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Must-visit destinations in Long Beach Island, NJ

Right along the coast of Ocean County is Long Beach Island, an 18-mile long barrier island in New Jersey known for beach towns, surfing spots, luxury hotels, and trendy restaurants. It is home to around 20,000 residents living in six separate municipalities. During peak tourist season like summer, the population swells to around 100,000. People come from all over, eager to experience the unique pleasures of LBI.

If you’re a first-timer or want to explore the island, here’s a list of the best places to visit and things to do in Long Beach Island.

Parks and wildlife sanctuaries

Long Beach Island isn’t just about the lovely views. There are also several coastal reserves and wildlife parks for nature lovers.

One such place is Island Beach State Park, located just south of the Seaside Park on the Barnegat Peninsula. The park boasts more than 4.6 square miles of forests, creeks, ponds, and open water. Here, you can go swimming, kayaking, and fishing.

Another wildlife haven is the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, which covers about 62.5 square miles. Although most of the refuge is restricted to the public, the areas you can visit are popular spots for hiking and birdwatching.

Amusement parks and waterparks

Have fun all day at Fantasy Island Amusement Park, which showcases 18 carnival rides, all kinds of games, an arcade, and much more. Show off your kicking skills at the Soccer Challenge, play classic arcade favorites like Skee-Ball, and don’t miss the chance to ride their iconic Ferris wheel.

You can also head over to Thundering Surf Waterpark for water-splashing fun. This park features eight swirling water slides, the relaxing Lazy Crazy River, and several interactive water facilities. They also have a Flowrider, a state-of-the-art platform where you can grab a board and ride a wave.

Historic sites and museums

If you’re looking for a more casual activity, why not soak in a little history and culture? The Museum of NJ Maritime History on the Southern end of the island houses the most extensive collection of maritime artifacts in the state of New Jersey.

There’s also the Barnegat Lighthouse on the northern end of the island. Known as “Old Barney,” the 169-foot-tall lighthouse was built in the 19th century and offers panoramic views of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay, and Long Beach Island itself. You can also visit the Barnegat Light Museum, which features artifacts, photos, and replicas depicting the rich history of Barnegat Light and Long Beach Island.

Beaches

A trip to Long Beach Island would not be complete without walking along the stunning 18-mile shoreline. It’s no wonder thousands of tourists visit each year, lured by the fine sand and clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. You can also enjoy many other activities like clam fishing, surfing, and beach yoga. Some of the most popular beaches in Long Beach Island are Beach Haven, Surf City, Ship Bottom and Harvey Cedars.

If you want to buy a vacation home in Long Beach Island, contact a real estate agent you can trust. Call Craig Stefanoni at 609.432.1104 today or send him an email at cstefanoni(at)zackshore(dotted)com.