Long Beach Island (commonly referred to as LBI or simply The Island) is a stunning barrier island and summer colony located along the Atlantic Ocean coast of Ocean County, New Jersey, in the United States. Aligned north-south, the northern portion features generally higher-end low-density residential areas, while the southern section showcases higher-density housing and significant commercial development. Key industries driving the local economy include tourism, fishing, and real estate, with many beach haven realtors serving the community.
Access to the island by land is limited to a single causeway. Year-round, approximately 20,000 residents call the island home, distributed among six separate municipalities, the largest being Long Beach Township. However, during the summer months, the population swells to around 100,000, including part-time residents and tourists, often referred to as "bennies" or the lesser-known term "shoobies." The island's affluent communities are known for their luxury vacation homes, primarily owned by individuals from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
Today's home values on Long Beach Island have increased significantly, reflecting the area’s appeal for coastal living LBI.
Situated 24 miles (39 km) north of Atlantic City, 61 miles (98 km) east-southeast of Philadelphia, and 101 miles (163 km) south of New York City, LBI stretches approximately 18 miles (29 km) in length, which includes three miles (5 km) of nature reserve at the southern tip. The island measures about a half-mile wide (800 m) at its widest point in Ship Bottom and narrows to a fifth of a mile (300 m) in Harvey Cedars.
Long Beach Island is bisected by State Route 72, formerly known as "South 40," serving as the only access point for road vehicles from the mainland at Ship Bottom, connecting over Manahawkin Bay. The northern section includes communities such as Ship Bottom, Surf City, North Beach (a part of Long Beach Township), Harvey Cedars, Loveladies (also in Long Beach Township), High Bar Harbor, and Barnegat Light. The southern portion comprises Ship Bottom, Long Beach Township (including the census-designated place of North Beach Haven), and Beach Haven, with the Holgate section at the southernmost tip.
The island has a rich history, continuously settled since 1690, initially as a hunting destination. Barnegat Inlet to the north was a vital route for freight shipments and whaling from the 17th through the 20th centuries. Due to its significance and turbulent waters, a lighthouse was built in 1835 to aid navigation, but it proved inadequate. The erosion issues led to the tower's destruction in 1857, just before the completion of the current Barnegat Lighthouse in 1859, which flashes every 10 seconds. This lighthouse was constructed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, overseen by George Gordon Meade, known for his Civil War leadership.
As tourism developed, the Tuckerton Railroad built a bridge across Barnegat Bay from Barnegat City to Beach Haven, with tracks completed in 1886, later leased to the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). The Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916 included a fatal incident in Beach Haven, partially inspiring the book Jaws. A severe winter storm in 1920 caused extensive damage, and subsequent storms in 1923 and 1935 disrupted rail service to the island.
Notable storms in the island’s history have split it in two, most famously during the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962, which nearly destroyed Long Beach Island. Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 caused significant damage, leading to evacuations and extensive flooding. Recovery efforts included restoring utilities, with many businesses reopening by mid-December.
A storied legacy has been realized at the gateway to Long Beach Island with the introduction of Hotel LBI. Positioned in Ship Bottom, NJ 08008, this premier destination, which evolved from the beloved Quarterdeck Inn, honors its history while establishing a new standard for coastal hospitality. Approved by the Ship Bottom Land Use Board in 2015, Hotel LBI features 105 guest rooms designed with refined coastal charm and Victorian elegance, complemented by modern amenities.
Hotel LBI has become a thriving hub for Ship Bottom and beyond, enhancing the island’s appeal through walkable access to beaches, shopping, and dining, while boosting the local economy and revitalizing Ship Bottom’s identity as a gateway destination. Whether arriving for a summer escape or a winter retreat, Hotel LBI continues to define coastal luxury—one elegant beam at a time.
