Long Beach: Coast, Nature and Recreation in Long Beach Township

When looking for a hotel in Long Beach, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: the beach, walks or nature. The following coastal and recreational spots are in the associated municipality of Long Beach Township and offer specific ways to explore these interests.

Coastal scenery in Long Beach Township

Long Beach Township is a barrier island located about one mile off the southern coast of New Jersey. On the ocean side, the dune area rises 16 to 20 feet above mean sea level; toward the bay, the land slopes down to 3 to 4 feet. The dune area is significantly higher than the bay side.

When it comes to beaches, it is also worth distinguishing between location and activity. Long Beach Township has both bay and ocean beaches. Swimming, surfing and bodyboarding are possible there; the beaches are also places to relax with friends and family. You can choose your focus based on whether you mainly want to spend time by the water or include the different beach areas in your travel plans.

Trails, water and recreation

Long Beach Township has land and water trails for walking, kayaking and paddleboarding. This offers different kinds of activities side by side: walks on trails and outings on the water. Bayview Park has a kayak access point. At the Holgate West Ave recreation site, you will also find tennis courts and a nature trail. The Hideaway Nature Trail is located on W 105th St in Long Beach Township.

When choosing a focus for your trip, you can distinguish between beach activities, trails and individual recreational spots. If you enjoy exploring on foot, the nature trails and walking paths mentioned above are good themes for your plans. For kayaking, the access point at Bayview Park is a specific point of reference; paddleboarding is also among the activities available on the water trails.

Nature areas and seasonal planning

The Holgate Unit of the Brigantine National Wilderness Area includes barrier beach and sand dune habitats. The Holgate Wilderness Area is open from September 1 through March 31. This time frame is important for your plans if nature areas are among the main interests of your trip.

Another natural area is Clam Cove Reserve: this 22-acre wetland is next to the LBT Marine Field Station. You can sign up for Marine Science Camp at the Long Beach Township Field Station. Alongside the landscapes and trails, a wetland and a specific camp offering are therefore additional topics to explore.

Practical information for your stay

Long Beach Township’s GATOR PROGRAM helps people access the beach during the summer season. It is available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the Transportation Office at (609) 342-2111. Since the service is seasonal, you can take into account when planning that it is tied to the summer season.

Fire Pit Friday Nights take place at 68th ocean beach in Long Beach Township; the event program may be subject to seasonal updates. So check the latest event dates before planning a visit. This can help you decide more specifically what kind of stay you are looking for in Long Beach.

Discover more destinations: Brick, Seaside Park, Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Manchester Township, Berkeley Township, Toms River, Lavallette.

For the broader travel overview: Ocean.