The ocean has many moods. Although the beach is far less frequented in the winter months, there are still many beautiful opportunities at the Jersey Shore even when it’s cold outside. Here are some amazing Long Beach Island Winter Activities to put on your bucket list!
Long Beach Island Winter Activities: Explore and Discover the Quiet Beauty
Crowd-drawing events can be found on Long Beach Island even when it’s chilly out. There are some can’t-miss LBI events hosted later in the year including the LBY FLY International Kite Festival and Chowderfest. Whether you visit at the end of the season or you plan a trip in the dead of winter, there are many way to explore and discover the quiet beauty of Long Beach Island winter activities.
Go Fishing
There are plenty of docks and inlets to explore where you can throw in a line. Depending on the weather, charter fishing boats may be available to you. Get the latest fishing updates for LBI.
Walk (or Run) on the Beach
Stroll the beach at sunrise and sunset with just your coffee and your thoughts. There are no crowds…just the sound of the surf doing what it has been doing for eons. If you like to run, the sand is an amazing foundation for a workout that’s easy on your knees. Enjoy the scenery and stillness of the atmosphere.
Explore the Maritime Museum
The Museum of NJ Maritime History is a must see. This awesome place is chock full of fascinating local history. The entrance is free but donations are welcome. If you’re looking for Long Beach Island winter activities that you can do regardless of the weather, put this on your list!
Take in the Nature of Barnegat Light
Barnegat Light is a nature-lovers mecca. It’s still and undisturbed natural environments allow for bird watching and fishing and private hiking adventures. Hang out at the fishing boat docks near the Barnegat Lighthouse. Climb up to the top to get a great view. You might want to take a sketchpad or a book.
Hang Out at Nardi’s
Stop in at Nardi’s Tavern & Grille and enjoy a few rounds. You’ll hear live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Need a ride? Nardis Party Bus will pick you up starting at 9:00 p.m. and will take you home. Nardi’s is hot all winter!
Enjoy the Art in LBI
Many Long Beach Island winter activities are popular among artists and creatives. There are many art galleries to enjoy and creative classes to take in Long Beach Island. Spend time at the m. t. Burton gallery in Surf City. You will find national and regional artists exhibits in pottery, photography, sculpture and painting. Sign up for a pottery class in their studio.
Have a Merry Christmas on LBI
Visit the Beach at Christmas and hang out with the locals. Don’t miss the Ship Bottom Christmas Parade and Beach Haven festive tree lighting. Pick up a few gifts at the Night Market and Holiday Exhibit. This yearly tradition will get you in the spirit of the season with Christmas Carolers, fire pits, and scores of local vendors displaying wonderful hand-crafted goods. S’mores, hot chocolate and Santa himself sweetens the deal.
Suit Up and Go Surfing
Surfing in the winter might sound crazy but for the locals and the die-hards, the best time to go surfing is during off-peak season! Put on your wetsuit and hit the waves. If you’d rather watch from the sand, just grab a thermos of hot chocolate, a book and warm blanket. Beach sitting and snoozing is not just for summer.
LBI Hotels Cost Next to Nothing in the Winter
Some of Long Beach Island’s finest hotels stay open through the winter. You’ll be shocked at how affordable the off-season rates are at these highly rated hotels.
Spray Beach Hotel:
The Spray Beach Hotel is where you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck. The rates are a great value year round, considering it’s one of the best oceanfront hotels on Long Beach Island. Booking your wintertime vacation at Spray Beach Hotel is super cheap but you have to pick your dates right. It’s easiest to book a room in October and November but the hotel usually closes to the public and December and reopens in early spring. If you’re lucky enough to stay at Spray Beach Hotel for a few days in the off-season, you’ll get amazing perks like a hot tub, beachfront view, and dinner entertainment at the delicious seafood restaurant downstairs. A room will run you between $100-2oo per night which is less than half of the regular cost!
Check out the new website for Spray Beach Hotel’s onsite restaurant, the Sand Dollar Restaurant. You will be impressed with the menu and the relaxing beachfront ambiance.
The Engleside Inn-Beach Haven:
The Engleside is a lovely family owned beachfront motel with 71 rooms. Come alone or bring the family. You have a choice of efficiencies, suites or motel rooms. If you love invigorating walks along the beach with your furry friend, the pet-friendly Engleside Inn is the place for you. The on-site restaurant is the Leeward offering fine American cuisine and includes the Engleside Sand Bar and Sushi Bar. The Leeward is open for lunch Friday thru Sunday and dinner Wednesday thru Sunday. You will enjoy great ocean views from your room or motel deck and free parking.
Drifting Sands -Ship Bottom:
On the beach at the center is of everything, the Drifting Sands Hotel offers a broad range of accommodations. Three-story oceanfront building or two-story oceanside rooms offer balconies, an in-room fridge and microwave for handy snacks, coffee maker and TV’s. Some suites and king-sized rooms have Jacuzzis. Family suites with kitchenettes are available in the Efficiency Building with no ocean view. The Ocean Breeze building has economical king or double rooms easy on the budget. All accommodations are clean and comfortable. Shopping and restaurants are within walking distance.
Eat at LBI Restaurants Open Through Winter
Long Beach Island is known for fabulous and diverse food options.. Many of the restaurants close up for winter but some top-rated dining establishments famously draw customers all year. Treat yourself to the LBI restaurants open year round and you’ll get incredible food with exceptional service, minus the crowds and wait time.
Here are four LBI Restaurants that are open this time of year:
1. Leeward Restaurant at the Engleside Inn-Beach Haven: American Cuisine-4.3 Stars
http://www.engleside.com/dining/
Enjoy deliciously prepared steaks, chops and seafood elegantly served in the dining room. Check out the fresh Sushi Bar. Open Wednesday thru Sunday for Dinner and weekend lunch.
2. Stefano’s -Long Beach Township: Italian Coastal Cuisine-4.6 Stars
Open at 5:00 p.m. for dinner. Start with their award winning chowder. Then indulge yourself in time tested recipes Frutta Del Mare, Chesapeake Steak, Lobster Ravioli and so much more.
3. Biggy’s Beach Grill-New Haven: Caribbean Cuisine-4.5 Stars
https://biggysbeachgrilllbi.com/
Biggy’s is a take-out restaurant with a Caribbean menu made fresh every day by Chef Biggy. Try the Beach Bowls and Fish Tacos packed with fresh goodies and topped off with a variety of scrumptious sauces.
4. Howards Restaurant-New Haven: Fresh Seafood-4.5 Stars
It’s not a trip to the beach without perfectly prepared fresh seafood. Howard’s Restaurant has been serving up the best for over 60 years. This is where you will find the original french fried lobster. Don’t miss it! Opens for dinner at 5:00 p.m. but call first.
Plan Your Quiet Winter Getaway to Long Beach Island
It may be cold outside, but it’s likely warmer on LBI than it is on the Mainland. The ocean in all of its mysterious wonder has an insulating effect on the beach, and it’s quite comfortable to spend time along the waters edge during the winter. Besides the beach, there are other Long Beach Island winter activities to enjoy. Pick some of your favorite things to do, book a hotel, make some dinner reservations, and get ready to enjoy a quiet winter getaway on LBI!
