{"ok":true,"data":{"id":3042,"slug":"long-beach-township-beach-long-beach-township","name":"Long Beach Township Beach","country":"USA","state":"New Jersey","city":"Long Beach Township","coords":{"lat":39.603,"lng":-74.2152},"beachType":null,"tags":["scenic"],"article":{"hero":"You'll find Long Beach Township Beach strung along the spine of Long Beach Island, where sixty-seven numbered streets each lead to their own slice of shoreline. The beach here runs wide and flat, interrupted every few blocks by weathered groins that collect shells and create natural pools at low tide. Families stake out the same spots year after year, close enough to the lifeguard stands that parents can read while children dig moats around sandcastles that will be gone by evening.\n\nThe dunes rise gently behind the strand, anchored by sea grass that bends in the perpetual onshore breeze. Municipal beach badges—required Memorial Day through Labor Day—keep the crowds manageable, and the sand stays relatively uncrowded even on August weekends when the Garden State Parkway clogs with southbound traffic. The ocean temperature climbs into the low seventies by July, warm enough that you can stay in the water until your fingertips wrinkle.\n\nBetween Beach Haven to the south and Barnegat Light to the north, Long Beach Township occupies the quieter middle stretch of the island. The commercial strips along Long Beach Boulevard feel deliberately modest—pizza by the slice, putt-putt golf, tackle shops that open before dawn. After the beach, you'll walk back across hot asphalt in bare feet, sand still clinging to your calves, past cottages with outdoor showers and American flags snapping in the salt air.","teaser":"The gulls wheel overhead as you spread your blanket on sand still cool from the night tide. Long Beach Township unfolds in a rhythm measured by lifeguard whistles and ice-cream bells, where the Atlantic breaks in measured sets and the wooden walkways creak underfoot with the weight of a hundred thousand summer days.","uniqueAngle":"This is where New Jersey families have been passing down the same rental week for three generations, creating a seasonal continuity rare on the Atlantic coast.","accessType":"Drive-up with beach badges","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"swim","title":"Guarded Ocean Swimming","subtitle":"Lifeguards patrol through early September"},{"icon":"surf","title":"Longboard Sessions","subtitle":"Gentle rollers perfect for beginners"},{"icon":"food","title":"Boardwalk Eats","subtitle":"Fresh custard and funnel cakes"},{"icon":"kayak","title":"Bay Paddling","subtitle":"Launch from calmer western shore"}],"audience":{"surfer":"The waves here break softly over sandbars that shift with each nor'easter, making this ideal longboard territory rather than shortboard terrain. Summer swells rarely top three feet, arriving from the southeast in mushy, forgiving sets perfect for nose-riding. The best breaks cluster near the groins at 18th and 68th Streets, where the structures create slightly steeper faces. Dawn patrol gets you glassy conditions before the onshore afternoon wind chops things up. Respect the swimming sections—lifeguards will whistle you out between the flags without hesitation.","couples":"Claim a spot near 28th Street at twilight, when the crowds thin and the western sky ignites behind the island. The beach allows quiet evening walks year-round, no badge required after 5 PM in summer. For dinner, skip the tourist traps and book a table at The Chicken or the Egg in Beach Haven, where locals gather for oysters and bay views. The lodging here runs to well-worn beach motels and rental cottages rather than boutique hotels—think knotty pine paneling and screened porches, not spa treatments. October weekends bring empty beaches and cheaper rates.","backpacker":"Free beach access operates before 10 AM and after 5 PM daily, plus entirely free from mid-September through May. Pitch a tent at the county campground in Stafford Township, fifteen minutes inland, for under thirty dollars a night. A bike gets you everywhere on the flat island terrain—rent one in Ship Bottom for twelve dollars daily. Mancini's Pizza sells enormous slices for under four bucks, and the Acme supermarket has sandwich fixings. The Long Beach Island Shuttle runs summer weekends, connecting beach towns without needing a car.","local":"Hit the beach at first light in July and August, before the badge checkers clock in at nine. The stretch between 88th and 93rd Streets sees fewer crowds because parking requires a residential permit—walk in from the Brant Beach lots instead. September offers the warmest ocean temperatures of the year while day-trippers return to their routines. When hurricane swells arrive, experienced swimmers and bodysurfers gather at the 18th Street jetty, where the groin creates a rip that pulls you out fast but offers the longest rides back in.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Long Beach Township beaches are generally safe for families and have lifeguards on duty during summer months, typically from late June through early September. Lifeguarded beaches are marked with flags, and guards patrol from approximately 10am to 5:30pm. Ocean conditions vary, so always check daily beach reports and swim only in guarded areas. The beaches have gentle slopes in many spots, making them suitable for children, but always supervise young swimmers. Rip currents can occur, so heed lifeguard warnings and ask guards about current conditions before entering the water.","q":"Is Long Beach Township Beach safe for swimming with children?"