint being a “Snack Bar,” but are very reasonably priced. Homemade cakes for dessert; they can be ordered a week in advance for parties, too. The Holiday is great for kids, but not to large parties of 6 or more. $2-$8.
Inlet Deli - 33 W. 4th St, Barnegat Light. 609-494-3049: May - August 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Steps outside of Barnegat Light State Park, Inlet Deli offers casual deli fare and is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Inlet Deli has larger facilities than most other casual dining options and is air conditioned in the summer months. If you're on the far north end of the island, there is no better place to stop for lunch. If you're planning a day on the water, order a few sandwiches to pack in the cooler for later in the day. $4-$11.
Dinner
Boathouse Restaurant 13015 West Ave., Beach Haven, +1 (609) 492 1997. June-August, M-Su 5PM-11:30PM. Overlooking the bay, the Boathouse offers a large menu with a wide selection of surf and turf options. The wait tends to be long on the weekends, so weekdays are a better bet. Reservations are taken, which makes this restaurant a great options for large parties. $18-$42.
The Chicken or the Egg 207 N. Bay Ave, Beach Haven +1 (609) 492 FOWL. May-October, M-Su Open 24 Hours. Situated near the southern end of Beach Haven, “The Chegg,” as it is called, is the only 24 joint around. Popular with families for the basic three meals, the restaurant has are huge menu with all the typical diner favorites. All meals served all day. The Chegg is also the most popular hangout for intoxicated partiers after-hours. Stop by if you’ve had a few for a good time after midnight. BYO. $8-$15.
Howard’s 33rd Street and S. Bay Ave., Beach Haven Terrace, +1 (609) 492 2319. May-September, M-Su 5PM-11PM. Howard’s overlooks a marina and serves an array of seafood dishes in an up-scale setting. Business casual attire is best; great service. To avoid the crowds, try showing up closer to 5PM; the restaurant does not take reservations. $19-$45.
Joey’s Pizza 8106 S. Bay Ave., Beach Haven Crest, +1 (609) 361 1122. April-September, M-F Noon-10:30PM, Sa-Su Noon-11PM. Notice Joey’s clever signs that change weekly while driving the boulevard – it’s nearly impossible to miss, as most traffic slows to read and have a laugh. Casual atmosphere with classic Italian favorites: Appetizers, pastas, and pizza. Enjoy watching the pizza slide through their unique oven on the conveyer belt. Avoid this joint after it has rained – its nicknamed “Joey’s Underwater Pizza” because the corner floods like not other place on the island after rain. Of course, the restaurant will still be open, so if you don’t mind wet feet, head on over! Joey’s also provides take-out, which is the more popular option. $12-$18.
Oasis Grill 8001 N. Bay Ave., Harvey Cedars, +1 (609) 361 0111. May-September, M-Sa Noon-9PM. Serving up typical grill fare, Oasis is famous for their burgers. Indoor and outdoor seating; order at the counter. $6-$14.
The Plantation 7908 S. Bay Ave., Harvey Cedars, +1 (609) 494 8191. Year round, M-F 5PM-10PM, April-September M-Su 5PM-11PM. Styled like a Southern plantation home, The Plantation serves up unique, Southern inspired cuisine. The restaurant is two floors, with best seating downstairs. Reservations are a must-have is not willing to wait hours to dine. Business casual attire appropriate. Valet parking available. $35-$65.
Roberto’s Dolce Vita 12907 N. Bay Ave., Beach Haven Terrace, +1 (609) 492 1001. May-September, M-F 5PM-10PM. Sa-Su 5PM-11PM. Authentic Italian food accompanied by great service. Business casual attire appropriate; reservations are not taken. Weekdays are best to avoid the crowds. Parking can be tough – parking on a side street near by is recommended. BYO. $21-$43.
Tucker’s Engleside at the Bay, Beach Haven, +1 (609) 492 2300. Year round, M-Su 11AM-11PM. This spacious restaurant located by the bay in Beach Haven offers a wide variety of all-American cuisine. The chef’s specialty appetizer, fried tomatoes, has become a huge hit with locals and visitors alike in recent years. A kids menu is available. Shuffleboard and popcorn are available near the bar during the summer season. Indoor and outdoor seating available – check out the Black Whale tour boat parked in the bay nearby if seated on the patio. Reservations are taken at Tuckers. $14-$40.
Yellow Fin 104 N. Bay Ave., Surf City, +1 (609) 494 7001. May-October, M-Su 5PM-11PM. A small, upscale restaurant on the northern end of Surf City, Yellow Fin offers an array of specialty seafood dishes. Casual business attire appropriate. $25-$45.
[edit][add listing] Drink
LBI has a great night life. There are numerous bars to choose from. Most of the bars require casual attire.
Buckalew's Restaurant & Tavern: 101 Bay Ave. at Centre St., Beach Haven (609) 492-1865
Open year round, traditional Jersey atmosphere
Daddy O's: 4401 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach (609) 494 1300
Largest bar on the island; open year round, stylish and casual, upscale so the prices are higher
Gateway: 8th St. Causeway, Ship Bottom (609) 494-1661
Local bar, karaoke, Weird Al impersonator comes on occasion
Joe Pop's Shore Bar & Restaurant: 20th St. and Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom (609) 494 0558
Local bands every night, dance floor, pool tables, air hockey, shuffle board, darts, and video games
Nardi's: 118th Street & the Blvd Long (609)492-9538
Has a pink drunk bus that picks up and drops off. Local & live bands
Sea Shell Club & Restaurant: 10 S Atlantic Ave. Beach Haven (609) 492-4611
Drinks are served all day. There are 2 entrances; one is right off the beach or the main entrance. Shoes are optional. Live bands play throughout the day, drinks are served at the tiki bar, drinks can be taken to the pool, or drinks can be brought to the beach At night the bar is outside and inside. The inside has a dance floor. Thursday nights are 'Thunder Thursdays' Dollar shots and Dollar Coors lights.
The Ketch: 2nd Street & Dock Rd., Beach Haven (609) 492 3000
18 to party 21 to drink, 2 levels: upper level is strictly for those who are 21 and the lower level is open to the 18 - 21. A teen night is hosted once a week for those who are under 21.
The Marlin: 2 S. Bay Ave., Beach Haven (609) 492 7700
Dress up attire is preferred; pool tables, bar, live entertainment
The Quarterdeck Inn & Restaurant: 351 W. 9th St., Ship Bottom (609) 494 9055
Recently renovated. Thursday Nights: 'LBI's Best Original Band Night' $1 Miller Light pints and $3 cover Friday: $2 shots and $1 Miller Light pints all night long Saturday: $2 shots all night long
Spray Beach Inn: 24th St. & Ocean Ave, Spray Beach (609) 492 1500
'LBI's best kept secret' right off the beach with and indoor & outdoor bar. Friendly environment. Happy Hour M - F 3 - 7
Terrace Tavern: 01 Long Beach Blvd., Beach Haven Terrace (609) 492 9751
Sports bar, with 40 different types of tequila
The Hudson House Tucked away on a residential street in Beach Haven, "The Hud" offers many different tequilas and beers.
[edit] Get out
Atlantic City is about 65 miles south of LBI. Long Beach Island Events and Entertainment
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