Welcome to Long Beach Island, NJ
18 miles of sand and surf
where to stay
Beach House Rentals
Brant Beach is a very residential area so if you want to stay in the neighborhood, renting a house may be the ideal option.
There are a few different ways you can rent a house:
VRLBI.com (Weekend rentals are available by contacting Homeowner.)
Vrbo and Airbnb (Weekend rentals are available on and off the island)
Contact Mary Allen Realty, Inc. (maryallen.com) at (609) 492-0700 or rentals@maryallen.com
Members of Brant Beach Yacht Club (our reception venue) rent their homes to BBYC wedding guests. To check out those offerings, click here.
If you’re trying to stay nearby, the wedding events are taking place in Brant Beach, which is a part of Long Beach Township. Other neighboring areas on the island are Ship Bottom, Surf City, Spray Beach, and Beach Haven. Manahawkin is the town off the island which is another area where you can find lodging.
We suggest booking your lodging as early as possible, as September tends to be a busy month in LBI, with numerous weddings taking place on the island.
Just on the other side of the bridge, this is about a 10-15 minute drive away from the reception. We have rooms reserved for September 21 and 22 for our wedding guests. If interested, please contact Melissa Raleigh, (401)-742-5784. The Mainland Kitchen + Pub is housed in this hotel. The Mainland offers indoor and outdoor dining and live music. There is an Adventure Park surrounding the hotel, which includes a ropes course, arcade games and go-karts.
The Boulevard is a boutique hotel centrally located in the neighborhood of Long Beach Township. Just blocks from the beach or bay, The Boulevard is designed to meet the needs of travelers looking to explore the island and enjoy modern amenities during their stay.
Located in Ship Bottom, a 12-minute walk from Ship Bottom Beach, Hotel LBI has accommodations with free bikes, free private parking, free WiFi, a fitness center, a shared lounge and bar, and three restaurants. The hotel provides an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk.
The Sea Horse Motel is located in the heart of Long Beach Island with easy access to the Causeway and less than 10 minutes from the Garden State Parkway. The beach is just a block away, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. The pool and showers on the sides are nice and big for your family and friends. All Sea Horse Motel rooms are air conditioned, come with refrigerators, microwave ovens, coffee pots, and televisions.
The Engleside Inn has its own beach entrance and is within walking distance to many restaurants, bars, and shops in Bay Village. Their dining options include a casual restaurant, sushi bar and seasonal poolside dining and bar. The Engleside Sushi Bar is a must if you stay here!
Other options include but not limited to Spray Beach Oceanfront Hotel, Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel, Windward at the Beach, etc.
how to get here
By Plane
If you’re coming from far away, there are three airports within driving distance: Newark (EWK), Philadelphia (PHL), and Atlantic City (ACY). Atlantic City is a 35-minute drive, and Newark and Philly are both 90 minutes away.
By Bus
By Car
Whether you’re within driving distance or renting a car, this is likely your easiest way to get to the island. We are a 15-20-minute drive East, off Exit 63 on the Garden State Parkway.
what to do
The Beach
Of the 127 miles of shoreline on the Jersey Shore, Long Beach Island is home to 18 of them. And the best part? September is the best the beach gets!
Sunsets at Bayview Park
In our very biased opinion, there’s nothing quite like a sunset across the Barnegat Bay. For beautiful sunset views, head to Bayview Park on 68th Street in Brant Beach. If the sunrise is more your thing, head to the oceanside lookout tower on 68th Street.
Viking Village
Explore the historic Viking Village and take a walk back in time to LBI’s origins as a fishing village. Check out the cute shops in the old fishing shacks, watch the scallop boats come into the docks, and score the freshest seafood around. If you’re taking a trip to Old Barney, make a pit stop here!
Old Barney
On the Northernmost point of the island, you will find the Barnegat Lighthouse, fondly called “Old Barney.” Climb the 217 steps to the top of the lighthouse and get the best views of the island and the Barnegat Bay, or take a walk along the rocks and see what the fishermen are catching.
Beach Haven
Beach Haven is the island’s primary business district. Stroll through the shops in Bay Village. Grab a local beer at Ship Bottom Brewery or enjoy some ice cream at Barry’s.
Nothing says a trip to the Jersey Shore quite like a game of mini-golf. There’s a number of mini-golf courses around the island, but the closest to our wedding venue is Hartland Golf in Ship Bottom.
