Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for a reason to plan a visit to Long Beach Island to enjoy the coveted “local summer”? Check out our newest Calendar Update, as 2026 will be here before we know it!
Featured FALL Events Coming Up on Long Beach Island:
Note: This is not a complete list of the event happening on LBI from October of 2025. For more information visit, www.welcometolbi.com/events. Know about an event you don’t see? Share with us by email info@welcometolbi.com.
Beach Haven Chowder Cook Off | October 4th-5th
11th Annual LBI FLY Invitational Kite Fest | October 10th-11th
Shellabration | October 11th
53rd Annual LBI 18-Miler | October 12th
Halloween Fun Fest | October 10th, 12th & 18th
Trunk or Treat: Ship Bottom (10/24) & Surf City (10/25)
Harvest Hayride | October 25th
Get ready, LBI! The sky will once again come alive with color and creativity this fall as the 11th Annual LBI FLY Invitational Kite Festival returns October 10–11, 2025! We can’t wait to welcome back world-class kite fliers and families from near and far for another unforgettable weekend on the beaches of Long Beach Island.
This year promises to be our most family-friendly festival yet, featuring new attractions, interactive activities, and a spectacular lineup of kite fliers from across the globe.
✨ Festival Dates & Locations
Friday, October 10
📍 Ship Bottom Beaches (18th–27th St)
🕛 12–5 PM
Saturday, October 11
📍 Ship Bottom Beaches (18th–27th St)
🕙 10 AM–4 PM
Saturday, October 11 – Night Fly
📍 68th St Beach, Long Beach Township
🕡 6:30–8:30 PM
(Watch the kites light up the night sky!)
🌍 Who’s Flying This Year?
Our kite fliers are coming in from across the US and beyond — including Utah, Wisconsin, California, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Alaska, Indiana, New York, New Jersey, and even Germany!
We’re thrilled to welcome four special guest fliers for 2025:
- Rolf Zimmermann (Germany)
- Ron Gibian (California)
- Scott Hampton (Utah)
- Ken McNeil (South Carolina)
These talented artists and performers will wow you with intricate kite designs and interactive kite displays.
🎉 New & Exciting Features in 2025
This year, we’re introducing even more ways to experience the magic of kite flying:
- Art Kite Field: Artists and kite makers will take their framed masterpieces to the skies.
- Dual Line & Sport Kite Displays: Learn to Fly with Ken McNeil and Team.
- Drum Box Kite Raffle & Art Kite Raffle: Take home a piece of the festival!
- Ship Bottom Kite Unveiling: Be the first to see this year’s signature festival kite.
- …and much more!
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Activities
We’re proud to make this year’s festival the most engaging experience yet for families and kids:
- Kids Kitemaking (create your own kite and take it home!)
- Interactive Kids Kite Field
- Bubble Blasts on the beach
- Hands-on Kite Flying with handmade kites
- Learn to Fly with Ken McNeil and Team — discover how to control dual line sport kites from the experts!
✨ Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
The LBI FLY Kite Festival is more than just a show in the sky — it’s a weekend full of community, art, and family fun. Whether you’re a lifelong LBI visitor or discovering the island for the first time, this is a unique experience you’ll never forget.
Mark your calendar, grab your family and friends, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend on the beach. We’ll see you October 10–11th, 2025!
Make sure you follow along to stay in-the-know with any updates or event details:
- Follow our official LBI FLY social media on Instagram or Facebook
- Bookmark the official LBI FLY website: www.lbifly.com
- RSVP to our Facebook Event: Click Here
Want to feature your business with this unique opportunity? Become a SPONSOR for this year’s Kite Festival! We have curated sponsorship tiers so that businesses of all sizes can be a part of this wonderful event. Simply email our Sponsor Coordinator: info@lbifly.com
Interested in volunteering or want to inquire about flying a kite? Email out Kite Fest Coordinator: deb@lbifly.com
Summer is officially in full swing on Long Beach Island! The streets are buzzing, local businesses are open, and beachgoers are heading to the sand in search of sun and sea. We’ve updated our most frequently asked questions about guarded beaches, public restrooms, and beach badge requirements for 2025 so you can hit the shore prepared.
🛟 Guarded Beaches & Lifeguard Hours by Town
Barnegat Light
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Lifeguards on duty: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM (through Labor Day)
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Guarded Streets: 30th, 27th, 26th, 25th, 22nd, 21st, 19th, 17th, 15th, 14th, 12th, and 10th (25th Bay Beach is guarded for young families)
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Public Restrooms: Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, W 10th St at the Bay
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More Info (including information on Beach Wheels, Beach Tram, and Dog Policy)
Beach Haven
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Lifeguards on duty: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM (through Labor Day)
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Guarded Streets: 12th, Taylor, 5th, 2nd, Centre, Engleside, Pearl, Belvoir, Essex, Liberty, Kentford
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Public Restrooms: Taylor Ave Bay Beach, Centre St, Dock Rd, Marine St, Nelson Ave Playground
- Special Note about Beach Haven Beach Badges: Badges required everyday, except Wednesday, during the season
- Attention from BH Beach Patrol: Tents are not allowed on Beach Haven beaches, per Borough code Chapter 55-9. Only 7ft. umbrellas, with an anchor, and 4ftx4ft baby tents are allowed.
