Long Beach Island, New Jersey attracts visitors with its diverse beaches, family-friendly events, adult nightlife and simplistic natural parks. During the summer, visitors flock to take advantage of its historical setting as well as many outdoor activities. Conveniently located on New Jersey's coast, just north of Atlantic City, Long Beach Island boasts plenty of activities that draw crowds between the months of May and October.
Beaches
In the summertime, the beach areas of Long Beach Island are packed. Beach Haven, one of the most crowded beaches in the summer, is populated by surfers and nightclubs, and draws mainly adults. Luckily, Long Beach Township has several areas that attract families. Harvey Cedars and Ship Bottom are family-oriented beaches. Both boast playgrounds and Harvey Cedars has a sports complex. Surf City also attracts families, however, true to its name, it attracts many surfers, as well.
Boating and Fishing
Boating and fishing becomes exciting in Long Beach Island. Set-off on an adventure straight out of history on Black Whale Cruises' Crystal Queen paddle wheeler. Black Whale offers dinner cruises and sightseeing tours upon their double-decker paddle wheel boat. If you're more interested in captaining your own vessel, rent a canoe or kayak and see the sights of Long Beach Island at your own pace. If fishing is more your sport, try crabbing at one of the area's many crabbing spots. Familiarize yourself with crabbing laws first, however, so you don't get slapped with any unnecessary fines.
Museums
The Long Beach Island Historical Association Museum is a great way to get out of the sun for awhile and experience some local history. The museum is open from May till October and is run primarily by volunteers. It offers a glimpse into the Long Island Beach of the 1800's and offers tours through historical Beach Haven.
Amusement Parks
Family fun is plentiful in Long Island Beach. The area's amusement parks, Thundering Surf and the Victorian Fantasy Island Amusement Park offer miniature golf, water rides, rides for thrill-seekers and kid-friendly attractions. Fantasy Island offers a boardwalk, arcade, carousel and live entertainment. Thundering Surf water park offers eight slides, pools, pool surfing, lazy river rides and the Settler's Mill Adventure Golf course.
Parks
Nature lovers can appreciate Long Beach Island's many outdoor parks and recreational areas. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is one of the area's most popular parks and offers visitors scenic views, beach areas, the New Jersey Coastal Heritage trail and of course, the Barnegat lighthouse, which was built in 1859. Stanley Seaman County Park offers beaches, tennis and a playground for the kids. Wildlife lovers will appreciate Island Beach State Park, a barrier island that is a habitat for foxes and over 400 plant species.
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