Ship Bottom is where Route 72 meets Long Beach Island, making it the first point of entry for every visitor crossing the causeway—and the commercial hub that keeps the 18-mile barrier island supplied with groceries, restaurants, and the services that vacationers need. This is not the prettiest town on LBI (that's Loveladies or Barnegat Light), but it's the most practical, and for families who want convenience over exclusivity, Ship Bottom delivers exactly that.
The town's name comes from an 1817 shipwreck legend: rescuers supposedly found a woman alive inside the overturned hull of a vessel. Ron Jon Surf Shop was founded here in 1959—a tiny store that has since been overshadowed by the massive Cocoa Beach flagship, but Ship Bottom is where the surf retail empire began. These origin stories hint at what defines the town: survival, commerce, and the things people actually need.
The beaches here are genuinely good—wide, clean, and with solid lifeguard coverage. Daily badges run $10 (season $45, seniors $15), and beach wheelchairs are available. The sand is steps from shops and restaurants, making Ship Bottom ideal for families who don't want to drive every time someone needs sunscreen or gets hungry. The bay side provides Barnegat Bay access for kayaking, paddleboarding, and crabbing—calm waters perfect for young children and spectacular sunset views.
The dining scene distinguishes Ship Bottom from other LBI communities. Daddy O anchors the retro-cool end with craft cocktails, excellent food, and stylish atmosphere in a boutique hotel setting. The Chicken or the Egg (CHEG) serves massive breakfast platters 24/7 in summer, with lines that prove the reputation. Kubel's handles casual seafood and burgers with cold beer. Yellowfin brings upscale BYOB seafood for special occasion dinners. Figure $15-30 for casual spots, $50-70 for upscale BYOB with your own bottle.
Ship Bottom works best for first-time LBI visitors who want a convenient base, families who prioritize easy access to services, foodies who don't want to drive to every meal, and anyone who recognizes that "commercial hub" also means "everything you need within walking distance." Skip Ship Bottom if you want quiet residential atmosphere or the most pristine beaches—that's Loveladies or Beach Haven. But for the LBI town that keeps the island running while offering excellent beaches just blocks from the boulevard, Ship Bottom has figured out how to be essential.