Frequently Asked Questions

June 2024 Update: Guarded Beaches, Public Restrooms and More!

June 2024 Update!

Summer is officially here – the roads are busier, businesses are back open, and people are making their way to the beautiful beaches of LBI, eager to spent all their time in the sun! You’ve asked and we are answering the most common questions: Guarded Beaches, Public Restrooms and More. Check it out below –>

2024 Beach Information on Long Beach Island

Barnegat Light

Lifeguard Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm from mid-June through Labor Day

Guard stands are located at the following streets during the full coverage season dates: 30th, 27th, 26th, 25th, 22nd, 21st, 19th, 17th, 15th, 14th, 12th, 10th, and 25th Bay Beach. For your safety, always swim in the designated areas which are marked with flags.

Public Restrooms: Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, West 10th Street at the Bay

Beach Badges: Required on all Barnegat Light beaches for all beach patrons 12 years-old and over. Check out our beach badge blog for more details.

Click HERE for more information on the Barnegat Light Beach Patrol!

Beach Haven

Lifeguard Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm beginning June 22nd

Guard stands are located at 12th Street, Taylor Ave., 5th Street, 2nd Street, Centre Ave., Engleside Ave., Pearl St., Belvoir Ave., Essex Ave., Liberty Ave., and Kentford Ave. during the full coverage season dates.

Public Restrooms: Taylor Ave Bay Beach, Centre Street (oceanside) – Outside Shower or Foot Shower Available, Dock Road (bayside), Marine Street Tennis Courts, Nelson Ave Playground

Beach Badges: Required on all Beach Haven beaches for all beach patrons 12 years-old and over beginning June 22nd. Check out our beach badge blog for more details.

Click HERE for more information on the Beach Haven Beach Patrol!

Harvey Cedars

Lifeguard Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm from June 15th through Labor Day

Guard Stands are located at 86th Street, 83rd Street, 80th Street, 77th Street, 73rd Street, 69th Street, Middlesex Ave., Atlantic Ave., Hudson Ave. (also surfing beach), Cape May Ave., 5417 Blvd. easement (aka Cumberland), Bergen Ave. south, Bay Beach at West 75th Street

Public Restrooms: Sunset Park (Outside Shower or Foot Shower Available), Borough Hall (75th Street)

Beach Badges: Badges are required on all Harvey Cedars beaches beginning June 15th for anyone 12 years of age or older. Check out our beach badge blog for more details.

Click HERE for more information on the Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol!

Long Beach Township

Lifeguard House: Daily 10am to 5pm from June 15th through Labor Day

**Due to Ocean Conditions Guard Stand locations will be updated daily by 11am, please check the following link: https://lbtbp.com/

Always SWIM on Guarded Beaches between the YELLOW Flags. Surfing is allowed on all beaches between the BLUE flags.

Public Restrooms: 68th Street at Bayview Park (Outside Shower or Foot Shower Available), Parking Area at the southern end of Holgate (Outside Shower or Foot Shower Available)

Beach Badges: Required for all LBT beaches for persons age 12 and over from June 15th through September 2nd. Check out our beach badge blog for more details.

Click HERE for more information on the Long Beach Township Beach Patrol!

Ship Bottom

Lifeguard Hours: Daily 10am to 6pm through Labor Day

Guard stands are located at “3rd Street, 7th Street, 15th Street, 20th Street, 23rd Street, 26th Street, 30th Street. The actual placement of the lifeguard stands vary due to beach conditions. Therefore, the guarded swim areas may be more to the north or more to the south of the listed street.”

Public Restrooms: Municipal Building at 17th Street & Long Beach Blvd, 10th Street at the Bay Boat Ramp, 13th- 16th Street at the Bay Beach (Outside Shower or Foot Shower Available)

Beach Badges: Required for all Ship Bottom beaches for persons 13 years-old and over starting June 15th. Check out our beach badge blog for more details.

