10 Best Towns and Villages in Long Beach Island

The town of Ship Bottom offers a range of outdoor recreation opportunities including beaches for surfing and relaxation. This town is known as the Gateway to Long Beach Island because it sits at the edge of the Causeway that links the island to the mainland. 

Here you can find miniature golf, boat ramps, and even amusement park rides, carnival games, and plenty of eateries. You can walk the trails of local wildlife preserves and view dozens of species of birds, flora, and fauna.

Surf City was originally founded as Long Beach City but was renamed in 1899. It was the home of the first large boarding hotel on the Jersey Shore and even today draws many visitors every year. 

This town also offers a range of outdoor excitement for adults and kids alike. The city centre area, known as the Boulevard, offers all the shopping and fine dining you could want in a walkable area of town. There’s also a family-friendly bay beach that offers a laid back environment for safe swimming, sun, and sand.

North Beach is a town that’s known for its endless stretches of soft golden sands and deep, blue ocean waters. It’s part of a nature preserve where you can walk hiking trails, go cycling, and watch for local wildlife including birds and sea life. 

Not far from the town you can find water parks, amusement parks, a seaport village with shopping and dining, historic sights for sightseeing, and even museums and outdoor hiking parks. If you’re looking for a wealth of things to do for adults and kids, North Beach is a good central location to choose.

Loveladies is a area located in the extreme north of Long Beach Island. It’s known for its wealth of holiday rentals which provide easy access to the attractions across the entire island. 

The town is also the arts and cultural hub of the island where you can see museums, art galleries, and take classes on everything from performing arts to ceramics and more. If you’re into the cultural aspects of Long Beach Island, Loveladies is certainly a place that should be on your list to check out.

Harvey Cedars is a quaint town located near the northern end of Long Beach Island. It offers a wide range of options for summer accommodation and a quiet, laid-back setting to get away from the hustle and bustle of more crowded towns. The town hosts weekly live concerts and the city centre area boasts tonnes of great seafood restaurants. 

All summer long, the city centre area hosts craft shows that showcase the best work from local artisans and craftspeople to allow you to get that unique one-of-a-kind souvenir of your trip. The compact town runs along 80th Street Beach, which is beautiful and expansive.  

High Bar Harbour is a unique town on Long Beach Island in that it doesn’t have any public beaches of its own, but it does offer a wealth of homes right on the water. This makes it a great option for boaters. 

There's also a wealth of attractions within driving distance, so you can head for the beach, state parks and nature reserves, lighthouses, and much more. This is an ideal option for that couple looking for a romantic getaway with a laid-back, quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Barnegat Light is best known for its namesake lighthouse, one of the most important locations for vessels that need to change course. Visitors come here to climb the tower and get a look at the panoramic view of the deep blue bay waters. 

There’s also a near endless stretch of yellow sand and blue surf to swim, sunbathe, and picnic. Other attractions include the Viking Village seafood shop and a state park with nature trails to go hiking, cycling, and nature watching.

For museum-goers and history buffs, the southern end of Long Beach Island offers you the town of Beach Haven. Here you can find museums dedicated to Long Beach Island, the New Jersey maritime history and legacy, and others. There’s a large city centre area offering 2 outdoor shopping centers where you’ll find great dining and a wide variety of shops from clothing and speciality items to locally handmade arts and crafts. 

You can also visit the town park which features a gazebo and plenty of green space to just take in some relaxation.

Right next to Beach Haven is the town of Holgate which is at the southernmost end of Long Beach Island. From here you can get a spectacular view of the nighttime Atlantic City skyline. It’s known for its harbour and its marina where you can go fishing or rent a boat to take a tour out on the bay for wildlife viewing. 

It’s also close to all the amenities and museums of neighbouring Beach Haven, so you can find all the shopping, dining, and adventure you could ever want.