New Jersey is world-famous for its incredible coastline, a 130-mile stretch dotted with dozens of unique beach towns. While many of these towns have beautiful, wide beaches, one barrier island stands out for its sheer, uninterrupted length: Long Beach Island (LBI). This iconic destination is widely recognized as having the longest continuous stretch of beach in New Jersey.
An 18-Mile Stretch of Sand: Discovering Long Beach Island, New Jersey's Longest Beach
What makes Long Beach Island unique is its geography. It is a long, narrow barrier island that runs for approximately 18 miles along the Atlantic Ocean.
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Continuous Beach: This geography creates a nearly unbroken stretch of sandy beach from the southern tip in Holgate to the northern tip in Barnegat Light. While the island is composed of several different municipalities (like Ship Bottom, Surf City, and Beach Haven), the beach itself is a continuous, walkable expanse.
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The Vibe: LBI is known for its more relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere compared to some of the state's more bustling boardwalk towns. It's a classic summer vacation destination where life revolves around the beach.
Exploring the Beaches of LBI:
Different parts of the 18-mile island offer slightly different beach experiences.
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Lively Hubs: Towns like Beach Haven and Ship Bottom are the commercial centers of the island, with beaches that are close to shops, restaurants, and amusements.
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Quiet Retreats: As you move towards the northern end (Loveladies, Harvey Cedars) or the southern tip (Holgate), the beaches become more residential, quieter, and more natural. The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge at the southern end of the island offers a truly pristine and undeveloped beach experience.
Other Notable Long Beaches in New Jersey:
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Island Beach State Park: While not as long as LBI, this undeveloped barrier island south of Seaside Heights offers one of the longest stretches of pristine, undeveloped beach in the state, spanning about 10 miles. It's a haven for nature lovers and surf fishermen.
While the entire Jersey Shore is a treasure, the approximately 18-mile continuous stretch of beach on Long Beach Island gives it the title of the longest beach in New Jersey. Its combination of beautiful, soft sand, classic shore towns, and quieter natural areas makes LBI a beloved destination and a perfect example of the Garden State's magnificent coastline.
