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.