Year after year, more families choose LBI.

Does your family have a favorite beach on the Jersey Shore? Do you know why more families vacation on Long Beach Island? HuffPost Travel named Long Beach Island as one of the Jersey Shore’s best beaches, and we have to agree. If you want to know where the best family beaches are, research the six sections and discover what makes them so great for a vacation on Long Beach Island!

Six great sections to vacation on Long Beach Island

Beach Haven

Beach Haven, aka “The Queen City”, is the southernmost section in LBI and it covers one third of the island. If you’re travelling with your kids, Beach Haven is an excellent destination. Other parents say so, and they would be the right ones to ask! Family Vacation Critic included Beach Haven in their list of “10 Best Beaches for Families” and 80% of families recommend Beach Haven as per TripAdvisor’s reviews.

• 10+ beaches with full-time lifeguards
• More public bathrooms than the other towns
• Affordable hotels on the oceanfront
• Amusement park
• Water park
• Mini golf
• Main Shopping Districts

Barnegat Light

All the way at the top of the island is the quaint and historic area of Barnegat Light. Most famous for their Barnegat Lighthouse and educational Interactive Center, there’s also a state park and a museum dedicated to the history of the lighthouse. You can climb the 215 steps inside of “Ol’ Barney” or stay on ground to watch the live video feed of the top. You could also take a cruise on Miss Barnegat Light- one of the fastest party boats on the east coast.

• Active lighthouse and educational center
• Historical Museum
• Small bed & breakfasts and quiet inns
• Craft Shows
• Nature Trails and birdwatching
• Bulkhead for saltwater fishing
• Miss Barnegat Light

Ship Bottom

The only way to drive onto Long Beach Island is over “the Causeway” bridges and right through Ship Bottom. Many of the summer events take place at Waterfront Park in Ship Bottom, including free concerts, car shows, the Irish festival, the Summer Sizzle block party, and various athletic tournaments.

• Fishing and Crabbing Pier
• Marinas and Boating Excursions
• Summer Concerts at Waterfront Park
• Surf Shops and surfing/paddle board lessons
• Public parks and playground
• Mini golf

Surf City

Just north of Ship Bottom is the borough of Surf City. This is a laidback town with beautiful beaches. Surf City Yacht Club participates in weekly races. The Surf City Yacht Club is also home to an “upweller” – a clam nursery maintained by a local environmental organization called Reclam The Bay.

• Lifeguards stationed at every other street
• Bay beach at 16th Street and Barnegat Ave.
• Surfing permitted from 1st Street to 2nd Street beaches
• Surf City Yacht Club

Harvey Cedars

The borough of Harvey Cedars is quiet and mostly residential. Located on the bayside, Sunset Park is a great place for families to visit because there is a playground, ball field, basketball court, tennis courts, and picnic area. There aren’t necessarily many tourist attractions in Harvey Cedars, but there is a historic landmark now called Harvey Cedars Bible Conference. The building used to be called High Point and was the first hotel in Harvey Cedars, and one of the earliest structures on Long Beach Island.

• Sunset Park
• Calm beaches
• Long Beach Island Fishing Club
• Harvey Cedars Bible Conference

Long Beach Island Township

There are seventeen other small towns on the island that are considered part of Long Beach Island Township and are governed by Ocean County. Great summertime events are hosted at Bayview Park, relating to art, music and athletics. The Foundation of the Arts and Sciences (LBIF) is located in Long Beach Island Township. LBIF hosts art classes, youth programs, and family theater year round and coordinates special events in the summer. The township also has nightlife attractions that draw people to the local bars and restaurants. Nardi’s Tavern has a party bus that transports visitors to and from their tavern.

• Many beaches with full-time lifeguards
• Public bathrooms and showers
• LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences (LBIF)
• Nightlife attractions and party scene
• Art gallery and kids crafts

Safety, convenience and fun things to do

There is something for everyone on LBI, and plenty of fun things for families to do. Overall, Long Beach Island is an excellent family destination and provides a safe environment. The island has a very low crime rate and a large number of small, family owned/operated businesses. Many full-time residents live in LBI and take pride in maintaining a safe and appealing family vacation destination. Each of LBI’s six sections has a different “vibe” as well as different types of attractions. Now that you know what makes each borough unique, you can see how it applies to your family vacation needs and select a location that is perfect for you. Make your next summer beach vacation on Long Beach Island the best one yet, and choose a beach that you’ll want to return to year after year!