NJIB’s Guide to a Day trip to Long Beach Island

What I love most about Summer is taking a trip to one of New Jersey’s many beaches. One area I have not explored too well was Long Beach Island, so I decided to take a day trip there. Now I can give YOU ideas on things you can do.

Long Beach Island, or LBI, has lots of different beaches and things to do throughout the island. By my calculation you can drive the entire length of the island in 45 minutes so it’s good to plan a few things to do in advance! You could easily spend a weekend or a week there and not run out of activities to do. So, if you’re like me and you only have a day to spend somewhere, here are a few recommendations.

I started my morning at Shore Good Donuts, a fantastic fresh made to order doughnut establishment in Ship Bottom. Not only do they have their own creations, but you can also make your own donut too by choosing your own icing and toppings. They also serve fantastic coffee! Seasonally they are open late, so if you stop by after dinner you can also treat yourself to a donut sundae. We got SIX donuts including an inside out jelly, inside out boston cream ,french toast, lemon drop, mape n bake (maple bacon), and an everything donut.

Now we need to work that off…

Of course if you’re in Long Beach Island,  you need to hit the beach! I spent  a lot of time walking along the shore and sitting in the sand. I even got (a little) tan!

I’m a big fan of NJ diners, and LBI has plenty of them! Based on recommendations, I decided to check out Mustache Bill’s in Barnegat. This awesome retro diner is cash only (to keep the prices cheap) and is SO cool that it was featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. Thanks to a helpful tip, I asked for a mustache pancake (not on the menu).  I also know they can create fun things out of their homemade pancake batter including a mermaid, so be sure to ask your waitress! For more information on my trip to Mustache Bill’s, check out my Diner Review.

One of the most popular spots in Long Beach Island is Barnegat Lighthouse located in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. The lighthouse is the second tallest in the state (165 feet tall) and costs a small fee to climb (217 steps).

Getting to the top was an achievement and was definitely worth it to take in the views.

I also enjoyed walking around the park on a beautiful day. I highly recommend it.

If you’re in LBI for food, you have more than enough options. The island has plenty of restaurants and quick bites. Since I was still full from brunch and donuts, we opted to get pizza at Harvey Cedars Pizza Shack. Good to know that in LBI you can get a giant slice that spans two plates! (I got the veggie pizza on the right)

The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences (LBIF) is a great venue in LBI that hosts events, classes, sports etc. Thanks to a great tip, we went on their nature walk around sunset and got to take in this beautiful view. I highly recommend it! It was very peaceful.

Based on several comments in my “Ice Cream Quest” to find the best ice cream in NJ, we went to Skipper Dipper in Long Beach Township for homemade ice cream. This place is super popular, and their staff is super efficient.  Despite getting on a line out the door, we had our ice cream in our hands in less than 5 minutes. They know what they’re doing! I guess that’s why they’ve been around since 1978.

Last but not least, we stopped by The Dutchman’s Brauhaus in Manahawkin on our way off of the island. The restaurant is right on the water and has amazing views. They have a great beer menu featured German food which pairs well with their German food menu. They also have plenty of American food items and seafood.

There was plenty of things I’d like to do in LBI (including a trip to Harvey Cedars), so I know I will definitely be going back. What are you favorite things to do in LBI?