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More Info (including parking, beach taxi, beach mats, and more) and Visit the BH Beach Patrol Page
Harvey Cedars
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Lifeguards on duty: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM (through Sept. 1st)
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Guarded Streets: 86th, 83rd, 80th, 77th, 73rd, 69th, Middlesex, Atlantic, Hudson (also surfing beach), Cape May, 5417 Blvd. (Cumberland), Bergen, Bay Beach at W 75th
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Public Restrooms: Sunset Park, Borough Hall (75th St)
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More Info (including post-season schedule)
Long Beach Township
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Lifeguards on duty: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM (through Labor Day)
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Guarded Streets:
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Loveladies: Tract 153 (Dolphin), Tract 141 (Seaview), Coast Ave, Tract 99 (Harbor North), Tract 85, Tract 53 (Harbor South)
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North Beach: Tract 1119 (Green), Tract 1087 (Flamingo), Tract 1065 (Pump House), Track 1049, Tract 1023, Tract 1005
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Brant Beach: 32nd Street, 36th Street, 40th Street, 44th Street, 48th Street, 52nd Street, 55th Street, 58th Street, 62nd Street, 65th Street, 68th Street, Bay Beach – 68th Street
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Beach Haven Crest: 70th Street, 75th Street, 78th Street, 82nd Street, 86th Street, 91st Street, 96th Street, 100th Street, 104th Street, 110th Street, 114th Street
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Spray Beach: Colorado Ave (118th), Ramp Ave (122nd), Dune Ave (127th), Pennsylvania Ave (131st), 33rd Street, 29th Street, 25th Street, 21st Street, 17th Street, 14th Street, Bay Beach – Pennsylvania Ave (131st)
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Holgate: Osborne Ave, Marshall Ave, Susan Ave, Rosemma Ave, Scott Dr, Chatham Ave, Jacqueline Ave, Harding Ave, Washington Ave
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Note: Swim between yellow flags only; surfing between blue flags
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Public Restrooms: Holgate (at the south end parking lot of Long Beach Blvd at McKinley Ave), Bayview Park (68th Street, Brant Beach), 68th Street (Ocean Beach at Pavillion Ramp), 68th Street Pickleball Courts, Harbor South (Loveladies)
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Click for more information in LBT: Guarded Beaches, Beach Wheels, Beach Regulations, Bathroom Facilities, Beach Badges
Ship Bottom
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Lifeguards on duty: Daily, 10 AM – 6 PM (through Labor Day)
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Guarded Streets: 3rd, 7th, 15th, 20th, 23rd, 26th, 30th, Bay (exact locations may shift based on beach conditions)
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Public Restrooms: Municipal Building (17th & LBB), 10th St Boat Ramp, Bay Beach (13th–16th)
Surf City
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Lifeguards on duty: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM (through Sept 1st)
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Guarded Streets: South 2nd Street, Division, North 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, and 24th (subject to change based on conditions)
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Public Restrooms: Behind Borough Hall (813 LBB), 16th St Bay Beach, Division St Boat Ramp
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More Info (including beach regulations, fishing, surfing, boat ramp, beach wheels, gator program, and more)
🚩 Reminders for All LBI Beaches
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Only swim when lifeguards are present! Conditions and staffing may affect availability.
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Unsure about beach rules like flags, hole digging, surfing zones, etc.? Ask the lifeguards — they’re there to help!
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Beach badges are required in all towns during the season. Read our 2025 Beach Badge Blog to learn how to get yours.
❓Need Help or Have Questions?
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For lifeguard stand locations, restrooms, beach rules, or permits, please contact the township you’re staying in directly.
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For general questions or to share a community event with us, email: info@welcometolbi.com
Here’s to a safe, sunny, and spectacular 2025 summer on LBI!
#WelcomeToLBI #LBI2025 #BeachReady
Summer is calling — are you ready to answer? ☀️🏖️ If your plans include soaking up the sun on beautiful Long Beach Island, there’s one thing you’ll want to check off your list early: your beach badges! No stress — we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know to hit the sand with confidence.
🏷️ First Things First: What Kind of Badge Do You Need?
LBI offers a few options depending on how long you’re staying:
- Daily Badges (perfect for a quick visit)
- Weekly Badges (for those lucky enough to stay a little longer)
- Seasonal Badges (for true beach lovers)
- Senior Badges (special pricing for our seasoned beachgoers)
Badge prices and types vary slightly by town, so be sure to pick the right one for your stay!