Mini Golf
Cedar Bonnet Island
Environmental Trail
If you’re looking for an easy hike with beautiful views of the Barnegat Bay or want to learn more about our local wildlife, this is for you. Our advice: head to The Local on your way and grab a coffee or kombucha for your walk. There is parking near the trail.
Whether you’re an avid yogi or a HIIT enthusiast, we have some local fitness studios around the island. Yoga Bohemia has both in-studio and beach yoga. Black Sheep Studios offers spinning, beach barre, HIIT, and more. Are you more of a runner? Take a run on the beach or if you prefer the road, Ocean Boulevard has a lane for runners and bikers that stretches for miles.
Seaside Fitness
Explore the Barnegat Bay in a kayak. Bike along Ocean Boulevard and soak in the salt air. Experience the Jersey Shore swells on a surfboard or paddleboard. There are all sorts of rentals available on LBI. In our neighborhood, we recommend Farias Surf Shop, Acme Beach & Bike, Wave Hog Surf Shop and Shore Break Cyclery.
Things to Rent
where to eat
Sit Down Restaurants
Blue Water Cafe
Specializing in salads, sandwiches, and chowder, this longtime favorite has a great menu and offers primarily outdoor seating. Plus, if you’re up for it, it’s within biking distance of Brant Beach.
Black Whale
Black Whale has a robust seafood menu and a full bar (many restaurants on the island are BYOB). Located in Beach Haven, this is a great option if you’re spending some time on the South end of the island.
Ship Bottom Shellfish
A local favorite, Ship Bottom Shellfish serves up all kinds of seafood from near and far. They make a mean jumbo lump crab cake!
Russo’s Italian Restaurant
Russo’s Italian Restaurant is a small, family-owned-and-operated business offering a variety of options for large family gatherings, date nights, or to satisfy your pizza cravings.
The Arlington
Taproom offering a wide selection of craft beers and updated American fare, plus they have live music on Saturday nights.
Bird & Betty’s
Fantastic cocktails. A diverse menu. And awesome live music.
Wally’s
From brunch to dinner, this place has it all. If you’re vegan or just looking for some healthy grub, their menu has options for you, too.
Parker’s Garage
This bayfront restaurant has the best sunset views around and offers a delicious selection of local seafood, especially oysters. If you’re hoping to dine here, we suggest making a reservation.
The Gables
For a festive occasion, reserve a spot at the Gabels in Beach Haven. Set in a Victorian house, this LBI restaurant features locally sourced food and a varying menu. Tip: Reserve a tabel early!
Take Out Restaurants
La Bamba
If you’re near our wedding venue, this is one of your closest restaurants and is within walking distance. Their tacos are our favorites!
California Grill
We like this place and its casual vibe. They have great homemade soups and paninis!
BLVD Pizza
LBI’s local pizza shop that serves fabulous pies. They also have salads, sandwiches, baked dishes, and desserts.
The Barrel Surf Cafe
Breakfast. Lunch. Smoothies. Everything is fresh and made to order with ingredients that are delivered daily!
Woodies
If you have a craving for a burger, you’re sure to find one here. They have two locations nearby and offer the most robust burger menu on the island.
Burger 25
25 burger options, fries, shakes, wings & salads. All very good!
Birdy’s
This charming cafe on the North End of the island is owned by our family friend and is a must-see. Pro tip: drive to Birdy’s, grab a coffee and some goodies, and head to the lighthouse in Barnegat Light.
Subs Up
Another Brant Beach establishment, they offer, you guessed it, subs. This is a perfect lunch option for a day at the beach.
The Bagel Shack
Made fresh in Beach Haven, NJ daily, year-round, The Bagel Shack does bagels right. Their wide selection includes breakfast, lunch, acai bowls, garden-fresh salads, tacos and burritos, pastries, coffee and Nitro brew.
How You Brewin’
Full service coffeehouse with everything you’d expect beverage-wise, as well as a cafe-style food menu.
Country Kettle Chowda
We are pretty big on our “chowda” around here and this place is the team captain. Get it in a bread bowl, you’ll thank us later.
Coffee & Breakfast
The Local Market
Offering much more than just coffee and breakfast pastries, The Local is an island-wide favorite and has pre-made and made-to-order goodies for breakfast and lunch.
