LBI vs Seven Mile Island: Barrier Island Showdown
Two of the Jersey Shore's most beloved barrier islands offer distinct beach vacation experiences. Long Beach Island stretches 18 miles with diverse communities from Beach Haven to Barnegat Light. Seven Mile Island packs Avalon and Stone Harbor into 7 miles of upscale elegance.
Quick Comparison
Notes
- Island Length: LBI offers more variety
- Beach Badges: Similar costs
- Atmosphere: Different vibes for different preferences
- Family Activities: LBI has more entertainment options
- Dining: Both have excellent restaurants
- Real Estate: LBI has more affordable options
🏖️ Beaches
LBI's 18 miles of beaches vary by town—Beach Haven is more active, Surf City offers good waves, and the northern reaches like Loveladies are quieter and more exclusive. Seven Mile Island beaches are consistently pristine with excellent dune preservation. Avalon tends to be slightly quieter; Stone Harbor near 96th Street is more social.
🎢 Activities & Attractions
LBI offers more variety: Fantasy Island amusement park in Beach Haven, Barnegat Lighthouse for climbing, excellent surfing in Ship Bottom, and nature centers. Seven Mile Island is about refined beach living with the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, upscale shopping on 96th Street, and kayaking in the back bays.
Tours & Activities
Book with free cancellation
Tours & Activities
Book with free cancellation
🍽️ Dining
LBI has restaurants spanning the island: The Chicken or the Egg and Black Whale in Beach Haven, Kubel's in Barnegat Light, and many options between. Seven Mile Island has excellent upscale dining like Café Loren in Avalon and Spiaggetta in Stone Harbor, with many BYOB options.
🏨 Accommodations
Both islands are primarily vacation rental destinations. LBI offers more variety from modest cottages to oceanfront mansions, with some motels in Beach Haven. Seven Mile Island is almost exclusively upscale vacation homes with some small inns. Expect premium prices on both islands, especially Seven Mile.
🚗 Getting There
LBI is accessed via Route 72 causeway to Ship Bottom, about 2 hours from NYC and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia. Seven Mile Island uses several exits off the Garden State Parkway (10-13), about 2.5 hours from NYC. Traffic to LBI on summer Saturdays can be significant.
The Verdict: Who Should Go Where?
Best for Families
LBI wins for families with Fantasy Island, the lighthouse, and more town variety to explore. Seven Mile Island works for quieter family beach days.
Best for Couples
Seven Mile Island edges out for couples seeking an upscale, refined beach experience. LBI's Loveladies offers similar exclusivity.
Best for Budget
LBI offers more options at various price points. Seven Mile Island is consistently expensive with fewer budget alternatives.
Best for Nightlife
Neither is known for nightlife. LBI has a few bars in Beach Haven and Ship Bottom. Seven Mile Island is quiet by 10 PM.
Best for Foodies
Both have excellent dining. Seven Mile Island is more consistently upscale; LBI has more variety from casual to fine dining.
🏆 Overall Verdict
Choose LBI for variety, activities, and exploring different beach communities. Choose Seven Mile Island for consistent upscale elegance and pristine beaches.
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