WanderSpotlight: Long Beach Island, New Jersey
A family-friendly favorite full of beach days, boardwalk vibes, and classic East Coast summer magic
If you’ve never been to Long Beach Island, New Jersey (or LBI, as we lovingly call it), let me introduce you to one of my all-time favorite places — a little barrier island with a big personality. For me, it’s not just a destination — it’s a tradition.
LBI is where I spent almost every summer growing up — alongside my parents, sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It’s the kind of place where the biggest decisions of the day are beach before or after lunch? Mini golf now or after dinner? It’s a vacation spot that feels like home — full of charm, nostalgia, and just the right amount of salty breeze and perfect sunsets.
Why LBI has my heart:
The beach is the star. The sand is soft, the waves are inviting, and you’re never more than a few steps away from a perfect beach chair nap. Whether you're building castles with kids or walking the shoreline with your coffee (shout out to The Mermaid Room & The Local Market for coffee!), the beach is where the day begins and ends.
Bay Village is the heartbeat of the island — a classic boardwalk-style shopping area in Beach Haven that mixes cute boutiques, arcade games, snack spots, and souvenir shops. No trip here is complete without stopping at Country Kettle Fudge — I’ve been going there since I was little and that sweet smell brings back every summer memory.
Subs from Bagels & Beyond are basically a rite of passage. Whether you’re packing up for the beach or grabbing a post-surf snack, their sandwiches and bagels hit the spot every single time.
Rent a jet ski, ride a banana boat, or paddleboard the bay. LBI has plenty of ways to get on the water — and if you're looking for a little adventure, you’ll find it on the bay side. There are several rental companies that make it easy (and safe!) to get out and play.
Mini golf showdowns are a nightly tradition in my family. We take our competition seriously (all in fun, of course!) and LBI has some of the best themed courses around. Flamingo Mini Golf will always be my go-to.
Dinner is always a highlight. Grab seafood at Howard’s, bay views and oysters at Parker’s Garage, or a classic lobster roll at Ship Bottom Shellfish. And save room for ice cream — Skipper Dipper is iconic, and The WooHoo has fun flavors and a playful vibe.
Where to stay? I love Hotel LBI — it’s bright, beachy, and right in the center of it all with a rooftop that’s perfect for golden hour drinks or arrange to rent a home for as long as your heart desires!
And speaking of drinks… LBI knows how to do cocktails with a view. Sip something fresh and beachy at The Arlington, grab a craft cocktail on the rooftop at Tuckers Tavern, or enjoy the tiki vibes and frozen options at Bird & Betty’s. If you’re looking for a brewery on a hot day, Ship Bottom Brewery has you covered. Whether you’re craving a classic margarita or something with tropical flair, there's no shortage of places to toast the day.
Whether you're a beach bum, foodie, watersports junkie, or boutique browser — LBI is the kind of place that welcomes everyone. It’s relaxed, charming, and packed with things to do (or not do, if that’s more your vacation speed).
For me, it’s more than just a vacation spot — it’s a part of who I am. A place where every summer feels a little sweeter than the last.
Ready to build your perfect beach escape?
Let WanderHeart Travel help you plan your LBI getaway — whether you're headed back for the 10th time or discovering this East Coast treasure for the first. From where to stay to what to do, we’ll make your summer by the sea unforgettable.