All along the eastern seashore, there are many barrier islands, most of which are long and very thin. On one side, the powerful Atlantic Ocean, and on the other the tranquil waters of the bay. Those islands are prime locations, despite the threats of erosion, bad storms, and hordes of tourists.
Unless you find a nature preserve or a piece of land not yet developed, most places by the sea have been under attack by too many visitors, shoddy development plans, and bad taste. This nice but not crowded beach is on Long Beach Island. To the right of the picture (not seen) is a tiki bar on the beach, perhaps the only there on the sand. Below, the channel that separates two islands, and where the Barnegat lighthouse is located--these pictures are taken from ontop of it.
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, yet, once someone leaves its big cities & towns, it certainly doesn't seem that way. The northern part is much more packed, and the Jersey shore is known for gridlock and huge crowds.
According to some, LBI is like Cape Cod (MA) only closer--to us in the NYC metro area. I still prefer Cape Cod, but I can see some similarities here.
Long Beach Island is situated about half the way down towards Cape May, just before Atlantic City. No public transportation gets near it, no boardwalk with tacky establishments, and not as many shops as other similar spots. It's therefore much more quiet, and a good place for relaxation--if that's what you're after. LBI is about 2.5 hours south from NYC & Bergen County, NJ--depending on the traffic of course. Since NJ is narrow and the beaches are on the eastern part, traffic can be absolutely horrible.
I recently spent a few days on LBI, and I'd recommend it. Since the seasonal visitors are fewer this year (due to the economy and fuel prices), you can rent a house for just about what you'd pay for a hotel room for two people. Just bring something to protect you from the green flies and the mosquitoes; they tend to be most bothersome until August usually.
The
Barnegat lighthouse is the second tallest in the US, and visitors can climb the narrow stairs--which I recommend--because the top offers spectacular views. As of 2008, the admission is only $1.
The moon shines over the southernmost tip of LBI. This southern section in Holgate is off limits to people in an effort to protect the bird nests of the disappearing piping plovers. The lights in the distance are from Atlantic City.
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I've been there. I agree it's one of the better places on the NJ coast to vacation.
But, if we keep saying so, many more people will see it as an option! I'd rather keep the traffic to a minimum.
Nice picts.
Well, I think LBI doesn't have the restaurants, the boardwalk, the crappy establishments, the clubs & bars other places have, so probably this is the reason for the fewer crowds.
Buses and trains don't even go close to LBI, but I don't know if many people do use them to go to the NJ beaches. They do in Brooklyn and maybe Long Island, NY.
I've been to LBI in the Autumn & Winter and I liked it. That is, the weather has to be reasonable for someone to be outside and take in the ocean air.
There's been a huge fight between those who want to keep the southern part closed to traffic for environmental reasons, and those who have 4 wheel vehicles and want to fish.
As far as I could see, there isn't too much development on the island. I also saw "for sale" signs not so long ago on many properties. I guess the economy and the gas prices is the reason.
Usually the towns affected by the swarming flies have many boxes that trap them, but no matter what you do, these pests will bother you. The closer to vegetation you are, the worst it is.
There are sprays to ward them off. Or, choose a rather windy place! The mosquitoes are the worst though. Bloodsuckers!
Here's a piece on the fight for the birds and the fish:
NJ Law
The Barnegat lighthouse is tall, and going up those narrow stairs is not that easy. But, the views are spectacular. Since there's not much space up there, it can get crowded, which is not good.
Those who are afraid of heights, the observation deck has bars all over so there's no way you can fall over... unless there's an earthquake and the whole thing topples over! Or, a tsunami, or somekind of structural defect they don't know about... after all, the "deck" overhangs the main structure...
Oh, don't mind me, it's safe. You can't go wrong for a $1. Then you can claim you had your daily exercise and splurge on ice cream!
The 165 feet (55 meters) height left me shaken & stirred up there, because it was a windy day. I almost dropped my camera. The bars obstruct the view, so you have to position the camera in between them.
The good thing was that I didn't lose my hat that the wind blew it off!
Btw, the narrow metal stairs seems to be screwed securely to the lighthouse brick walls. Just don't get stuck behind a fat person going up.
The tower doesn't have a light in it, but flood lights illuminate the structure at night. I wonder why not though. Similar lighthouses along the Jersey shore do operate, even if they're not needed by boats with modern technology.
Beach Heaven Fishery has fresh fish for takeout, and even though its prices are high, you can have a feast if you're willing to cook yourself. Recommended.
You should expect prices to be higher even at the horrible Acme supermarket, and pretty much everywhere. But, most seasonal places with "tourists" charge more for everything.
Cape Cod is expensive too!
Cape Cod is indeed expensive but there are a few bargains. You can eat cheap, decent food, and, this year, I hear, visitors are not as many, so you can find a place to stay for well under $100, if it's not near the water. Or, you can go camping for about $20/day.
Yes, I saw that article in Time Out NY, comparing LBI to Cape Cod, but even though these two places have a few similarities they are not the same by far. I guess if you find a stretch of a beach looking at the ocean you may think it's the same place...
I just heard that ridership on public transport to the NJ beaches is up 52% (June, July), which means many more people choose not to drive.
Probably though most places around the NJ shore has seen a decline in traffic, both pedestrian and car.
I don't have any data, but I've been to LBI several and various times in the summer, and this last time the crowds were much thinner.
Actually it's very noticeable; I caught myself saying, where are the people, it's July...
I don't think it's only high gas prices. People feel uncertain about the economy too. You cut down on disposable income when you feel anxious about your financial future.
I bet you that even those who do go to the shore (or elsewhere) the average spending amount is less this year.
That's why I'd recommend renting a house for the weekend or for a few days if you have the option. It makes more sense if several people split the bill.
Then you can order take out, or cook your own food, and avoid the high food bills associated with restaurants at the NJ shore (and elsewhere). Then going out for a drink or dessert isn't such an expensive proposition.
Yes, great point about renting instead of staying at a hotel. It even makes sense to stay overnight a couple days, instead of driving long distances twice!
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