10 Things to Do in Long Beach Island

New Jersey Maritime Museum is chock-full of artifacts from shipwrecks, authentic antique navigation equipment, stories, documents, and more detailing the maritime legacy of Long Beach Island. No beach vacation is complete without a visit to this museum that details the local nautical history of the area. 

Unlike most museums, New Jersey Maritime Museum was originally formed almost entirely of a private collection. Open since 2007, it's a staple and a must-visit in the community and a fun and educational trip that will thrill the entire family.

At Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, you’ll get your fill of outdoor adventures in Long Beach Island. The site marks one of the most important sites for ships to change course in the history of the region. The park is located on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail and daily tours are offered where you can see the lighthouse itself while also enjoying the trails and a stunning view of the waters. 

The lighthouse may be an especially great option for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Note that the lighthouse does close for inclement weather.

Long Beach Island Historical Museum is the place to go if you’re interested in the history of Long Beach as a settlement. This local history museum is situated in a former Episcopal church that dates back to 1882. 

The museum stands right at the heart of the Beach Haven Historic District and offers dozens of artifacts, photographs, documents, and stories as well as a number of events, programs, and speakers that promote the island’s rich and deep history.

Thundering Surf Waterpark is a family owned and operated park that has been in the area since 1977 and has continually grown with the times. There are few things the kids love more than a great waterpark, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at this waterpark.

Here you can enjoy waterfalls, waterslides, thrill rides, miniature golf, a lazy river, bodyboarding, even a toddler area with smaller slides, wading pools, a bouncer umbrella, floor jets, and more. Onsite is a casual eatery, so you can grab a quick meal with the family during a break between waterpark play.

Ship Bottom Beach is a public beach and park in Long Beach Island that's great for both kids and adults. It features a playground with tube slides, plenty of soft sand, and an endless horizon of deep blue ocean waters. If you’re looking to sunbathe, have a game of beach ball, go swimming in the sea, and just while away the day relaxing under the sun, this is a great place to be. 

The beach is located right at the foot of the bridge to Long Beach Island so it also functions as an ideal gateway between LBI and the mainland.

Schooner’s Wharf and Bay Village is your answer to a quick shopping trip on your vacation in Long Beach Island. At this outdoor shopping area, you’ll find dozens of boutique and independent shops, eateries, and activities. 

Whether you’re looking to pick up some fresh fudge, get the best in designer clothes, a perfect souvenir for your trip home, grab a cup of outstanding seafood chowder, or even relax with ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed gourmet coffee, you’ll find everything you’re looking for here.

Viking Village is the place to go if you want some of the best, off-the-boat seafood in Long Beach Island. Not only do they take pride in their status as a leader in the commercial seafood industry, but they also have a mission to keep fishermen honest and responsible. 

When you shop at Viking Village, you can feel good about getting seafood that’s not only fresh but sustainably and responsibly caught and harvested. From scallops to monkfish, tuna to swordfish, you’ll find a wide variety of seafood for your outdoor barbecues here.

Black Pearl Pirate Excursion is a uniquely themed interactive water tour on Long Beach Island. It promises an interactive pirate ship adventure that's an outstanding and popular option for families where kids can dress up like buccaneers and talk like pirates for the entire day. 

If you’re looking for a more laid-back, adult adventure, try one of their sunset boat cruises where you and your beloved can have your breath taken away by the brilliant pink, blue, orange, and red sunset over the ocean while you sip an artisan cocktail and dance the night away to great music.

Fantasy Island is a seasonal venue in Long Beach Island that features carnival rides like a Ferris wheel, carousel, bumper cars, pirate ship, sea dragon, tilt-a-whirl, and others. There’s a video arcade for those who enjoy old-school video games, pinball, or Skee-ball, and there are plenty of boardwalk games where you can win a range of prizes if you try your luck. 

Fantasy Island also has a wide selection of eats, from classic park fries to cotton candy, funnel cake, and even full meals.

At Surflight Theatre, you can catch a live performance right by the seashore in Long Beach Island. This beachfront live performance venue is a local cultural staple of the community with a mission to offer professional productions to vacationers and residents. 

The theater offers up a variety of live shows every season and is currently on the National Register of Historic Places as part of New Jersey’s Beach Haven Historic District. They offer productions for 7 months out of the year and even have a children’s theater for those in need of family-friendly entertainment.