Things to Do on Long Beach Island, NJ
Discover the Best Activities on Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island offers far more than beautiful beaches. Whether you're visiting for a weekend, spending the summer, or living as a homeowner, LBI offers endless opportunities for recreation, relaxation, family fun, and coastal adventure. From fishing, boating, and surfing to shopping, dining, mini golf, and exploring local landmarks, there is truly something for everyone.
One of the things that makes Long Beach Island special is the variety of experiences available within its 18-mile stretch. Visitors can spend the morning at the beach, enjoy lunch overlooking the bay, browse local shops in the afternoon, and finish the day with mini golf, live entertainment, or a sunset cruise.
Things to Do on Long Beach Island
Whether you're planning your first trip to LBI or you're a longtime visitor, some of the most popular activities include:
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Spending the day at the beach
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Visiting Barnegat Lighthouse
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Shopping in Beach Haven and Surf City
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Dining at local restaurants
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Mini golf and family entertainment
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Fishing and boating
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Surfing and paddleboarding
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Exploring museums and historic sites
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Attending local events and festivals
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Watching sunsets over Barnegat Bay
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Visiting parks and playgrounds
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Enjoying rainy-day activities
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Taking a bike ride around the Island
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Exploring the local arts community
No matter the season, there is always something happening on Long Beach Island.
Things to Do on LBI!
Endless Opportunities for Family Fun, Outdoor Adventure & Coastal Living
Long Beach Island offers far more than beautiful beaches and ocean views. Whether you're visiting for a weekend, spending a week in a summer rental, or living year-round, LBI offers countless ways to stay active, entertained, and connected to the Island's unique coastal lifestyle. From family attractions and outdoor recreation to dining, shopping, nightlife, and community events, there's truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Shopping on Long Beach Island
Discover Unique Island Shopping
Long Beach Island offers a shopping experience that reflects its coastal character. Visitors can browse surf shops, clothing boutiques, toy stores, specialty food markets, gift shops, art galleries, jewelry retailers, home décor stores, and much more. From beach souvenirs to furnishings for a vacation home, shopping on LBI has become a favorite vacation tradition for many families.
Dining on Long Beach Island
Restaurants, Seafood, and Coastal Dining
Long Beach Island offers an outstanding collection of restaurants, from casual breakfast spots and waterfront seafood restaurants to upscale dining and local favorites. Fresh seafood, family-run restaurants, fine dining, outdoor dining, and waterfront views help make LBI one of the Jersey Shore's favorite culinary destinations.
Children's Activities on Long Beach Island
Family Fun for All Ages
Long Beach Island has long been known as one of the most family-friendly destinations at the Jersey Shore. Children can enjoy everything from playgrounds, beaches, and miniature golf to arcades, amusement rides, water parks, museums, educational programs, and seasonal events. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, school-age children, or teenagers, LBI offers a variety of activities designed to create lasting family memories while keeping kids entertained throughout their vacation.
Rainy Day Activities on LBI
Fun Doesn't Stop When the Weather Changes
Even on rainy days, Long Beach Island offers plenty of opportunities for entertainment and exploration. Visitors can shop, visit museums, explore art galleries, play arcade games, enjoy live performances, relax at local coffee shops, or discover indoor attractions throughout the Island. A little rain often provides the perfect excuse to experience another side of LBI that many visitors might otherwise overlook.
Bars & Nightlife on Long Beach Island
Enjoy LBI After the Sun Goes Down
While Long Beach Island is well known for its family-friendly atmosphere, it also features a vibrant nightlife scene. From waterfront bars and rooftop lounges to live music venues, casual taverns, happy hours, and late-night entertainment, LBI offers plenty of options for adults looking to unwind after a day at the beach. Whether you're seeking a lively night out with friends or a relaxing cocktail overlooking the bay, the Island has something to fit every style and mood.
