I just returned from our annual family trip to Long Beach Island, NJ, and have gotten a lot of questions about the best things to do when visiting the area. It's been a tradition in my family for generations, and while lots of things have changed over time, there are some staples that will always remain. Here's a quick snapshot of my favorite spots and places to check out while enjoying the island this summer!
Favorite Dinner Restaurant: Bird & Betty's
Located at: 529 Dock Road in Beach Haven
Great for:
Views - overlooking the beautiful bayside of the island
Vibes - beautifully decorated, rooftop dining and lounging area, and live music several nights a week
Food - wide-ranging menu with delicious eats and cocktail options, with dietary restrictions taken seriously for those in need
Favorite Mini Golf: Jen's Links at Lighthouse Cove
Located at: 501 Broadway in Barnegat Light
Great for:
Fun - one of the newer mini golf experiences on the island, this family-friendly double course is an adventure to play on!
Quality - easily the nicest course IMO, the grounds are meticulously kept and equipment is newer as well
Exploration - settled on the northern-most part of LBI, it's a great way to spend an afternoon and discover this section of the island which is typically much more residential when exiting this side of the causeway
Favorite Lunch Spot: Pearl Street Market
Located at: 229 Pearl Street in Beach Haven
Great for:
Quality - a variety of fresh food options perfect for taking to the beach, back home, or eating on their patio (also plenty of gluten-free options available!)
Service - fast and friendly always
Location - easy to get to and within close proximity to the beach, bay, and most LBI activities and attractions
Favorite Shopping Location: Bay Village
Located at: 830 N. Bay Avenue in Beach Haven
Great for:
Variety - tons of different clothing stores, eateries, gift shops, book stores & more to explore
Specialty Gifts - enjoy the hunt for tons of different gifts for family, friends, and yourself! With lots of small businesses operating throughout the village, you'll be sure to find something for everyone, including embroidered and printed clothing, home goods, tchotchkes, books, ornaments, and specialty foods.
Inclement Weather Day - whether you're trying to beat the heat or escape the rain, shopping here is a good way to pass the time while taking some refuge inside the many different storefronts
Favorite Playground: Bayview Park
Located at: 6805 Long Beach Boulevard in Long Beach
Great for:
Views - with gorgeous views of the bay, this is a perfect place to take the family to walk, picnic, or just enjoy the waterfront view in the covered seating areas
Toddler & Child Play Area - an expansive play structure and swing area in a giant sandbox is a fun way to let kids get their energy out and enjoy the outdoors
Kid-Safe Beach & Waterfront - this cute beach area is perfect for families with young children, as the bay provides calm water conditions daily and the town also has the waterfront buoyed and netted to keep the swim area shallow and free from any hazards or marine life. (*Note that beach badges are required here during the summer season)
Favorite Ice Cream: The WooHoo
Located at: 211 South Bay Avenue in Beach Haven
Great for:
Quality - they specialize in daily-made, american-style ice cream churned with gelato machines using 16% milkfat cream and all real, locally-sourced ingredients to create some of the most delicious, from-scratch ice cream you'll find on the island (or anywhere else for that matter!)
Variety - featuring over 20 rotating and unique flavors, this ice cream shop will not only tickle your imagination with ingredient & topping combos, but also offers specialty items like sundaes, shakes, floats, ice cream sandwiches & cakes, plus a ton of exciting options that are allergy-friendly too
Service - always fast and friendly service here, with IG-worthy treats prepared
Favorite "Happy Hour" Spot: The Palm Grill @ The Seashell Resort
Located at: 10 South Atlantic Avenue in Beach Haven
Great for:
Ambiance - a beautiful, beachfront restaurant (often used for weddings) that has an expansive poolside patio, bar, and sandy area with different yard games, fire pit, and stage for entertainment, just steps from the ocean
Live Music - this resort offers hours of live music on most days throughout the summer season, which is a great vibe for adults and entertaining for kids too
Quality - fresh food, tasty drinks, and efficient service
Favorite Family Fun Place: Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Located at: 750 North Bay Avenue in Beach Haven
Great for:
Entertainment - carnival rides, carousel, games, and an arcade are the highlights, with lots of options for everyone from small children to teens (and easily excitable adults!)
Casual Eats - standard carnival food options available on-site, along with ice cream and other fair treats
Safe Fun - impeccably clean and thoughtful facilities allow for hours of safe, family fun
Favorite Breakfast Spot: Uncle Will's
Located at: 3 South Bay Avenue in Beach Haven
Great for:
Vibe - the classic "breakfast at the beach" feel will give you all the wholesome nostalgia at this kitschy gem that has been in business over 50 years
Location - centrally-located in the midst of the island's biggest attractions and shopping districts, with an easy walk to side-street or main boulevard parking
Menu - everything you could desire for a classic breakfast is on this menu, along with some unique options and allergy-friendly specialties as well
Favorite Sweet Shop: Country Kettle Fudge
Located at: 830 North Bay Avenue in Beach Haven
Great for:
Quality - hand-whipped fudge made in copper kettles give this indulgent treat a special edge that you need to taste to believe (plus you can watch it being made fresh right there in the shop!)
Variety - all the classics and a ton of flavors that will make you say "okay, I've just got to try it!" (*Pro tip: You've got to sample the Maple Bacon Fudge!)
Gifts - they offer several different sizing options, so there's enough for you to enjoy, plus great gift packages to bring to loved ones back home (Note: the fudge is meant to be stored at room temperature which makes for food-safe travel, and can be frozen up to 6 months!)
Happy travels, my friends!