},{"a":"Summer (June through August) offers warm weather, full beach amenities, and lifeguards, making it ideal for families despite larger crowds. Shoulder seasons of late May and September provide pleasant temperatures with fewer visitors and lower accommodation rates. Fall and spring are perfect for beach walks and bird watching, though swimming may be chilly. Winter attracts those seeking solitude and dramatic ocean views. Beach badge requirements typically apply from mid-June through early September. For the warmest ocean temperatures and complete beach services, visit between late June and mid-August.","q":"What is the best time of year to visit Long Beach Township Beach?"},{"a":"Long Beach Township has multiple metered parking areas along Long Beach Boulevard and various side streets leading to beach access points. Parking rates vary by location and season, with higher fees during summer. Many areas use pay-and-display meters accepting credit cards and coins. Some streets offer free parking but fill quickly in summer. Daily rates typically range from $2-3 per hour in peak season. Residential areas have parking restrictions, so look for signs carefully. Arriving early morning increases your chances of finding spots near popular access points, especially on weekends.","q":"Where can I park at Long Beach Township Beach and how much does it cost?"},{"a":"Long Beach Boulevard offers numerous restaurants, from casual beachside cafes to seafood restaurants and pizza shops. Popular areas include Brant Beach, Beach Haven, and Surf City sections with ice cream parlors, markets, and beach supply stores. Several beach access points have outdoor showers and restrooms during summer. The township doesn't allow food vendors on beaches, so bring supplies or visit nearby establishments. Accommodations range from oceanfront hotels to vacation rentals and family-owned motels. Many businesses are seasonal, operating primarily May through September, with limited options during off-season months.","q":"What restaurants and amenities are available near Long Beach Township Beach?"},{"a":"Yes, Long Beach Township requires beach badges from approximately mid-June through early September for visitors ages 12 and older. Badges can be purchased daily, weekly, or seasonally at beach entrances, township offices, and select local businesses. Daily badges cost around $10-12, weekly badges approximately $25-30, and seasonal passes roughly $35-45, though prices may vary yearly. Children under 12 enter free. Beach badge checkers patrol regularly during summer. Before and after the badge season, beach access is free. Keep your badge visible while on the beach to avoid repurchasing.","q":"Do I need a beach badge to access Long Beach Township beaches?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Long Beach Township Beach: Family Shores on New Jersey Coast","description":"Wide ribbons of sand meet gentle Atlantic waves where families claim their stretch of shoreline. Lifeguarded beaches, bike paths, and summer traditions along Barnegat Bay.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50879654818_87bb2fc30e_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"528902","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51259406497_80b504cfd1_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51259406497_80b504cfd1.jpg","alt":"Rosa rugosa 6/2021 Rugosa-"},{"id":"528903","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51261177815_c72f7ff98a_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51261177815_c72f7ff98a.jpg","alt":"Rosa rugosa 6/2021 Rugosa-"},{"id":"528904","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49999857942_546acacdca_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49999857942_546acacdca.jpg","alt":"Rosa rugosa (China Native) 2020 photo"},{"id":"528905","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49999604996_5d9fa3093b_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49999604996_5d9fa3093b.jpg","alt":"Rosa rugosa (China Native) 2020 photo"},{"id":"528906","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49999859817_01d551a210_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49999859817_01d551a210.jpg","alt":"Rosa rugosa (China Native) 2020 photo"},{"id":"528907","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51260879629_1be36e6fa6_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51260879629_1be36e6fa6.jpg","alt":"Rosa rugosa 6/2021 Rugosa-"},{"id":"528908","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4904/45089374234_b9b379fa4e_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4904/45089374234_b9b379fa4e.jpg","alt":"Small landslide (Beach City Dam Outcrop, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, USA) 1"},{"id":"528909","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8487/8238651620_a06cd4b8cc_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8487/8238651620_a06cd4b8cc.jpg","alt":"2012 12 01 - 6291 - Beach Haven West - Paul Blvd"},{"id":"528910","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8480/8238659906_bc1c8d26d4_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/8480/8238659906_bc1c8d26d4.jpg","alt":"2012 12 01 - 6193 - Beach Haven West - Nancy Dr"}]}}