Long Beach Islands’ secret ingredient continues to attract thousands of people to the Jersey Shore. Beautiful white soft sand beaches, outstanding boating, terrific fishing facilities, unique shops, superb restaurants, great surfing, Edwin B. Forsythe Wild Life Preserve (end of Holgate), Barnegat Lighthouse & nature trail, playgrounds, Fantasy Island amusement park, water park, multiple mini-golf courses, and very friendly people all inspire the creation of this peaceful relaxing magical family atmosphere!
Springtime on LBI
Spring on Long Beach Island is a wonderful time of year! The beach badges go on sale, the boats start going in the water, restaurants open up and you can feel the excitement from everyone about the nice weather and upcoming beach days. Although, everyone is anticipating summer, don’t forget to enjoy spring.
There is nothing like that first beach day of the season. It doesn’t matter if it is a little cool because the sand is nice and warm. It feels good to sit in the sand again with the sun on your face. Depending on the winds, the beach can get quite warm in the spring.
There are some events to keep in mind when planning your spring LBI trip.
Ship Bottom Sprint For Life
Ship Bottom Sidewalk Sale Days
Many Ship Bottom Merchants will be participate in Sidewalk Sales.
Memorial Day Celebration
on the front lawn of the Ship Bottom Borough Hall, 16th & the Blvd.
SUMMER ON LBI
Summer beach badges-The Long Beach Island beach badges are for sale and are required from mid June through Labor Day. Save money and order your beach badges at the pre-season rate. Check with each town website to see details and to stay in touch with all the LBI summer events and services.
Surf City
Long Beach Township Beach Wheels Program- Started in 1992, the LBTBP Beachwheels program is one of the largest beach wheelchair programs in the country. The Beachwheels (or Surf Chairs®) are made from lightweight PVC tubing and oversized wheels so that they can handle difficult terrain such as the beach.
LBI Shuttle app – Long Beach Island Shuttles are a shuttle service that is run along all 18 miles of the island. With designated areas to stop it is easy to find a trolley and waive them down to get anywhere you need to enjoy the fabulous attractions, entertainment, shopping, dining and beaches that LBI has to offer.
Fall Season on LBI
The season of fall on Long Beach Island brings a tranquil atmosphere to the island. The hustle and bustle of everyday life on LBI disappears but the beaches are still enjoyed for those who live here year round and those that visit on the weekends. The beaches are still very much enjoyed throughout September with warm afternoon sun and some of the warmest ocean water temperatures of the season. An added bonus to Ship Bottom beaches is that Ship Bottom has lifeguards on duty at certain locations usually through September. Although, summer is at an end, there is still plenty to do and see on Long Beach Island.
Some of the fall happenings on LBI are:
The Surflight Theatre is open with lots of talent
September Bridge Walk
“Walk the Causeway for a Great Cause – Our Students!”
ALL Proceeds benefit the Stafford PTA, SRHS Bridge Walk Scholarship Fund and the Long Beach Island School District PTA
LBI ChowderFest Weekend in Beach Haven including the Merchants Mart
LBI Kite festival
The 18-Mile Run in October
The St. Francis Center offers several events including a Family Safety Fair, House Tour, Spaghetti Dinner -day before the Annual 18 mile run, and the Christmas Craft Show to get the holiday shopping season started.
Winter on Long Beach Island
This isn’t the kind of board you expect to see leaning on a dune fence at the beach but it’s the kind you need if you want to have fun on the beach in the winter.
Of course, Long Beach Island is busy and lively in the summer but there is always plenty to do and see in the winter on LBI, too. You can take advantage of snow days on the beach and give the kids a fun ride on a sled. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is fun every season and is open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the lighthouse is open on weekends.
Check out The LBI Foundation of the Arts and Sciences for the Winter and Spring classes and event schedule for ceramics, jewelry, youth art workshops, film festivals, Science Saturdays, exhibitions and more. If you feel energetic and are longing for those summer swimming days, take a swim at the St. Francis Center indoor pool or get creative and take a Just Bead It workshop.
Whatever you choose to do during a Long Beach Island winter, take time out and walk along the beach to clear your mind. You never know what the waves bring ashore and if it happens to be a seal (not uncommon in winter on LBI), stay away because they may bite. If you have a digital camera with you, take a picture of the seal and send it mmsc@verizon.net so, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center can determine if it is injured or just taking a break or call 266-0538.
Walking on LBI
One of the things that most people love about Long Beach Island is that there are so many interesting places to see even by getting around on foot. You can take a family walk to parks, mini-golf, stores and restaurants. It’s fun to interact with the neighbors outside and have great talks while you walk.
Some LBI towns are more walkable (stores and amenities are within walking distance) than others. Beach Haven has the highest walk score on Long Beach Island with a score of 55 out of 100. Ship Bottom has a walk score of 39 and Surf City has a walk score of 49.
Find out the Walk Score of your town.
Try walking along the beach and see where it takes you. A walk on the beach can be like a treasure hunt; the ocean waves wash up some interesting things. After walking along the beach, walk up to the Boulevard and look around to see where your walk has taken you to. You may be able to grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants or find a new shop.
Walking is important for Long Beach Island local businesses. It’s easier for people to stop and shop at stores on one trip, so the next time you drive to your destination, park your car and walk the rest of your trip, explore what LBI has to offer. You might find your new favorite store.
LBI Schools
Long Beach Island Consolidated School District has two schools that serves Long Beach Township, Barnegat Light, Harvey Cedars, Surf City and Ship Bottom.
Ethel A. Jacobsen Elementary School, Grades K-3
Long Beach Island Grade School, Grades Preschool, 4-6
Beach Haven Borough School Grades Pre-K-6 serves Beach Haven Borough residents
St. Francis Community Center offers a Preschool Program and a Before and After School Program for students in Kindergarten through 6th grades
Long Beach Island students attend the Southern Regional School District in Manahawkin, NJ for Middle School (grades 7-8) and High School (grades 9-12).