Guapo’s Coffee House
Established in 2023, Guapo’s Coffee House is a cozy coffee shop with a rooftop lounge. They serve coffee, tea, fresh juices, baked goods, and more.
Mainland Restaurants
Living on the Veg
In the mood for something healthy? Go here! They are are a vegetarian deli and juice bar, serving breakfast and lunch.
Chicken or the Egg
This is an LBI staple. They are famous for their wings and 24-hour operation.
Mud City Crab House
Another great seafood restaurant, Mud City has tons of outdoor seating and is right across the street from beautiful marshlands.
Element
Ask any local and they’ll tell you Element has one of the best happy hours around. Our recommendation: get a plate of the Crab & Cheese Wontons. They are outstanding.
Old Causeway
Right next door to Mud City, Old Causeway offers craft beer, local oysters, wood-fired steak, and has great live music.
where to drink
Bird & Betty’s
Whether you’re looking to relax with a cocktail, sit at a bar, or dance to live music, Bird & Betty’s has it all. Check out their Instagram for details on who is playing and when.
Nardi’s Tavern
Nardi’s is a favorite of ours. If it’s past 10 pm, don’t expect to be able to sit down and relax. This place turns into a party with live music and all. If you’re looking for transportation to and from, the pink Nardi’s Party Bus is here to help! (Details here.)
Daddy O
Located on 44th Street in Brant Beach, Daddy O has a Garden Rum Bar and “O Bar,” a rooftop bar. If you are staying near the wedding venues, this is the closest bar.
Ship Bottom Brewery
We are big fans of the local craft beer, Ship Bottom Brewery. Take a trip down to their tasting room in Beach Haven in Bay Village, order it on tap at many of the local bars, or purchase their cans at the local liquor stores.
Baker’s Port Hole
An informal, low-key stop serving hearty pub grub and sandwiches alongside ales, cocktails and wine. Cash only, ATM available.
The Seashell Resort
Located on the beach in Beach Haven, this bar is half outdoors and half indoors. It’s usually packed and there’s always a DJ. If you end up at the Shell, we recommend heading to the Chegg for a late-night snack afterward.
where to shop
Sophie’s sister, Emily, is the shopkeeper of The Dune Market which is nestled in the heart of Beach Haven. Designed as three shops in one marketplace, The Dune Market offers a well-rounded curation of products for coastal living: The Bookshop, The Cottage, The Apothecary. If you plan to stop by, let the shop girls know you are here for the Bove/Raleigh wedding and enjoy 10% off your order.
The Dune Market
506 Surf Boutique
A women’s surf boutique with coastal casual clothing, swimwear and accessories. Their sister store is located in St. Augustine, FL!
Sink R Swim
This shop has been outfitting generations on long beach island since 1954 and offers apparel, accessories, shoes and more.
Farias Surf & Sport
Family-owned since 1969, there are seven stores on the island. The Surf City shop is Sophie’s favorite, stocked with the best surf brands.
How to Live
This shop has two locations in Beach Haven and has all sorts of shabby chic home goods, clothing, and accessories.
Wink
This shop features women’s clothing, outerwear, and gifts. They have a location in Surf City and another in Viking Village.
Sur La Plage
This women’s boutique has been an island favorite since 1986 and is packed with the coolest brands, from sweaters to swimwear.
where to buy food & alcohol
Pangaea Naturals
If you have dietary restrictions or just prefer a natural foods market, Pangaea Naturals is just over the bridge on Bay Avenue and has a good variety of organic, healthy food and beauty products.
72 Buy Rite Liquors
Just on the other side of the bridge, the 72 Buy Rite is where you’ll find the largest variety of beer, wine, and liquor (and at the best price).
Ship Bottom Brewery
This local craft brewery sells their beer at their tasting room in Beach Haven, and you can purchase their cans in bulk.
Lang’s Liquors
Located nearby in Ship Bottom, Lang’s Liquors has a large variety of wine, beer, and liquors–and they are the only liquor store on the island that delivers.
Anchor Produce Market
Located in Surf City, this family-owned grocery store is the best source on the island for fresh produce, dairy, bread, and deli products.
Large Grocery Stores
Should you need to do a large grocery run and are looking for a big box store, there is an ACME on the island and on the mainland, there is a ShopRite, ALDI, Costco, Target and BJ’s.
Blue Claw Seafood Market
This local seafood market has one of the largest varieties of local catch on the island.