Click HERE for more information on the Ship Bottom Beach Patrol!

Surf City

Lifeguard Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm through Labor Day

Guard stands will be located approximately at South 2^nd Street, Division, North 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, 8^th, 10^th, 12^th, 14^th, 16^th, 18^th, 20^th, 22^nd, and 24^th. The precise location of the guarded beach may change from year-to-year or even week-to-week depending on surf condition and the location of sandbars.

Public Restrooms: Behind Borough Hall at 813 Long Beach Boulevard, 16th Street Bay Beach, Division Street Boat Ramp

Beach Badges: Required on all Surf City beaches for all individuals from 12 years of age to 64 years of age whenever lifeguards & badge checkers are on duty. Check out our beach badge blog for more details.

Click HERE for more information on the Surf City Beach Patrol!

For All Beaches

Please Note: Some beaches listed above as “guarded” may not have lifeguards present at certain times due to weather, staffing issues, after hours, etc. Do not swim at a beach if you do not see a lifeguard present. For any questions regarding tents, dogs, and more, please visit the beach patrol page of the township you are inquiring for. If you do not understand the rules regarding flags, digging holes, playing games, surfing, or other beach activities, please ask the lifeguard on duty and they will answer your questions. Beach Badges are required during the summer season. Please see our 2024 Beach Badge Blog for more information on acquiring beach badges for each town.

Need Help?

Please Contact Us if you have further questions about this blog posting. If you have a specific question about lifeguard stands, public restrooms and parking, please contact the township that you are staying in. You can also reach out to us if you have a community event that you would like us to post on our event calendar.

Summer 2024 Calendar Update

Another incredible summer is planned for LBI – a season of unforgettable memories, sun-soaked days, and vibrant community events. Nestled along the Jersey Shore, our charming island is renowned for its pristine beaches, captivating sunsets, and an array of activities that cater to all ages. Whether you’re a local resident or a first-time visitor, LBI has something special in store for everyone.

This summer, the Long Beach Island Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to present a calendar brimming with exciting events designed to celebrate the best of what our island has to offer. From weekly summer concerts and art shows to family-friendly beach activities and competitive surf events, there’s no shortage of fun and entertainment waiting for you.

Our community’s unique blend of small-town charm and vibrant culture comes alive during the summer months. As you stroll through our picturesque towns, you’ll discover quaint shops, delightful eateries, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. But the real magic happens when our island hosts its summer events, bringing people together and creating experiences that linger long after the season ends.

So, grab your sunscreen and beach towel, and get ready to dive into an extraordinary summer on Long Beach Island. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the major events you won’t want to miss this season (this is not a complete list of events):

LBI Lighthouse International Film Festival (June 5-9)
Beach Haven Art Walk (June 8)
Hop Sauce Festival (June 15)
Craft Day by the Bay (July 6)
Beachfest | Arts & Crafts Festival (July 13)
Waves of Strength Surf Competition (July 14)
Coquina Jam Surf Competition (July 21)
National Night Out (August 6)
LBI Pickleball Tournament (August 9-11)

Check out the following weekly events (starting as early as June 17 and ending as late as Sept. 1):

Sunday’s at 68th St (Summer Concert Series)
Monday Morning Surf City Farmer’s Market
Monday Night’s in Barnegat Light (Summer Concert Series)
Wednesday Night Concerts on the Green in Beach Haven (Summer Concert Series)
Wednesday Night’s in Harvey Cedars (Summer Concert Series)
Thursday Night Concerts in Ship Bottom (Summer Concert Series)
Friday Morning Artisan Market in Beach Haven
Firepit Friday’s at 68th St Beach (Summer Concert Series)

For our full calendar of events, click here. Are we missing any events? Let us know by emailing us at info@welcometolbi.com.

2024 LBI Beach Badge Information

It’s time to get ready for another summer on beautiful Long Beach Island! If you’re planning on hitting the sandy shores, then it’s important to be prepared. And, of course, that means getting your beach badges sorted out. But don’t worry, we’ve got all the information you need right here.

