Photo Credit: Andrew Bossi via Wikimedia Commons
Long Beach Island, New Jersey is the perfect destination for couples in need of a romantic escape. With 18-miles of sceney sands, Long Beach Island’s coastal landscapes, leisurely attractions, succulent seafood, and warm summer evenings create the perfect atmosphere for insatiable romance and sea-scented sensuality. From stunning sky-high views to intimate moments on a secluded dune, LBI is the perfect getaway for couples to reconnect, have adventures, and get a little tan.
Beach-bound couples can taste the salt on each other’s lips while dipping their toes in the sand.
THE 411
Long Beach Island is a barrier island located off the mainland of Manahawkin, NJ and is exit 63 off the Garden State Parkway. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Long Beach Island, LBI, or The Island as it’s locally known is only accessible by either traveling over the Causeway Bridge or under it via your own private boat. Long Beach Island is made up of 6 municipalities with Long Beach Township being the biggest of them all. The other municipalities include Barnegat Light, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, Ship Bottom and Beach Haven.
LBI is located approximately one hour north of the exciting gaming action of Atlantic City, two hours south of New York City, and an hour and a half east of Philadelphia.
The closest airports are Atlantic City International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport.
FIRST TIME VISITORS
Selecting a home-base in LBI is a difficult decision as 18-miles is a lot to choose from. Renting or bringing a car is your best option when staying on the Island as each of its municipalities offer visitors a different experience of Jersey Shore life. Couples looking for a secluded vacation should head north to Barnegat Light, while couples craving nighttime action and mini-city adventures should head south to Beach Haven.
Upon arrival, stop in at the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce to pick up brochures, travel guides, and general information. You’ll find their office located on your left upon entering LBI and before reaching the main strip of Long Beach Blvd.
Beach Badges are required for access onto LBI beaches and bay beaches when the lifeguards are on duty. Daily and weekly badges are sold by a beach badge checker on the beach (cash only), while senior discount passes and seasonal badges are sold at each borough/township’s headquarters. Please note that you can’t use your Surf City beach badge on Ship Bottom’s beach and vice versa. Each borough/township sells their own badges. Check with each borough or township for prices and for more information.
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re coming down for the night or weekend, stay at a romantic B&B. There are plenty in the Victorian section of Beach Haven like the ultra-romantic Magnolia House or The Gables. We also highly recommend staying at the Lighthouse Vista Suite at The Sand Castle Bed and Breakfast in Barnegat Light. This two-story suite has a king size bed and a separate Jacuzzi tub located on the second floor.
If you’re planning a longer visit, then renting a shore house may be a better option. There are plenty of real estate agencies who can find you the perfect couple’s retreat. Here are some great agencies to name a few:
HCH Sotheby’s International Realty
Island Realty
Prudential Zach Shore Properties
G. Anderson Agency
WHERE TO EAT
Country Kettle Chowda in Beach Haven is a great stop for some award-winning New England Clam Chowder served in a bread bowl.
Bistro 14 in Beach Haven serves up delicious Mediterranean and French style food and is a romantic spot to enjoy a sunset.
Viking Fresh Off The Hook serves fresh-caught seafood takeout in Barnegat Light.
Mustache Bill’s Diner in Barnegat Light is a well-known diner that serves-up fresh breakfast and lunch.
Mud City Crab House is located off the beaten path in Manahawkin and serves seafood and crabs that’ll leave your tummy smiling.
Shore Good Donuts, located in Ship Bottom serves warm, fresh donuts where you can pick the toppings!
COUPLE’S PLAY
Beach bumming
Rent a boat and go crabbing
Para-sailing
Rent a personal water craft
Play mini-golf
Be a kid again and play in the arcade at Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Take surfing lessons
See a play at Surflight Theatre
Rent a surrey and bike away
Eco-Kayak tour with the Alliance for a Living Ocean
Climb to the top of the Old Barney aka the Barnegat Lighthouse
Watch a sunrise on the beach
Watch a moonrise on the beach
Watch a sunset on the bay
Take a sunset dip in the bay
Stargaze using the Ipad app, ”Go Sky Watch Planetarium” to identify the stars
Eat ice-cream treats
Hire a professional photographer to take your beach portrait
Boogie board
Take a sunset cruise
Go to Holgate after dark to see Atlantic City lit up
Fly a kite
Discover the Island’s history at the Barnegat Light Museum or the Long Beach Island Museum
Take a historical walking tour hosted by the Long Beach Island Historical Society
Take a long walk on the beach
BRING HOME
Some great LBI souvenirs to bring home with you include seashells found on the beach, a bag of beach sand, a beach blanket, salt water taffy, fudge, or local artwork featuring a sunset, the Barnegat Lighthouse or a beach scene.
LBI NO-NO’S
No sex on the beach
No sleeping overnight on the beach
No alcohol on the beach
No littering
Dogs are not permitted on the beach during peak season
No parking your car in front of anyone’s driveway
No drinking and driving
Some beaches do not allow you to throw a beach ball or fly a kite until after the lifeguards leave. (Read the beach rule’s sign before entering any beach.)
Saltwater anglers must never be caught without their proof of registration or face hefty fines! Register for free by clicking here and put a printed copy in your wallet or with your saltwater fishing gear.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more info on Long Beach Island, please check out the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce.
TAKE A PERMANENT VACATION
Interested in making Long Beach Island or the surrounding shore area your permanent home base? Then please check out New Jersey movers for all your moving and storage needs!