Playgrounds on Long Beach Island
Outdoor Fun Beyond the Beach
Playgrounds throughout Long Beach Island provide families with a place for children to run, climb, explore, and burn off energy. Many playgrounds are located near beaches, bayfront parks, recreation areas, and family attractions, making them an easy addition to any day on the Island. These parks offer safe, fun environments for children while providing parents with opportunities to relax and enjoy some of LBI's scenic outdoor spaces.
Miniature Golf on LBI
A Classic Long Beach Island Tradition
Few activities are more closely associated with a summer vacation on Long Beach Island than miniature golf. With courses across the Island, mini golf offers friendly competition and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Whether you're playing a challenging course with friends, enjoying a family tournament after dinner, or introducing the next generation to a longtime vacation tradition, miniature golf remains one of the most popular and memorable activities on LBI.
Top Things to Do on Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island New Jersey
Spend a Day at the Beach
The Heart of the LBI Experience
Long Beach Island's beaches are the primary attraction for many visitors. Families come from throughout the Northeast to enjoy the clean sand, rolling waves, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Popular beach activities include:
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Swimming
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Surfing
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Sunbathing
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Beach walks
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Fishing
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Shell collecting
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Bodyboarding
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Sandcastle building
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Photography
Whether you prefer a quiet stretch of sand or a busy family beach, every LBI town offers its own unique beach experience.
Visit Barnegat Lighthouse
Explore One of New Jersey's Most Famous Landmarks
Known as "Old Barney," Barnegat Lighthouse is one of the most recognizable attractions on Long Beach Island. Located in Barnegat Light, the lighthouse lets visitors experience an important part of LBI's maritime history while enjoying spectacular views of the ocean, bay, and Island.
The surrounding state park offers:
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Walking trails
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Fishing areas
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Nature observation
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Picnic areas
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Educational exhibits
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Wildlife viewing
A trip to the lighthouse is a must for first-time visitors.
Enjoy Boating & Water Activities
Life on the Water
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, Long Beach Island is a paradise for boaters and water enthusiasts.
Popular activities include:
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Boating
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Kayaking
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Paddleboarding
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Jet skiing
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Crabbing
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Clamming
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Sailing
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Sunset cruises
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Fishing charters
Whether you own a boat or rent one for the day, the water is one of the best ways to experience Long Beach Island.
Go Fishing
A Long Beach Island Tradition
Fishing has been part of LBI's identity for generations. Anglers can fish from the surf, bay, docks, marinas, and charter boats.
Popular catches include:
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Striped bass
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Bluefish
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Fluke
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Weakfish
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Black sea bass
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Tuna offshore
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Blue claw crabs
From beginners to experienced fishermen, Long Beach Island offers opportunities for everyone.
Explore Local Shopping
Discover Unique Island Retailers
Shopping on Long Beach Island is a favorite activity for both visitors and homeowners. The Island is filled with boutiques, surf shops, gift stores, toy stores, art galleries, jewelry shops, specialty food markets, and home décor retailers.
Popular shopping districts include:
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Bay Village
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Schooner's Wharf
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Beach Haven
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Surf City
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Barnegat Light
Many visitors look forward to annual shopping traditions just as much as beach days.
Enjoy LBI's Restaurants
One of the Best Dining Scenes on the Jersey Shore
Long Beach Island offers an exceptional dining experience with options ranging from casual beach food to upscale waterfront dining.
Popular dining options include:
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Seafood restaurants
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Family restaurants
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Fine dining
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Pizza and casual eateries
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Waterfront bars
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Coffee shops
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Bakeries
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Ice cream shops
Fresh seafood remains one of the highlights of dining on Long Beach Island.
Play Mini Golf
Family Fun for All Ages
Mini golf has become one of Long Beach Island's most recognizable family traditions. Multiple courses throughout the Island provide fun for children, teenagers, adults, and even grandparents.
Popular courses include:
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Flamingo Miniature Golf
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Hartland Golf & Arcade
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Settler's Mill Adventure Golf
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Mr. Tee's Mini Golf
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Sand Trap Mini Golf
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Island Golf
Mini golf is especially popular after dinner and on rainy days.
