Beach HavenorAvalon
Barrier island showdown
LBI vs Seven Mile Island: Which Barrier Island Is Better?
Long Beach Island and Seven Mile Island attract similar types of visitors — families looking for a quieter shore experience without boardwalk crowds — but they're quite different. LBI stretches 18 miles with six distinct towns. Seven Mile Island has just two: Avalon and Stone Harbor, both upscale and relatively exclusive.
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
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
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.
Choose your stay
Check Beach Haven staysCompare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Choose your stay
Check Avalon staysCompare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
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.
Vacation Rentals in Either Town
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Explore Beach Haven
Explore Avalon
Beach Haven vs Avalon FAQs
How long is Long Beach Island compared to Seven Mile Island?
Long Beach Island is about 18 miles long with six or more distinct communities (Barnegat Light, Loveladies, Harvey Cedars, Surf City, Ship Bottom, and Beach Haven). Seven Mile Island is approximately 7 miles long and includes just two towns: Avalon and Stone Harbor.
Which island is more expensive?
Seven Mile Island (Avalon and Stone Harbor) is generally more expensive, with some of the highest property values at the Jersey Shore. LBI has a wider range of prices—Loveladies rivals Seven Mile Island, while other LBI towns offer more moderate options.
Can you drive between all the towns on LBI?
Yes! Long Beach Boulevard (Boulevard) runs the entire 18-mile length of LBI, connecting all the towns. You can easily drive from Beach Haven in the south to Barnegat Light in the north. Many visitors bike the boulevard as well.