πŸ–οΈShore Guide
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Beach Haven

The Heart of LBI

Beach Haven is the commercial and entertainment center of Long Beach Island. While LBI is known for its low-key family atmosphere, Beach Haven brings energy to the island with amusement parks, a vibrant downtown, and the island's best restaurant scene.

Fantasy Island Amusement Park ($35-45 wristbands) and Thundering Surf Waterpark ($30-38) provide rides and attractions for families. The downtown Bay Village area offers unique shopping, and Centre Street features galleries and boutiques. For a more laid-back experience, Taylor Avenue bay beach offers calm waters perfect for young children and kayaking.

The historic Surflight Theatre has presented Broadway-style productions since 1950, making Beach Haven a cultural hub. The Chegg operates 24 hours for late-night cravings (featured on Man v. Food for nuclear wings!), while upscale options like Black Whale offer $1 oyster happy hours on the outdoor deck.

family-friendlyamusementsshoppingdininglively

What Makes Beach Haven Special

Island Entertainment Hub

Known for its family-friendly and amusements atmosphere

Perfect For

families with kids, shoppers, theater lovers

Local Legend

Beach Haven's Engleside Inn was a favorite of wealthy Philadelphians in the l...

Must-See

Fantasy Island Amusement Park - Family amusement park with rides, games, and attractions for...

Did You Know?

πŸ’‘

Did You Know?

Beach Haven's Engleside Inn was a favorite of wealthy Philadelphians in the late 1800s, when the town was only accessible by boat from Tuckerton.

πŸ’‘

Did You Know?

Fantasy Island Amusement Park has been delighting families since 1966, making it one of the longest-running family attractions on LBI.

Beach Badge

$10/day

Parking

Free

From NYC

1hr 40min

Transit

Car only

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Don't Miss in Beach Haven

Fantasy Island Amusement Park

Must See

Family amusement park with rides, games, and attractions for all ages. Wristbands $35-$45. Classic shore experience since 1966.

Thundering Surf Waterpark

Must See

Waterpark with slides, lazy river, and wave pool. $30-$38 admission. Perfect for hot beach days.

Taylor Avenue Bay Beach

Must See

Calm bay beach perfect for young children and kayaking. No waves, shallow water, beautiful sunsets.

Also Worth Checking Out

β€’
Surflight Theatre β€” Historic theater presenting Broadway-style productions since 1950. One of the few remaining professional summer stock theaters.
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Bay Village β€” Shopping village with unique stores, galleries, and restaurants. Charming boardwalks connect the shops.

Where to Eat in Beach Haven

See All 5 Restaurants β†’

The Chegg

americanbar grill
$

Try: Nuclear wings (if you dare) or breakfast at 2am

β€’ 24 hoursβ€’ late night

Black Whale Bar & Fish House

seafoodbar grill
$$

Try: $1 happy hour oysters

β€’ oyster happy hourβ€’ outdoor deck

Show Place Ice Cream

ice cream
$

Try: Seasonal special flavor

β€’ homemadeβ€’ classic

Where to Stay in Beach Haven

See All 4 Options β†’
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Hotel LBI

Hotel β€’ 2 blocks

$$$

102 rooms at 345 W 9th St with indoor poolβ€”rare for LBI. Modern amenities, fitness center, and restaurant on-site. The island's premier hotel option.

indoor poolfitness center
🏨

Daddy O Hotel

Hotel β€’ 1 block

$$$

Boutique hotel in Brant Beach with 22 stylish rooms, rooftop deck with bay views, and excellent on-site restaurant. Hip, modern aesthetic.

boutiquerooftop deck
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Engleside Inn

Hotel β€’ Beachfront

$$

Historic beachfront hotel at 30 Engleside Ave since 1876. Classic shore charm with oceanfront rooms and restaurant.

historicoceanfront

Looking for more options? Search all available accommodations.

Search on Booking.com
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Getting to Beach Haven

πŸš— By Car

  • From NYC: 1hr 40min
  • From Philadelphia: 1hr 15min
  • From Newark: 1hr 25min
Get Directions

Best Time to Visit Beach Haven

Peak Season

June - August

Warmest weather, all attractions open, full beach services. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Off-Season Perks

  • β€’Lower accommodation prices
  • β€’Fewer crowds
  • β€’Easier parking
  • β€’More authentic local experience

Explore More

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