Things to Do in Ship Bottom
The Heart of LBI. Discover beaches, attractions, dining, and local experiences.
2
Beaches
6
Restaurants
5
Must-See Spots
4/5
Family Rating
Don't Miss in Ship Bottom
Ship Bottom Beach
Must Seebeach
Wide, clean beaches with good facilities. Central location on LBI.
Explore by Category
All Attractions
🏖️Beachs
Ship Bottom Beach
Wide, clean beaches with good facilities. Central location on LBI.
🛍️Shopping
LBI Shopping
The main commercial strip on LBI with shops, restaurants, and services.
🍻Bars & Nightlife
Daddy O Hotel
Retro-cool hotel bar and restaurant. Great for drinks and dinner.
🎢Attractions
Bay Beach Kayaking
Launch kayaks or SUPs from the calm bay beach. Perfect for exploring Barnegat Bay or enjoying a sunset paddle.
Barnegat Bay Crabbing
The bayside docks and beaches are excellent for crabbing. Bring a trap or handline for blue crabs during summer months.
Beach Highlights
View all beaches →Ship Bottom Beach
Wide, clean beach at the commercial heart of LBI. Good lifeguard coverage and convenient facilities. Steps from shops and restaurants.
Bay Beach
Calm bay-side access for kayaking and calm-water activities. Less crowded than ocean side.
Ship Bottom Vibe
Primary Vibe
Central Hub
Family Friendly
4/5 Stars
Nightlife
2/5 Stars
Quietness
2/5 Stars
Ship Bottom is Best For
Events & Festivals
LBI Chowderfest
Early FebruaryAnnual chowder festival featuring 30+ LBI restaurants competing for best clam chowder. Sample tastings, live music, and family activities draw 5,000+ attendees to central LBI locations.
LBI Spring Derby Surf Fishing Tournament
April - JuneThree-month annual surf fishing tournament open to all skill levels. Register at Ship Bottom bait shops for 100% cash payouts in striped bass and bluefish divisions. Fish from LBI shores only.
Hop Sauce Festival
Late MayShip Bottom craft beer meets craft hot sauce at this beachside festival. Sample 50+ regional breweries, taste artisan hot sauces, enjoy live music and local food on Taylor Avenue waterfront in Beach Haven.
Independence Day Fireworks
July 4thTraditional Fourth of July fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. Best viewing from Ship Bottom beaches and Boulevard. Part of island-wide Independence Day celebrations.
Ship Bottom Beach Volleyball Tournament
Mid-JulyCompetitive beach volleyball tournament on Ship Bottom Beach. Amateur and competitive divisions attract teams from across the region. Free spectator viewing of high-level beach play.
Beach Patrol Lifeguard Championships
Early AugustLBI Beach Patrol hosts competitive lifeguard championships featuring swimming, rowing, and rescue competitions. Ship Bottom Beach serves as one of the primary competition venues.
LBI Foundation 5K Run
Late JuneAnnual 5K charity race running through central LBI including Ship Bottom. Benefits local community organizations. Family-friendly event with kids fun run and post-race festivities.
LBI FLY Kite Festival
October 10-11Annual international kite festival on Ship Bottom Beach featuring hundreds of kites from North America and Europe. Free daytime flying, kids kite making, art kites, and optional evening night fly experience.