Long Beach Island, NJ, Guide and Information

One look at a map–whether it’s the Discovery Map, Google Maps, a trusted road atlas, or some other kind of map–shows that Long Beach Island is all about the sea, sand and surf.

Aptly named and affectionately known as LBI, this eighteen-mile-long barrier island off the coast of New Jersey contours the Atlantic side of Ocean County much like a long, slender jib off of a sturdy sailboat. Sandy beaches, scintillating sunrises, sometimes rollicking waves and an eclectic collection of beach towns stand out as just a handful of the reasons why LBI ranks as one of the beloved surfside destinations of the east coast. With the thickest part of the island measuring not more than a half mile wide, you’re never far from a beach where vistas inspire and play takes priority over all the rest. Plus, it’s Jersey, baby, so you can’t beat the laidback vibe.

Known as the “Gateway to Long Beach Island,” you arrive in Ship Bottom once you cross over the causeway. So it should come as no surprise that here you’ll find the largest concentration of goods and services on the island.

Stop into the Information Center of Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce to collect some pointers and brochures on all that there is to do and see on the island. While you’re here, check out the Ron Jon Surf Shop, an institution of sorts on LBI that dates back to 1961. Just down the coast a bit, you can sign up for some adventure at LBI Surfing & SUP Lessons. If you’re here for a romantic getaway, spend some time at Hotel LBI, a swanky establishment, that’s a must-see on the island. Here’s a cool anecdote: the name Ship Bottom was derived from a ship’s accident in 1817. A woman was saved from a wreck when rescuers chopped through the hull of a boat to free her.