Visit Museums & Historical Attractions
Discover the Island's Story
Long Beach Island has a rich history shaped by fishing, shipwrecks, maritime commerce, tourism, and coastal living.
Popular historical attractions include:
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New Jersey Maritime Museum
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Long Beach Island Historical Museum
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Barnegat Lighthouse
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Historic neighborhoods
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Viking Village
These attractions offer a deeper understanding of the Island's heritage.
Explore Parks & Playgrounds
Family Recreation Beyond the Beach
Several parks throughout Long Beach Island provide family-friendly recreation opportunities.
Popular amenities include:
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Playgrounds
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Bay beaches
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Basketball courts
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Walking paths
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Fishing piers
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Pickleball courts
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Tennis courts
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Open space for recreation
These parks are especially popular with families and younger children.
Attend Local Events
Festivals, Concerts & Community Gatherings
Throughout the year, Long Beach Island hosts a variety of events that bring the community together.
Popular events include:
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Summer concerts
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Holiday celebrations
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Fishing tournaments
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Art shows
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Farmers markets
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Craft fairs
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Community festivals
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Seasonal events
Many visitors plan their trips around these annual traditions.
Enjoy Rainy-Day Activities
Fun Even When the Weather Doesn't Cooperate
A rainy day doesn't have to ruin your vacation.
Popular indoor activities include:
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Arcades
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Shopping
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Museums
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Art galleries
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Live performances
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Coffee shops
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Family entertainment centers
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Specialty food stores
Rainy days often provide an opportunity to explore another side of Long Beach Island.
Watch a Sunset Over Barnegat Bay
One of LBI's Most Beautiful Experiences
While visitors often focus on the ocean, many longtime residents will tell you that the sunsets over Barnegat Bay are among the most beautiful sights on Long Beach Island.
Popular sunset locations include:
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Bayview Park
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Barnegat Light
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Harvey Cedars Bay Beach
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Sunset Park
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Waterfront restaurants
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Public bay beaches
A sunset walk or evening picnic is one of the simplest and most memorable things to do on LBI.
Ride a Bike Around the Island
Explore LBI at a Slower Pace
Bicycling is one of the best ways to explore Long Beach Island. Many visitors enjoy riding through quiet neighborhoods, bayfront streets, and scenic sections of the Island.
Bike rides are especially popular:
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Early in the morning
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At sunset
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During the spring and fall
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For family outings
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As an alternative to driving
Many local businesses offer bike rentals throughout the season.
Things to Do on Long Beach Island FAQ
What is the most popular thing to do on Long Beach Island?
Spending time at the beach remains the most popular activity on Long Beach Island, followed by dining, shopping, boating, fishing, and family attractions.
What can families do on LBI?
Families can enjoy the beaches, playgrounds, mini golf, arcades, museums, parks, Bay Village, Barnegat Lighthouse, water activities, and family-friendly events throughout the year.
What is there to do on LBI besides the beach?
Popular alternatives include shopping, dining, fishing, museums, mini golf, boating, biking, attending events, exploring parks, and visiting local attractions.
Is Long Beach Island good for kids?
Yes. Long Beach Island is widely considered one of New Jersey's most family-friendly vacation destinations, offering activities for children of all ages.
What are some free things to do on LBI?
Watching sunsets, visiting parks, exploring Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, walking on the beach, biking, sightseeing, and attending some community events can all be enjoyed with little or no cost.
Nathan Colmer
C: 609-290-4293 O: 609-492-1511 Email Me
Experience the Best of Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy relaxing on the beach, exploring local history, dining at waterfront restaurants, shopping with family, fishing, boating, or simply watching the sunset over the bay, LBI creates experiences that keep visitors returning year after year.
For many people, a visit to Long Beach Island begins as a vacation and eventually becomes a tradition. The combination of natural beauty, recreation, community, and coastal charm makes Long Beach Island one of the most enjoyable destinations on the Jersey Shore and a place that families are proud to return to generation after generation.
