Long Beach Island (LBI), New Jersey, offers 18 miles of varied and scenic beaches stretching from Barnegat Light in the north to Holgate at the south end. WHYY names Long Beach Island’s beaches among the best.

Long Beach Island offers a beach experience for every mood. If you're seeking serenity and nature, head north to Barnegat Light or Holgate. Want family-friendly beaches and activities? Beach Haven and the bay beaches await. For surf, sand, sun—and local flavor—Ship Bottom and Surf City are ideal. Whichever stretch you choose, LBI delivers classic Jersey Shore coastal charm, safe, clean beaches, surf culture, and scenic beauty rich with sunsets and maritime history.

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Why Vacation—and Own—on Long Beach Island, New Jersey

Presented by Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty

Stretching 18 miles along New Jersey’s beautiful Atlantic coast, Long Beach Island (LBI) offers a perfect blend of seaside relaxation and coastal sophistication. Beloved for its clean beaches, charming communities, and family-friendly atmosphere, LBI has become both a cherished vacation destination and a wise real estate investment.

The Beach Life, Perfected

From sunrise strolls on the sand to sunset dinners overlooking the bay, every moment on LBI feels like a postcard come to life. The island’s pristine beaches, gentle surf, and inviting boardwalks make it a haven for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, or simply soaking in the ocean breeze.

Distinctive Towns, One Island Spirit

Each LBI town offers its own unique personality:

Barnegat Light boasts the historic lighthouse, scenic dunes, and peaceful nature trails.
Surf City and Ship Bottom blend surf shops, cafés, and a laid-back local charm.
Beach Haven shines with fine dining, theater, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

Whether you’re looking for the energy of the boulevard or the tranquility of a bayside retreat, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

A Lifestyle and an Investment

For many, LBI isn’t just a getaway—it’s a lifestyle. Owning property here means becoming part of a coastal community that values tradition, natural beauty, and long-term stability. With strong property values, seasonal rental opportunities, and high demand, Long Beach Island real estate remains one of the smartest investments on the Jersey Shore.

Guided by Local Experts

At Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty, our agents live and work in the communities they serve. We understand the nuances of island life—whether you’re searching for a summer retreat, investment property, or year-round coastal home. Our team brings unmatched local expertise, professional guidance, and a commitment to helping you make your island dream a reality.

Discover the Riviera Difference

Long Beach Island is more than a place to visit—it’s a place to belong.
Let Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty help you find your home by the sea, either to rent or own.

Coldwell Banker Riviera Realty
Trusted. Local. Established.

Here's a breakdown of the beaches by region and what makes each worth a visit:

Northern Tip – Barnegat Light Beaches

- Barnegat Lighthouse State Park features some of the widest, most natural beaches on LBI, framed by vegetated dunes and a historic red-and-white lighthouse. The park offers coastal trails, guided tours, and a stunning vantage point to watch the sunset over the water.
- The bay beaches near Barnegat Light are calm and ideal for fishing, crabbing, or renting paddleboards with scenic views of the lighthouse.

Central Beaches – Ship Bottom, Surf City, Beach Haven, Brant Beach

- Ship Bottom Beach is the vibrant “gateway” to LBI with soft golden sands and deep blue surf. It’s a hub of shops, surf events, and family fun. The sunsets here are often described as spectacular.
- Surf City boasts exceptionally wide, replenished beaches—great for spreading out, swimming, or surfing, especially popular with board riders.
- Beach Haven delivers both lively and quiet sections: family-friendly beaches near Fantasy Island amusement park to more relaxed stretches further south. Lifeguarded, clean, and with nearby shops and restaurants

Long Beach Township – Loveladies, North Beach, Brant Beach Area

- Loveladies and North Beach are quieter, low-density areas popular for peaceful escapes amid dunes and maritime forests—semi-private but open to all,
- Brant Beach & Bayview Park offer both wide oceanfront beaches and bay-side areas with playgrounds, courts, free parking, and watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Ideal for families looking for accessible, safe fun.

Southern End – Holgate & Forsythe Wildlife Refuge

- The Holgate beaches transition into the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, a protected, undeveloped reserve with pristine dunes, rich wildlife habitat, and serene sandy shores free from crowds and development.

Beaches & Activities at a Glance

Feature	Details
Surfing & Watersports	Surf City and Ship Bottom lead for surf; bay beaches like Bayview Park are popular for paddleboarding, kayaking and family water fun.
Family-Friendly Spots	Beaches in Beach Haven, Brant Beach, and Harvey Cedars all offer playgrounds, restrooms, lifeguards, and calm swimming areas.
Natural & Scenic	Loveladies, North Beach, and Holgate are known for tranquillity and natural dune landscapes.
Sunsets & Views	Especially beautiful at Ship Bottom, Barnegat Lighthouse beaches, and Bay Beach for westward dusk over the bay.

Local Tips

Beach badges are required on most beaches during summer (often included with hotel stays) Long Beach Island NJ.
Lifeguards patrol many beaches during the season; bay beaches are generally shallower and calmer—perfect for younger swimmers .
Notably wide beaches have had replenishment projects—particularly in Surf City and Harvey Cedars—though these have raised both practical and environmental debates about sandbars and dune preservation