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Long Beach Island, NJ

While not actually part of the Pinelands Management area, Long Beach Island, or "LBI", in Southern Ocean County is across the bay from parts of the extensive Forsythe Wildlife Refuge, of which Holgate at the Island's southern end, is a part. Also, for visitors to the Pine Barrens, Long Beach Island offers a number of mid-range and upscale accommodations and dining alternatives while still retaining a natural and low-key feel. Several hotels are oceanfront or bayfront, and all the hotels and bed-and-breakfasts here are no more than a few blocks from the water. It's just a short drive from Long Beach Island to the Pine Barrens and its excellent hiking, canoeing, kayaking, off-roading, historic villages and so much more!

The beaches on Long Beach Island are white sugar sand, fringed by dunes.  Most areas are open to the public for a nominal daily fee; each Borough and Long Beach Township sell season passes as well. The island is a popular vacation spot for thousands from May through November, and short-term and summer rentals are abundant throughout the Island. A number of oceanfront, bayfront or other homes and businesses are available for sale as well; take advantage of the reduced real estate prices and buy your dream home here in paradise on the Atlantic!

Long Beach Island has become a popular year-round tourist destination. There is much to do here every season, and although some restaurants on "The Island" close for the winter months, those on the mainland remain open. Winter rentals are quite affordable, and "The Mainland" towns of Stafford, Barnegat, Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton and Waretown in Ocean County offer countless opportunities to explore the million acres of Pinelands, visit museums, hike, bike, canoe and camp! There are several award-winning wineries in the Pine Barrens - have you ever tasted cranberry wine? It a perfect complement to your Thanksgiving dinner, and Valenzano Winery offers both a red and white variety, both of which are local favorites!

Long Beach Island consists of several boroughs and a township, all on an eighteen-mile barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the East and the Barnegat and Little Egg Harbor Bays on the West. They are, from north to south:

Barnegat Light Borough
Long Beach Township
High Bar Harbor (Long Beach Twp.)
Loveladies (Long Beach Twp)
Harvey Cedars Borough
North Beach (Long Beach Twp)
Surf City Borough
Ship Bottom Borough
Brant Beach (Long Beach Twp)
Beach Haven Crest (Long Beach Twp)
Peahala Park (Long Beach Twp)
Beach Haven Park (Long Beach Twp)
Haven Beach (Long Beach Twp)
Beach Haven Terrace (Long Beach Twp)
Beach Haven Gardens (Long Beach Twp)
Spray Beach (Long Beach Twp)
North Beach Haven (Long Beach Twp)
Beach Haven Borough
Holgate (Long Beach Twp)

At the north end of The Island is Barnegat Light and the famous Barnegat Lighthouse,also known as "Ol' Barney", while the southern terminus is home to Holgate, part of the Forsythe Wildlife Preserve.

The only access by car to Long Beach island is the Route 72 Causeway Bridge. Long Beach Boulevard runs north-south the entire length of the Island. While there are several nightspots with music and dancing 'til the wee hours, The Island retains a family atmosphere, which is a source of pride here!

Surf fishing in the Atlantic Ocean from the sugar-sand beaches of Long Beach Island
Other than sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters of the Atlantic, surf fishing is a favorite pastime of visitors and residents alike.  A walk along the shore, especially in the evening, will find anglers any season of the year.  There are also charter boats, many of which call Barnegat Light their home port, that are available for half or full-day fishing trips.

Barnegat Lighthouse, Long Beach Island, NJ - click for larger view
A big tourist attraction on Long Beach Island is the historic and beautiful Barnegat Lighthouse, known affectionately as "Ol' Barney", located at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park on the northern tip of the Island, in the borough of Barnegat Light. This sentinel stands tall on the Atlantic and serves as a major navigational landmark for the many fishing and pleasure boats that take advantage of the Atlantic Ocean's clean and abundant waters.  Barnegat Light, the host town of Ol' Barney is a bustling coastal town where one can find many unique shops and restaurants as well as numerous fishing charters. Many of these are in the vicinity of Viking Village.

Schooner's Wharf and Bay Village in Beach Haven, NJ

The south end of Long Beach Island features Beach Haven, home to Bay Village and Schooner's Wharf, a bustling area with shops and restaurants.

 

 

 

Long Beach Island ChowRestaurants abound on the Island, from flip-flop casual to haute cuisine, Italian to Chinese, and of course seafood! October brings the Annual Chowderfest, where for a nominal admission fee, visitors can taste Manhattan and New England clam chowders made by the chefs of area restaurants. Winners are voted upon each year; and it has become an award-winning event for both locals and tourists from far and wide! What a great time to visit the region. The Chowderfest was held this year on Sunday, October 5, 2008; The Merchants' Mart was held the day before. More information. Check our Calendar of Events for more things going on in this most beautiful month, including the cranberry harvest!

Long Beach Island is steeped in colorful history. The Museum of NJ Maritime History is located on the corner of Dock Road and West Avenue in Beach Haven. The dream-come-true of local Deborah Whitcraft, this museum opened in July 2007 and is getting rave reviews. It's definitely worth a visit!

Visit the Long Beach Island Historical Association's website to learn about its museum and the history of this fascinating island!

The Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven is a professional theatre offering an amazing variety of Broadway shows such as "Oklahoma", "The Producers", and "Chicago", by talented actors. A concert series is also featured.

See photos of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Viking Village and the Beach at Harvey Cedars.

For more information, visit the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce.

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The Pine Barrens is becoming a popular tourist destination. It offers history, nature, boating, camping, fishing, swimming, and most of all, peace and tranquility. It's important to families who live here, whether for a few years or many generations, that our peace and tranquility be preserved.A local lawyer or doctor won't look any different than his neighbor who works the land. Thousand dollar suits aren't what impress people of the Pines - taking care of nature and fellow man is what matters. To that end, it is important for you to know that as a visitor to our precious Pine Barrens, you should show respect for the flora and fauna, for the historical buildings or their remains, and show respect for the "locals". Walk and drive gently. Treat our Pine Barrens as you would want a visitor to treat your own home town - and your own family. Thank you.

 

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