Long Beach Island, New Jersey

Long Beach Island, New Jersey is a barrier island located along the Atlantic Coast of New Jersey, separated from the mainland by Barnegat Bay and Little Egg Harbor. The island is situated near Atlantic City, New Jersey, Seaside Heights, New Jersey, and Point Pleasant, New Jersey, and is a popular destination for tourists and Jersey Shore residents. Long Beach Island is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing spots, and historic lighthouses, including the Barnegat Lighthouse and the East Point Lighthouse. Visitors to the island often explore the nearby Island Beach State Park, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, and Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.

Geography

Long Beach Island is an 18-mile-long barrier island that stretches from Barnegat Inlet to Little Egg Inlet, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Barnegat Bay to the west. The island is part of the Outer Coastal Plain region of New Jersey, which includes other barrier islands such as Seven Mile Island, New Jersey and Strathmere, New Jersey. The island's geography is characterized by its beaches, dunes, and wetlands, which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including osprey, bald eagles, and diamondback terrapins. The island is also home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts and Sciences and the New Jersey Audubon Society.

History

The history of Long Beach Island dates back to the Lenape Native American tribe, who first inhabited the island over 2,000 years ago. The island was later settled by European-Americans in the 17th century, with the first recorded settlement established in 1699 by John Hutchinson. The island played a significant role in the American Revolution, with the Barnegat Lighthouse serving as a key navigation aid for American and French ships. During the 19th century, the island became a popular destination for tourists and sportsmen, with the establishment of resorts such as the Beach Haven Hotel and the Long Beach Island Yacht Club. The island was also home to several life-saving stations, including the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Long Beach Island was 10,557, with a median age of 54.4 and a median household income of $83,419. The island is home to several communities, including Beach Haven, New Jersey, Long Beach Township, New Jersey, Ship Bottom, New Jersey, and Surf City, New Jersey. The island's population is predominantly White American, with smaller populations of African American, Asian American, and Hispanic and Latino American residents. The island is also home to several census-designated places, including North Beach Haven, New Jersey and Loveladies, New Jersey.

Economy

The economy of Long Beach Island is primarily driven by tourism, with visitors attracted to the island's beaches, fishing spots, and historic lighthouses. The island is home to several hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, including the Beach Haven Hotel and the Long Beach Island Inn. The island is also a popular destination for water sports, including surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with several rental shops and instructional programs available. In addition to tourism, the island's economy is also supported by fishing and aquaculture, with several fishing ports and marinas located on the island, including the Barnegat Light Yacht Basin and the Beach Haven Marina.

Transportation

Long Beach Island is accessible by car via New Jersey Route 72, which connects the island to the mainland via the Manahawkin Bay Bridge. The island is also served by several bus routes, including the New Jersey Transit Bus 559 and the Long Beach Island Shuttle. In addition, the island has several marinas and ferry terminals, including the Barnegat Light Yacht Basin and the Beach Haven Marina, which offer ferry service to nearby islands and ports, such as Tuckerton, New Jersey and Atlantic City, New Jersey. The island is also home to a small airport, the Long Beach Island Airport, which offers charter flights and flight instruction.

Culture

Long Beach Island has a rich cultural scene, with several museums, galleries, and performance venues located on the island. The island is home to the Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts and Sciences, which offers exhibits, classes, and workshops in a variety of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The island is also home to several festivals and events, including the Long Beach Island Festival, the Beach Haven Seafood Festival, and the Barnegat Light Festival. Visitors to the island can also explore the nearby Tuckerton Seaport, the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, and the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, which offer a glimpse into the island's natural history and cultural heritage. The island is also known for its cuisine, which features fresh seafood and traditional Jersey Shore dishes, such as saltwater taffy and boardwalk fries.