Your Complete Guide to the Six Towns of LBI
Long Beach Island (LBI), New Jersey, is one of the most beloved coastal destinations on the East Coast. Stretching roughly 18 miles along the Jersey Shore, this narrow barrier island offers pristine beaches, charming towns, historic landmarks, incredible seafood, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle that draws visitors year after year.
Whether you’re planning a summer vacation, a weekend getaway, or considering buying or building a shore home, each of LBI’s six towns offers its own unique personality. From the quiet maritime atmosphere of Barnegat Light to the lively nightlife of Beach Haven, the island delivers a little something for everyone.
This 2026 Ultimate Planning Guide breaks down the six towns that make up Long Beach Island:
- Barnegat Light
- Harvey Cedars
- Surf City
- Ship Bottom
- Long Beach Township
- Beach Haven
Along the way, we’ll also highlight how homeowners across LBI are creating welcoming outdoor gathering spaces with fire pits and fireplaces from Fireplaces Plus, the largest fireplace showroom in New Jersey, located just minutes from the island.
A Brief History of Long Beach Island
Long Beach Island has been attracting visitors for more than 150 years. The island originally served as a fishing and maritime hub before becoming a beloved vacation destination in the late 1800s.
One of the most recognizable landmarks on the island is the famous Barnegat Lighthouse, affectionately known as “Old Barney.” Built in 1859, the lighthouse helped guide ships safely through the treacherous Barnegat Inlet and remains one of the most visited attractions in New Jersey.
Over the decades, LBI evolved into a family-oriented beach destination known for:
- Charming seaside communities
- Generations of returning vacationers
- Coastal architecture and raised beach homes
- Incredible sunsets over Barnegat Bay
Today, LBI continues to attract visitors from New York, Philadelphia, and throughout the Northeast, making it one of the most sought-after coastal destinations in the region.
The Six Towns of Long Beach Island
1. Barnegat Light
Barnegat Light sits at the northern tip of Long Beach Island and offers a quiet maritime charm that many visitors find irresistible.
Often considered the island’s most peaceful town, Barnegat Light is perfect for travelers who want to slow down and enjoy nature.
Things to Do in Barnegat Light
- Climb the Barnegat Lighthouse for panoramic views
- Walk the rock jetty at Barnegat Inlet
- Visit Viking Village fishing dock
- Explore Barnegat Light State Park
- Watch commercial fishing boats return with the day’s catch
Why People Love Barnegat Light
- Quiet atmosphere
- Incredible fishing
- Beautiful sunsets
- Historic maritime culture
This town is ideal for couples, families, and anyone seeking a calm coastal escape.
2. Harvey Cedars
Harvey Cedars is known for its luxury homes, quiet beaches, and upscale coastal feel.
Located just south of Barnegat Light, this town offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful bayfront homes and elegant oceanfront properties.
Highlights of Harvey Cedars
- Wide, uncrowded beaches
- Waterfront dining
- Scenic bay views
- Peaceful residential neighborhoods
Popular Activities
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Sunset watching on the bay
- Beach days with family
- Biking through quiet streets
Harvey Cedars is often considered one of the most exclusive residential communities on Long Beach Island.
3. Surf City
Surf City offers a perfect balance of family-friendly charm and lively beach-town energy.
It’s one of the most walkable towns on the island and is known for its shopping, restaurants, and beach access.
Things to Do in Surf City
- Browse boutique shops along Long Beach Boulevard
- Grab breakfast at a local café
- Watch surfers catch waves
- Rent bikes and explore town
Popular Surf City Attractions
- Surf City Yacht Club
- Sunset Park
- Local ice cream shops and bakeries
- Family-friendly beaches
Surf City is perfect for visitors who want convenience, charm, and easy access to everything.
4. Ship Bottom
Ship Bottom is often called the gateway to Long Beach Island because it connects the mainland to the island via the LBI Causeway.
This town serves as a central hub for shopping, dining, and beach access.
