LONG BEACH ISLAND IS A FRAME OF MIND. The island has its own unique history, its own fiercely loyal residents and washashores, and its own look and feel.

The narrow strand has managed to elude most of the honky-tonk amusement attractions of other shore resorts, but it’s packed end-to-end with homes and rental properties catering to people interested in the pure beach experience: sunning, swimming, sailing, surfing, and fishing.

Before the advent of modern navigational aids, Long Beach Island was a scene of frequent shipwrecks. In one two-year period in the 1840s, 122 vessels were wrecked in the surrounding waters. In an effort to make the area safer for boaters, Barnegat Lighthouse, the second tallest lighthouse in the United States at 172 feet, was built in 1858. Although the lighthouse has been out of service since 1944, you can still climb to the top of the renovated tower for a wonderful view of the ocean and the inlet. For more information about the lighthouse, shipwrecks, and rescues, visit the Barnegat Light Museum, 5th Street, Barnegat Light.

While Long Beach Island has neither Boardwalk nor beachfront promenade, it does feature a host of restaurants, watering holes and shops along its causeway and beach-block boulevard.

Entertainment options include catching a movie at either of the two theaters in Beach Haven: one on Long Beach Boulevard and the other at Bay Avenue and Center Street. If you prefer a live performance, catch a show at the Surflight Theatre, Beach & Engleside Avenues, Beach Haven.

Accommodations include motels, bed & breakfasts, and vacation home rentals. You can reach Long Beach Island by taking exit 63 off the Garden State Parkway.

IS IT LBI?
It is if it’s:
• Barnegat Light
• Loveladies
• Harvey Cedars
• North Beach
• Surf City
• Ship Bottom
• Brant Beach
• Beach Haven Crest
• Long Beach
• Beach Haven Park
• Beach Haven Terrace
• Spray Beach
• North Beach Haven
• Beach Haven
• Holgate

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