Different Types of Badges

First things first, let’s talk about the different types of badges available. There are daily badges, weekly badges, seasonal badges, and even senior badges – so make sure to choose the one that’s right for you. Prices can vary depending on the town, so it’s a good idea to do some research before you buy.

Six Towns, Six Badges

Speaking of towns, there are six municipalities on Long Beach Island, each with their own unique beach badge. So, make sure to locate the town your rental or home is in and purchase the badges for your desired beach. Don’t know the area well? No problem! Just shoot us an email and we’ll help you out.

Each Town & How To Buy

Now, when it comes to buying your beach badges, it’s important to note that you should NOT send any forms to us. We cannot process them for you. Instead, each town has their own process for selling beach badges. Some may require you to mail your form, physically bring it to their town hall or beach badge office by a certain date, or even download a mobile app to get a digital pass. So, be sure to check out the details and town forms on each site (we’ve included links for you below). And remember, only send forms and other requirements to the town you want to purchase beach badges in.

Okay, now let’s get down to business! Here are the pre-season informational link and purchase dates for each town:

Barnegat Light: $35 Pre-Season price available through June 5th – https://barnegatlight.org/departments/beaches-lifeguards/

Beach Haven: $30 Pre-Season price available through May 31st – https://beachhaven-nj.gov/departments/recreation/beach-information/

Harvey Cedars: $35 Pre-Season price available through June 15th – https://www.harveycedars.org/cn/webpage.cfm?TID=150&TPID=18248

Long Beach Township: $40 Pre-Season price available through June 15th – https://lbtbp.com/beach-badges/

Ship Bottom: $35 Pre-Season Price available through May 31st – https://shipbottom.org/government/public-safety/beach-patrol/beach-badges/

Surf City: $40 Pre-Season Price available through May 31st – https://surfcitynj.org/beaches/

So, what are you waiting for? Get those beach badges with pre-season pricing, check it off your list, and start planning your summer fun. We can’t wait to see you on the sandy shores of lovely LBI!

Unlock the Best of LBI: Why Planning Your Summer Getaway Now is Essential!

As we begin to reach the end of January, we’re excited to share valuable insights for our prospective visitors gearing up for a memorable stay on Long Beach Island. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite tips on securing the perfect vacation lodging and information so that you can feel confident about your decision. Don’t hesitate to make your plans, places on LBI book up fast!

Here are our Pro Tips to make your 2024 LBI vacation extraordinary:

Seize the Day: Start Planning Early for Prime Picks

Recent studies reveal that families and couples planning summer getaways have their accommodations sorted out before March rolls around! Some seasoned vacationers secure their spots even earlier. Don’t miss out – explore our Member Directory for trusted rental sources. Navigate the categories for “lodging” and “real estate services” to receive tailored recommendations.

Dive Deeper: Research Your Destination Ahead of Time

Early planning isn’t just about securing a cozy spot; it’s about enhancing your entire experience. By deciding on your stay early in the year, you gain valuable time to delve into the myriad of activities, events, and dining options around your lodging. Long Beach Island isn’t just one large town – it comprises six municipalities, each with its distinct charm. Discover more about each town by visiting our “LBI Towns” tab at the top of our website. And don’t forget, the LBI Shuttle Service makes exploring the entire island a breeze!

3. Plan for More: Dining, shopping, and things to do!

Don’t stop at figuring out where you’re going to rest and restore on the island, build out a detailed plan for you and your family with our membership directory. Find coffee shops, mini golf, boutiques, and more by navigating through the various categories. Looking for something specific? Email us at info@welcometolbi.com.

