NEW JERSEY - Long Beach Island offers an 18-mile stretch of stunning New Jersey coastline, making it the perfect summer escape. Whether you are searching for an oceanfront resort packed with amenities, a historic Victorian inn, or a laid-back boutique hotel close to the best local dining, LBI has accommodations to fit every vacation style.
Here is a guide to the ten best places to unpack your bags on Long Beach Island this season.
1. Hotel LBI (Ship Bottom)
Located just as you come off the Causeway in Ship Bottom, Hotel LBI blends the grandeur of a late 19th-century summer hotel with high-end modern luxury. It features spacious suites with full kitchens, an impressive indoor pool with a retractable roof, and a rooftop bar offering panoramic sunset views over the bay. It is a central, upscale hub that makes exploring the rest of the island incredibly easy.
2. Daddy O Hotel (Brant Beach)
For those seeking a more contemporary, boutique experience, this 22-room hotel in Brant Beach delivers. Daddy O features chic, modernized decor, a popular rooftop sundeck, and a vibrant on-site restaurant and bar. It is situated just a short walk from the ocean and offers a stylish alternative to the traditional seaside motel.
3. The Gables Historic Inn & Restaurant (Beach Haven)
If romance and historic charm are what you are after, The Gables in Beach Haven is unmatched. This impeccably restored Victorian-era bed and breakfast features only five guest rooms, offering a highly personalized, intimate stay. The inn is equally famous for its lush gardens and its award-winning fine dining restaurant.
4. Sea Shell Resort & Beach Club (Beach Haven)
A lively, oceanfront staple in Beach Haven, the Sea Shell Resort brings a tropical vibe to the Jersey Shore. With direct private beach access, an outdoor pool, and multiple dining options—including a wildly popular outdoor tiki bar—this resort is perfect for travelers looking to stay right in the center of the action.
5. Spray Beach Oceanfront Hotel (Beach Haven)
Situated right on the sand, the Spray Beach Hotel is a family-friendly favorite that makes beach days effortless. In addition to direct ocean access, guests enjoy an outdoor heated pool and an oceanfront pavilion with a beach hut bar. It is a relaxed, classic shore hotel that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
6. Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel (Ship Bottom)
Offering unpretentious comfort and unbeatable beach access, Drifting Sands is an excellent option for visitors who want to wake up and step immediately onto the sand. The hotel features clean, comfortable rooms—many with private balconies overlooking the ocean—and is located close to mini-golf, local cafes, and surf shops.
7. Surf City Hotel (Surf City)
Steeped in local history, the Surf City Hotel offers a classic beach town experience. Located right on the Boulevard, it is just a block from the ocean and features a lively pub, a seafood restaurant, and an outdoor clam bar. It is an excellent spot for vacationers who want dining and entertainment right outside their room.
8. The Hideaway Hotel (Beach Haven)
Quiet and highly rated for its cleanliness and friendly staff, The Hideaway Hotel offers a peaceful retreat. While slightly tucked away from the busiest stretches, it provides a comfortable, updated stay with thoughtful amenities. It is a fantastic home base for couples or solo travelers looking to relax after a long day in the sun.
9. The Islander Motel (Ship Bottom)
Centrally located and family-oriented, The Islander Motel provides large, renovated rooms and efficiencies within easy walking distance of both the beach and the bay. It is a practical, well-maintained property that offers great value and convenience in the heart of Ship Bottom.
10. The Beach House at Drifting Sands (Ship Bottom)
Operating as a sister property to the main Drifting Sands hotel, The Beach House offers affordable, pet-friendly accommodations just steps from the ocean. With free parking and beach chairs available for guests, it covers all the necessities for an easy, budget-conscious coastal getaway.
