Long Beach Island, a barrier island connected by a causeway to the rest of New Jersey, is a beach community filled with parks for outdoor pursuits. You can also bike the flat island, kayak, or canoe in the calm bay or hit the ocean side for surfing waves. Most of the beaches require beach badges.
To the Lighthouse
Climb 217 steps to the top of the Barnegat Lighthouse at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, open daily at the tip of Long Beach Island. Besides the lighthouse and its great views, the park features the Maritime Forest Trail, a walking trail with a variety of trees and migratory birds. The park has nesting areas for endangered species of birds, a picnic area, and fishing spots.
Toddler Beach
If you are bringing young children to the beach, they may tire of the sand and sun. Beach Haven has a toddler beach at Taylor Avenue, with a bay beach so small children can swim in gentle surf. The beach has a playground with swings, including a handicap swing, and basketball courts. There are also bathroom facilities. Picnics on the beach are prohibited, but kids can eat their lunch without facing censure.
Sports Minded
The town of Harvey Cedars has a bay front park at 77th Street with a family-friendly recreation center. The large, fully-equipped playground entertains kids while volleyball courts, a baseball field, and boccie attract children and adults. Use the handicap access ramp at Mercer Avenue and 80th Street to bring a jogging stroller onto the beach. A paved fitness track at the rec center lets you run without traffic. Rinse sand or sweat off at an outdoor shower, near the restrooms.
Family Friendly
If you are looking for a family friendly beach and park, Ship Bottom delivers. The bay beach has a large playground, bathrooms, and lifeguards. You can walk from the beach to a number of kid-friendly restaurants. The beach rules forbid food alcoholic beverages. A large parking area accommodates the many families who flock to the park. Leave your car on a side street or in the plaza from 18th and 22nd Streets.
Big Waves
If you are looking to surf, paddle board, or boogie board, head to Surf City, where the beach delivers big surf; that does not mean little kids are left out, though. A park by a bay beach, near 15th Street and Barnegat Avenue, has calm water, plus basketball courts and a playground. Surfing is allowed from North 23rd to North 25th Streets.
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