Things to Do in Surf City
Gateway to Long Beach Island. Discover beaches, attractions, dining, and local experiences.
2
Beaches
4
Restaurants
5
Must-See Spots
4/5
Family Rating
Don't Miss in Surf City
Surf City Beach
Must Seebeach
Great beach for surfing and swimming. Designated surf areas with consistent waves.
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🏖️Beachs
Surf City Beach
Great beach for surfing and swimming. Designated surf areas with consistent waves.
🛍️Shopping
Ron Jon Surf Shop
Iconic surf shop for gear, rentals, and beach supplies.
🍽️Restaurants
Surf City Hotel
Local bar and restaurant with live music in summer.
🎢Attractions
Bay Side Kayaking
Launch from the bay beach for calm water paddling through Barnegat Bay. Sunset kayak trips are particularly popular.
Crabbing at the Bay
The bay side docks are prime spots for catching blue crabs. Best in summer months, early morning or evening.
Beach Highlights
View all beaches →Surf City Beach
True to its name, Surf City offers excellent waves for surfing. Designated surf areas with consistent breaks attract surfers from across the region.
Bay Beach Access
Calm bay-side access for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sunset views over Barnegat Bay.
Surf City Vibe
Primary Vibe
Surf Town
Family Friendly
4/5 Stars
Nightlife
2/5 Stars
Quietness
3/5 Stars
Surf City is Best For
Events & Festivals
Surf City July 4th Fireworks
July 4thIndependence Day fireworks display launched from the beach. Thousands gather on the sand and bay for this popular LBI celebration with prime viewing from both oceanfront and bayside.
Surf City Classic
Mid-AugustAnnual surfing competition featuring amateur and professional divisions. Showcases LBI's best surf break with contests, demos, and beach festivities celebrating Surf City's namesake sport.
LBI Foundation 18-Mile Run
Mid-OctoberMajor road race covering 18 miles from Barnegat Light to Holgate, running through all LBI towns including Surf City. Draws 2,000+ runners with scenic ocean and bay views along the route.
LBI Chowderfest
OctoberRegional chowder competition featuring restaurants from across Long Beach Island, including Surf City's Country Kettle Chowda. Tastings, voting, and awards for best New England and Manhattan styles.
Surf City Bay Days
Late JuneSummer kick-off celebration with live music, water activities, kids' programs, and bay-side festivities. Features kayaking demos, crabbing workshops, and sunset entertainment along Barnegat Bay.
LBI Kite Show
May (3-day weekend)Three-day celebration of colorful artist-designed kites and giant inflatable kites at Surf City's beach. Includes dual-line and quad-line clinics, indoor kite show, live music, local food, and kids activities.
LBI Surf Fishing Classic
Late August - October (9 weeks)One of America's oldest surfcasting tournaments since 1954. This legendary 9-week competition offers $25,000+ in prizes for striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, and red drum caught from LBI shores.
LBI Spring Surf Fishing Derby
April - June (9 weeks)Spring fishing tournament across Long Beach Island offering substantial prizes for striped bass and bluefish. Registration-based event that draws competitive and recreational anglers to Surf City's productive fishing grounds.