Why Ship Bottom Is Important
- Main entrance to Long Beach Island
- Convenient shopping and restaurants
- Close to both ocean and bay activities
Popular Activities
- Boating and fishing in Barnegat Bay
- Casual dining and nightlife
- Sunset watching along the bay
Ship Bottom is an excellent base for exploring the entire island.
5. Long Beach Township
Long Beach Township covers a large portion of the island and includes communities such as:
- Loveladies
- North Beach
- Brant Beach
- Holgate
This area offers some of the most beautiful oceanfront and bayfront homes on LBI.
Highlights of Long Beach Township
- Quiet residential neighborhoods
- Luxury beach homes
- Scenic wildlife areas in Holgate
Popular Activities
- Beach walks along the dunes
- Surf fishing
- Wildlife watching in the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge nearby
It’s a favorite for families who want privacy and breathtaking coastal scenery.
6. Beach Haven
Beach Haven is the entertainment capital of Long Beach Island.
This vibrant town offers a lively mix of restaurants, nightlife, attractions, and historic charm.
Top Beach Haven Attractions
- Fantasy Island Amusement Park
- Thundering Surf Waterpark
- Surflight Theatre
- Beach Haven restaurants and bars
Why Families Love Beach Haven
- Walkable downtown
- Family entertainment
- Incredible dining scene
- Historic Victorian architecture
Beach Haven delivers the most energetic atmosphere on the island.
Outdoor Living on Long Beach Island
One of the best parts of owning or renting a home on LBI is spending time outdoors.
Many homeowners create beautiful outdoor gathering areas that include:
- Fire pits
- Outdoor fireplaces
- Seating areas
- Coastal landscaping
A fire pit instantly transforms a backyard or deck into a gathering space for friends and family.
Imagine:
- Sunset cocktails by the bay
- Late-night conversations around the fire
- S’mores with the kids after a beach day
These simple moments are what make Long Beach Island so special.
Fireplaces Plus: Bringing Warmth to LBI Homes
Just minutes from the island in Manahawkin is Fireplaces Plus, the largest fireplace showroom in New Jersey.
Homeowners across the LBI region visit the showroom to explore an incredible assortment of:
- Outdoor fire pits
- Gas fireplaces
- Wood fireplaces
- Linear modern fireplaces
- Custom fireplace designs
Their team works closely with homeowners, builders, and designers throughout the Jersey Shore to create stunning indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Why LBI Homeowners Visit Fireplaces Plus
- Massive showroom with working displays
- Expert fireplace design guidance
- Wide selection of fire pits and fireplaces
- Installation coordination
Whether you’re building a new beach house or upgrading an outdoor patio, Fireplaces Plus offers solutions that blend beautifully with coastal architecture.
Planning Your LBI Trip for 2026
If you’re visiting Long Beach Island this year, consider planning your trip around some of the island’s best experiences.
Must-Do LBI Experiences
- Watch the sunset over Barnegat Bay
- Climb Barnegat Lighthouse
- Bike the length of the island
- Enjoy fresh seafood
- Spend a full day on the beach
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: lively and energetic
- Fall: quieter with incredible sunsets
- Spring: peaceful and scenic
Each season offers its own unique charm.
Why Long Beach Island Is So Special
There are many beautiful beaches along the East Coast, but Long Beach Island offers something rare:
- Small-town charm
- Generational traditions
- Natural beauty
- A welcoming community
For many families, visiting LBI becomes a lifelong tradition.
Visit Fireplaces Plus During Your LBI Trip
While planning your Long Beach Island adventure, take a short drive off the island to visit Fireplaces Plus in Manahawkin.
Explore the largest fireplace showroom in New Jersey and discover stunning fire pits and fireplaces perfect for coastal homes.
Whether you live on the island or are dreaming about owning a beach house someday, Fireplaces Plus can help you create a warm and inviting space where friends and family gather just like they do on Long Beach Island.
Because some of the best memories at the Shore happen around the glow of a fire. 🔥