4. Know the Island: Six Towns, Endless Opportunities

Check out more information on each part of the island so you know where is the best for your friends and family to enjoy. Towns listed below from North to South:

Barnegat Light – Situated on the northern tip of Long Beach Island, a quaint, family oriented seashore town. We have something to offer to everyone. The Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a popular destination for climbing the lighthouse, picnicking and fishing. We offer beautiful spacious beaches, excellent surf fishing, bay fishing and crabbing. We offer several recreation areas, including tennis courts, a skate park, dog park and basketball court.

Harvey Cedars – Toward the north end of the island with attractive beaches and numerous options for summer accommodations, providing a quieter setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Be sure to visit Sunset Park for weekly concerts as well as the exceptional eateries in its downtown walking area. Harvey Cedars is also home to a popular Christian retreat and conference center that attracts visitors and conference attendees throughout the year.

Surf City – Centrally located, highly popular portion of LBI, perfect for daytrippers and extended vacationers alike. Surf City’s “Boulevard” section of town boasts endless shopping and restaurants, making an easy stroll down the street. Surf City also hosts a great bay beach for the little ones to take a dip in a more low key environment. For those looking to rent a place for an extended stay, Surf City is a viable option for travelers seeking the right balance of convenient access with a measure of privacy as well.

Ship Bottom – known as the “Gateway To Long Beach Island” because of its convenient location at the foot of the only bridge onto the island. Although it is a popular destination for day-trippers, Ship Bottom also hosts numerous hotels and private rental accommodations for visitors looking to be centrally located amongst all LBI has to offer. A perfect spot to launch a personal watercraft or boat at the boat ramp on 11th Street and Bay for a day on the water or a cozy spot to listen to the Ship Bottom Summer Concert series.

Long Beach Township (various areas throughout the island) – Comprises the largest parts of LBI, with various different portions located throughout the 18-mile stretch of beaches. This expansiveness brings a variety of settings in which to enjoy a day trip or a longer stay. From the peacefulness and privacy of Loveladies and North Beach to the convenient boat access in High Bar Harbor to the more bustling areas between Brant Beach and North Beach Haven, all with events packed into each part of the summer season.

Beach Haven – Located towards the southern end of Long Beach Island, the perfect stay for busy families looking for a more “hopping” part of LBI or some interesting historical architecture, this is where you’ll find it. Beach Haven is known for its many shopping, dining, and nightlife options including Fantasy Island Amusement Park, NJ Maritime & LBI Museum, Surflight Theatre and more.

Tips for New Visitors:

Stay updated on cancellation policies, weekly traffic trends, and weather forecasts. Saturday is check-in day for many rentals, so plan your travel around mid-morning on weekends during the in-season. LBI’s beauty shines in all weather conditions, offering a variety of activities.

Keep an eye out for our 2024 Beach Badge information update, typically released around April.

Pack your bags with bathing suits, sunscreen, beach towels, and outdoor gear. Some rentals provide beach chairs and bikes, but local businesses offer rentals if needed.

Utilize the “Contact Us” features on Realty, Rental, and Hotel/Motel Websites. Ask specific questions about your chosen rentals and rooms to make well-informed decisions about your vacation lodging.

Can’t find a suitable summer week? Consider exploring during the “shoulder” season – April through June and September through October. Experience cooler temperatures, stunning scenery, exciting events, and fewer crowds. Love the idea of visiting the beach in the winter? November through March is serene and quiet on LBI, with some restaurants, shops, and local businesses open year-round.

Got Questions?

Reach out to the LBI Chamber of Commerce by clicking here.

Stay in the Loop on LBI by following us on Instagram here.

Feel free to share your tips in the comments to help fellow first-time visitors make the most of their LBI experience!

Our 2023 Holiday Business List is LIVE!

Shop Small on Long Beach Island this Holiday Season!

Check out our list of open businesses on LBI (below) for more information on their seasonal and year round statuses! We will be updating this list, so be sure to check back for updates (Last updated 12/11 at 2pm)!

Have a correction or want to add to our list?

Email us! We will be publishing this list in The Sandpaper for the next few weeks and we want to include as many correct business listings as possible!