You can plan for every minute of your beach day, but you can’t control the weather. Although a summer storm might keep you from working on your tan or riding waves, there’s no need for a rainy day to be a boring one! Long Beach Island has plenty of indoor activities that are so good, you might not even miss the beach. Whether you’re looking for rest and relaxation or nonstop adventure, our guide has suggestions for all of your rainy day needs on LBI.
Choose Your Activity 👇
🕹️ ARCADES
Our Endless Summer, Ship Bottom
The only thing better than getting ice cream is getting ice cream and playing arcade games. Our Endless Summer has you covered on both fronts – rain or shine.
Fantasy Island, Beach Haven
While Fantasy Island is better known for its amusement park rides, the venue has plenty of indoor games to keep you entertained in any type of weather.
Mainland, Stafford Township
Located just off the island, Mainland provides both classic arcade games and new, innovative ways to play. With a full kitchen – and a full bar – there is fun to be had for young and old alike.
🎭 SHOWS
Surflight Theater
Surflight Theater has brought live entertainment to Long Beach Island for decades. The venue offers several different types of shows: MainStage performances, the Children’s Theatre, and the Concert Series. With performances almost daily, there is always fun to be found at Surflight. Check out their website for a list of upcoming shows and events.
🏛️ MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
New Jersey Maritime Museum, Beach Haven
Holding the most extensive collection of maritime artifacts in New Jersey, a visit to the New Jersey Maritime Museum will delight adventurers and history buffs alike. Stop by to learn about treacherous shipwrecks, explore naval history, and browse a wide collection of fossils and artifacts.
Tuckerton Seaport Museum, Tuckerton
Located just off the island, Tuckerton Seaport Museum is open year-round and the perfect activity for any type of weather. The museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting New Jersey’s environment and heritage, offering guided tours, arts and crafts sessions, and even tea in the historic Captain’s House.
Barnegat Light Museum, Barnegat Light
Although only one room, the Barnegat Light Museum is rich with history and perfect for a quick stop on a rainy day. The building itself is a testament to Long Beach Island’s history and contains a variety of exhibits chronicling LBI’s rich past.
Climb Barnegat Lighthouse
After a walk through Barnegat Light Museum, be sure to climb Barnegat Lighthouse for a spectacular view of the island. Although most of Barnegat Light State Park is outdoors, the lighthouse climb is entirely inside and perfect for a rainy day. After climbing 217 steps to the top, you will be gifted with the most stunning scenery Long Beach Island has to offer.
Long Beach Island Foundation, Long Beach
The Long Beach Island Foundation is dedicated to promoting the arts and sciences on Long Beach Island and its surrounding communities. The space includes art exhibitions that are open to the public, along with concerts and cultural programs. Hosting weekly art classes, yoga sessions, community events, and much more, there is no shortage of indoor fun at the LBIF!
💆♀️ SPAS
Beach House Spa, Surf City
Bring the peace and relaxation of the beach inside at Beach House Spa, which provides the highest level of skincare and waxing services, delivered by experienced aestheticians. Beach House Spa also offers a variety of massage and spa services sure to leave you feeling refreshed and replenished.
Island Massage, Ship Bottom
Is the bad weather making you tense? Island Massage has the cure, offering five unique types of massages delivered by licensed and experienced professionals.
Prana Massage Organic Spa, Long Beach
Taking a more spiritual approach to wellness, Prana offers traditional spa services in addition to holistic practices such as reiki, sound healing, spiritual readings, and aromatherapy. Good for the body and mind, a visit to Prana will leave you feeling sunny even on the most inclement of days.
🛍️ SHOPPING
Bay Village, Beach Haven
Bay Village has been an LBI staple for over 50 years. Home to 23 shops, Bay Village has you covered for any and all rainy-day needs. Warm your spirits with a bowl of award-winning chowder at Country Kettle Chowda, find new home decor at Song of the Sea, or spruce up your wardrobe with a unique piece from Indian Summer. Be sure to stop at Buddy’s Pet Stop to grab something for your four-legged friend!
Viking Village, Barnegat Light
Viking Village offers a shopping experience like no other, having transformed small fishing shacks into shops and small restaurants. Specializing in eclectic local art, jewelry, and decor, Viking Village contains stores such as The Seawife, June Bug Boutique, and Vintage Gray. After finding the perfect art piece, be sure to stop by Cassidy’s Fish Market for the freshest catch on the island!
Boutiques
There is perhaps no greater rainy-day pick-me-up than an afternoon of shopping. Full of boutiques with some of the prettiest clothing you’ll find anywhere, LBI has you covered for any and all fashion needs. We’ve listed some of our personal favorites below.
For more information on some of these shops check our our shopping guide by clicking here.
Surf Shops
Find the perfect combination of fashion and function at LBI’s local surf shops. Featuring stylish options for all-seasons, these shops have you covered.
Shop Online Locally
If it’s so miserable outside that leaving your house sounds like a far-out idea, you can still support local LBI shops. Many of our businesses have online stores, so you can conveniently shop from the comfort of your home. Here is a list of some stores where you can shop online.
🎳 Bowling
Thunderbird Lanes, Manahawkin
If you are looking to stay active, rolling the rock is always a good option. Thunderbird Lanes is a no-frills bowling establishment covering all your bowling needs. Conveniently located to the causeway bridge, it serves as the area’s only bowling option.
🎨 Art Classes
SwellColors Glass Studio, Surf City
SwellColors Glass Studio on LBI offers fun, hands-on glass art classes for all ages. From sea glass jewelry to fused and stained glass projects, there’s something creative for everyone—no experience needed. Perfect for rainy days, private events, or a unique beach activity.
🎨Book a class at www.swellcolors.com/classes
Firefly Galley, Surf City
Firefly Art Classes spark creativity on Long Beach Island, offering imaginative, hands-on sessions—perfect for kids and adults alike. With projects ranging from painting and mosaics to seasonal crafts and beach-inspired art, every class is designed to inspire self-expression and artistic confidence.
📍 Held at Firefly Gallery + Yoga Bohemia in Surf City
🎨 To book a class, call (609) 361‑7700, (610) 220‑9723, or message via Instagram/Facebook facebook.com+8fireflygallery.org+8fireflygallery.org+8 | Learn more and reserve your spot via their pop-up art page: yogabohemianj.com/art
Long Beach Island Foundation, Loveladies
The Long Beach Island Foundation (LBIF) offers a wide range of art classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels. From watercolor and figure drawing to jewelry-making and glass mosaics, every session is led by professional artists in a scenic bayside setting. Perfect for anyone looking to create, learn, and be inspired on LBI.
🎨 Book a class at lbifoundation.org
Pop-Up Classes at Langs Smoke Shop, Ship Bottom
Lang’s Smoke Shop in Ship Bottom hosts creative, laid-back Paint & Sip pop-up art nights that blend guided painting or mosaic instruction with a chill, coastal vibe.
🎨 For dates and information on how to book check their Instagram @langssmokes
🍺 Day Drinking
Let’s be honest—rainy days are the perfect excuse to start happy hour early. Luckily, the island is full of great spots to grab a drink. Tap below to see the full list of happy hours.
🧠 Trivia
Long Beach Island is packed with trivia nights year-round — and they’re the perfect way to spend a rainy day! When the beach is out of the question, gather your crew and head to one of LBI’s local bars or breweries for a night (or afternoon) of fun, fast-paced trivia. Whether you’re a pop culture junkie or just love a good challenge, there’s a game for everyone.