📍 Six Towns, Six Sets of Badges
Remember: LBI isn’t just one beach — it’s six unique towns, each with their own beach badge system.
You’ll need to purchase your badge for the specific town where you’re staying or planning to spend most of your beach days.
Not sure which town you’ll be in? Send us an email at info@welcometolbi.com and we’ll point you in the right direction.
🛒 How (and Where) to Buy Your Badges
Here’s the important part: Don’t send your badge forms to us!
Each town handles their own sales, whether it’s in-person, by mail, or through a mobile app. Always follow the instructions listed by the town you’re purchasing from. (We’ve linked them for you below for easy access!)
Pro Tip: Snag your badges at pre-season prices — you’ll save a few bucks before rates go up for summer.
🎟️ 2025 Pre-Season Pricing & Purchase Info by Town:
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Barnegat Light: $40 pre-season (through June 5th)
👉 Purchase info here -
Beach Haven: $40 pre-season (through May 31st)
👉 Purchase info here -
Harvey Cedars: $40 pre-season (through June 15th)
👉 Purchase info here -
Long Beach Township: $40 pre-season (through June 15th)
👉 Purchase info here -
Ship Bottom: $40 pre-season (through May 31st)
👉 Purchase info here -
Surf City: $40 pre-season (through May 31st)
👉 Purchase info here
✅ Grab your badges.
✅ Pack your beach bag.
✅ Get ready for an unforgettable summer on LBI!
We can’t wait to see you on the sand! 🏖️🌞 #WelcomeToLBI #LBI2025 #BeachDaysAhead
As January comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about summer on Long Beach Island! Whether you’re a returning visitor or planning your first LBI getaway, securing your ideal vacation rental early ensures you get the best spot to relax, explore, and make unforgettable memories. With rentals booking fast and endless activities to look forward to, now is the perfect time to plan your trip.
Here are our top tips for making the most of your 2025 LBI vacation:
1. Book Early for the Best Selection
Savvy vacationers know that the best rentals and accommodations on LBI get booked well before spring. Studies show that most families and couples secure their summer lodging before March, with many reserving even earlier! Don’t wait—explore our Member Directory to find trusted real estate agencies, rental services, and hotels/motels that fit your needs.
2. Plan Beyond Your Stay: Dining, Shopping & Activities
While choosing the perfect place to stay is key, planning out your itinerary makes for a truly memorable trip. Use our Membership Directory to also find top-rated restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, mini golf courses, and more. Have something specific in mind and need a recommendation? Email us at info@welcometolbi.com, and we’ll be happy to help!
3. Get to Know LBI’s Six Unique Towns
Long Beach Island isn’t just one town—it’s a collection of six distinct municipalities, each offering its own unique experience. Whether you’re looking for quiet relaxation or lively entertainment, there’s a perfect spot for everyone.
Barnegat Light – Nestled on the northern tip of LBI, this charming town is home to the iconic Barnegat Lighthouse and sprawling beaches. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, offering prime fishing, crabbing, and outdoor recreation.
Harvey Cedars – A serene retreat with beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. Don’t miss Sunset Park, where weekly summer concerts set the perfect backdrop for an evening by the bay.
Surf City – A lively yet family-friendly hub packed with shops, restaurants, and a great bay beach for younger swimmers. It’s the perfect balance between convenience and relaxation.
Ship Bottom – Known as the “Gateway to LBI,” this centrally located town is ideal for day-trippers and long-term vacationers alike. It offers plenty of hotels, rentals, and easy access to water activities.
Long Beach Township – Spanning multiple areas across LBI, this township offers a mix of quiet residential areas, bustling beach towns, and vibrant events throughout the summer.
Beach Haven – If you’re looking for entertainment, history, and family fun, Beach Haven is the place to be. Home to Fantasy Island Amusement Park, Surflight Theatre, and a vibrant nightlife scene, this town is full of energy and excitement.
4. Insider Tips for a Stress-Free Stay
- Traffic & Check-Ins: Most rentals have Saturday check-ins, so plan for peak traffic on weekend mornings during the summer.
- Beach Badges: Keep an eye out for our 2025 Beach Badge information, typically released in April.
- Packing Essentials: Bring bathing suits, sunscreen, beach towels, and outdoor gear. Some rentals provide beach chairs and bikes, but local businesses offer rentals if needed.
- Stay in Touch: Contact rental agencies, realtors, and hotels directly to ask about cancellation policies, amenities, and availability.
- Consider the Shoulder Season: April–June and September–October offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of events. Even winter on LBI (November–March) has its own peaceful charm, with restaurants and shops open year-round.
Make 2025 Your Best Summer Yet!
LBI is waiting for you! Start planning now to secure your dream vacation rental and build an itinerary filled with unforgettable moments. Need help? The LBI Chamber of Commerce is here to guide you—reach out anytime!
📧 Contact us: info@welcometolbi.com
📲 Follow us on Instagram for updates and inspiration! @WelcomeToLBI
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