Looking for family-friendly fun and laid-back beach vibes? Head to Beach Haven! Located on the southern end of Long Beach Island, Beach Haven is a classic Jersey Shore town known for its sandy beaches, amusement parks, surf shops, and walkable downtown. Whether you're soaking up sun or savoring fresh seafood, this seaside village is a perfect summer escape.
Beach Haven, NJ Highlights:
- Swim and sunbathe on the beach: Enjoy soft sand, lifeguarded swimming areas, and wide shorelines ideal for families and surfers alike.
- Ride and play at Fantasy Island Amusement Park: This iconic LBI attraction features rides, games, and sweet treats just blocks from the ocean.
- Visit the New Jersey Maritime Museum: Discover shipwreck stories, maritime artifacts, and rich local history in a kid-friendly setting.
- Catch a show at Surflight Theatre: Enjoy live musicals, concerts, and children’s performances in a charming community theater.
- Stroll the Bay Village shops: Explore beachwear boutiques, souvenir stores, and classic eats like fudge and funnel cake.
When I like to visit Beach Haven, NJ
The best time to visit Beach Haven is from June through early September, when the weather is warm, the ocean is inviting, and most shops, restaurants, and attractions are fully open. Shoulder seasons (late May and September) offer quieter visits with mild weather and fewer crowds.
Tips for getting to Beach Haven, NJ
- By car: Beach Haven is accessible via the Garden State Parkway and Route 72, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Philadelphia or New York City.
- By bus: NJ Transit offers seasonal bus service to Long Beach Island with stops in nearby towns; driving is the most convenient option.
- By air: The closest major airports are Atlantic City International Airport (ACY, ~1 hour away) and Philadelphia International (PHL, ~2 hours).
Where I like to stay in Beach Haven, NJ
- Engleside Inn – Oceanfront hotel with a pool, sushi restaurant, and direct beach access, perfect for families.
- Coral Seas Oceanfront Motel – Cozy rooms and beachfront views with walkability to downtown attractions.
- The Gables Historic Inn & Restaurant – Elegant B&B with gourmet dining and romantic Victorian decor for couples.
Best Things to Do in Beach Haven, NJ
1. Surflight Theatre
The Surflight Theatre is a beachside theater that hosts an array of family-friendly entertainment in the town of Beach Haven, New Jersey. The theatre presents entertaining shows designed for children ages two to ten years old and strives to encourage interest in the performing arts. Along with movies, the Blacksmith Shop Bridge hosts a variety of plays, musical performances, comedy shows, and concerts, providing entertaining shows for the whole family. The Mainstage employs early career artists and professionals for seven months out of the year for Broadway-style productions. The Surflight Theatre also offers summer Musical Theatre and Apprentice Programs.
201 Engleside Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, Phone: 609-492-9477
2. Museum of NJ Maritime History
The New Jersey Maritime Museum, established in July of 2007, is a nautical-themed museum in Beach Haven that highlights the state’s noteworthy maritime history. The museum features a rather impressive collection of antique navigation equipment, rare documents, historic photographs, shipwreck files, volumes of record books, and artifacts spanning over more than one hundred years. The New Jersey Maritime Museum is usually open daily from 10:00am until 4:00pm in June and until 6:00pm in July and August, and on the weekends from 10:00am until 4:00pm from the month of September through the month of May.
528 Dock Rd, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, Phone: 609-492-0202
3. Long Beach Island Historical Museum
The Long Beach Island Historical Museum is a great museum in the center of Beach Haven’s Historic District and is an ideal thing to do in town for any history buff. Housed inside of a more than 130-year-old building, the museum contains numerous exhibits focused on the preservation of old photographs and artifacts to help keep the history of Long Beach Island alive for generations to come. The Long Beach Island Historical Museum is open seven days a week during the summer, from 10:00am until 4:00pm, and on the weekends during the fall and spring.
129 Engleside Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, Phone: 609-492-0700
Where to Eat in Beach Haven, NJ
4. The Chicken or the Egg
The Chicken or the Egg boasts that it is the “most unique eatery” anywhere on Long Beach Island. This fun restaurant offers an expansive menu catering to just about every taste, and is particularly well known for its award-winning breakfast and Buffalo Wings. First opening its doors in 1991 during Memorial Day weekend, the original “Egg” was just a little luncheonette spot. The Chicken or the Egg eventually moved to a larger venue in Beach Haven. The buffalo wings, or also known as the “Chegg” at this unique eatery, are juicy, big, and come with a choice of sixteen different sauces.
207 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, Phone: 609-492-3695
5. Country Kettle Fudge
Country Kettle Fudge was founded by John Maschal in 1961 and has since been providing the people of Beach Haven and its visitors with creamy, fresh fudge ever since, becoming a staple of the Long Beach Island community. Drawn in by the sweet aromas, guests can stop by the fudge shop to see different fudge made fresh every day, whipped by hand in copper kettles. Special attention is given to every batch. The Country Kettle Fudge also lets customers try a sample of their many delicious flavors, such as M&M, Vanilla Nut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Triple Chocolate, and Oreo Crunch.
830 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, Phone: 609-492-2800
My favorite local events:
- Fourth of July Fireworks – Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks over the beach and live music downtown.
- Long Beach Island Chowderfest (October) – Popular food festival featuring local restaurants, crafts, and live entertainment.
- Concerts on the Green (Summer) – Free outdoor music at Veteran’s Memorial Park in downtown Beach Haven.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Beach Haven, New Jersey:
- Barnegat Lighthouse State Park (30 min) – Climb the “Old Barney” lighthouse and enjoy panoramic bay and ocean views.
- Surf City (15–20 min) – Explore more shopping, bakeries, and beaches with a quieter atmosphere.
- Ship Bottom (20 min) – Visit waterfront restaurants or launch kayaks from the bayfront access points.
- Tuckerton Seaport (25 min) – Learn about maritime history and boatbuilding at this open-air museum.
- Manahawkin (30 min) – Stop for big-box shopping, casual dining, or fishing gear on the mainland.
Plan Your Trip