Long Beach Island is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back charm—and it should be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this guide highlights the towns that offer handicap-accessible beach entrances, mobility mats, beach wheelchairs, and helpful local tips to make your day in the sand stress-free. From Barnegat Light to Beach Haven, we’ve broken down everything you need to know to ensure safe and easy beach access across the island.
LBI Beach Towns
Note: For Loveladies, Holgate, Brant Beach, Haven Beach, Peahala Park, Beach Haven Crest, Beach Haven Park, The Dunes, Beach Haven Gardens, Spray Beach and North Beach Haven see Long Beach Twp.Â
Barnegat Light
1. Beach Wheelchairs
Barnegat Light provides beach wheelchairs equipped with wide balloon wheels, facilitating movement on sand.
- Availability: Offered free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Reservations: Required in advance.
- Delivery & Pickup: The borough offers delivery and pickup services.
- Funding: Program is funded by donations.
For reservations, download the form from the Barnegat Light Beaches & Lifeguards page
2. Beach Tram Service
A complimentary beach tram service operates between 4th and 9th Streets:
- Service Area: Transports beachgoers from street ends to the lifeguarded area between 9th and 10th Streets.
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with a break from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
- Requirements: Passengers aged 12 and over must possess a valid beach badge.
This service is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations.
Beach Haven
1. Beach Wheelchairs
- Availability: Beach wheelchairs are available at no charge.
- Reservation: Contact the Beach Patrol office at 609-492-9193 from June 28 through Labor Day to arrange for delivery.
- Off-Season: From Labor Day until June 23, contact the Public Works Department at 609-492-2525 for delivery.’
- On-Site Access: A beach wheelchair is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Centre Street Beach Patrol Building during the summer.
2. Beach Taxi Service
- Service: A free Beach Taxi service is available for physically challenged individuals staying in Beach Haven (from 12th Street to Nelson Avenue).
- Operation Dates:
- Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday through Monday)
- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from June 2 through June 18
- Daily starting June 23
- Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday through Monday)
- Hours: Morning pickups are scheduled between 10:20 AM and 1:20 PM; afternoon beach pickups end at 4:30 PM.
- Pickup/Drop-off Locations: Taylor Avenue, Centre Street, Holyoke Avenue, or Nelson Avenue.
- Reservation: Call the Clerk’s office at 609-492-0111 x210 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM) to schedule a ride.
3. Accessible Beach Entrances
Handicap-accessible ramps are located at:
- 5th Street Pavilion
- Pearl Street Pavilion
- Centre Street
4. Handicapped Parking
Designated handicapped parking spots are available near beach entrances on:
- Taylor Avenue
- Centre Street
- Engleside Avenue
- Amber Street
- Pearl Street
Harvey Cedars
1. Beach Wheelchair Program
- Availability: The borough provides 6 adult-sized and 1 child-sized beach wheelchairs.
- Eligibility: Available at no charge to anyone staying at a Harvey Cedars address.
- Reservation: Reserve by calling (609) 494-6905 or emailing hcdpw@harveycedars.org.
- Usage: Chairs can be reserved for up to one week.
- Delivery: Chairs are delivered to your local address; ensure they are accessible for pick-up and return.
- Note: An attendant is required to assist with the chair, as they cannot be self-propelled.
2. Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) Transportation
- Service: For those unable to use a beach wheelchair, a UTV transport service is available to shuttle individuals to and from the beach.
- Hours: Operates daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Reservation: Call (609) 361-9733 to schedule a ride.
3. Accessible Beach Entrances
- Locations: Handicap-accessible ramps are located at:
- East 80th Street
- East Mercer Avenue
- East 80th Street
Long Beach Township
1. Beach Wheelchairs (Beachwheels)
Long Beach Township provides beach wheelchairs, known as Beachwheels, equipped with oversized wheels to navigate sandy terrains.
- Eligibility: Available at no charge for individuals staying at a Township of Long Beach address.
- Reservations: Advance reservations are required and can be made as early as January.
- Usage: Chairs are intended for use within Long Beach Township and must be stored securely when not in use.
- Delivery: Chairs are delivered and picked up on Saturdays.
To reserve a Beachwheel, call the Long Beach Township Beach Patrol at (609) 361-1200. Provide your full name, home address, local address, phone numbers, and the dates (Saturday to Saturday) you wish to reserve. An ID (e.g., Driver’s License, Passport, or Military ID) is required at the time of reservation.
2. Gator Service
Long Beach Township offers a complimentary “Gator” service to assist physically challenged individuals:
- Service Area: Beaches from 106th Street in Haven Beach to 14th Street in North Beach Haven, including North Beach, Brant Beach, and Holgate.
- Vehicles: Utilizes six John Deere Gators to transport individuals from street-side entrances over the dunes to the beach.
- Operating Season: Service resumes when lifeguards are on duty daily.
For more information, contact the Transportation Department at (609) 342-2111.
3. Handicap Elevators
Handicap-accessible elevators are installed at several locations to assist disabled persons in accessing the beach:
- North Beach: Tract 1065
- Bayview Park: 68th Street (handicap parking available)
- Beach Haven Park: 105th Street
- Haven Beach: 199th Street
- Beach Haven Terrace: 131st Street
Ship Bottom
1. Beach Access Points
Ship Bottom provides multiple beach entrances equipped with ramps for easier access:
- ADA-compliant access at 15th and 20th Streets
- Additional access ramps at 4th, 8th, 9th, 14th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, and 30th Streets
These ramps lead directly to the sand to improve accessibility for wheelchair users.
2. Beach Wheelchairs
Beach wheelchairs are available to help navigate the sand:
- Free of charge for residents and visitors staying in Ship Bottom
- Advance reservations required due to limited availability
- Contact: Ship Bottom Beach Patrol at (609) 494-9481
Chairs are designed with large wheels for sand use and must be stored properly when not in use.
3. Beach Taxi Service
A free beach taxi service is available for individuals with physical disabilities:
- Service area: Beaches between 3rd and 31st Streets
- Season: Operates from Father’s Day weekend through Labor Day
- Intended for: Transportation assistance to and from beach entrances
Surf City
1. Beach Wheelchairs
- Availability: Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Location: Visit the badge booth to obtain a chair.
- Contact: For inquiries, call 609-361-7655 between June 1st and September 6th.
2. ADA Gator Transport Service
- Service: The ADA Gator Program provides transportation over the dunes for physically challenged individuals.
- Gator Badge: Required for service; obtain at the Beach Badge Booth window off 8th Street by presenting a government-issued ID and completing a hold harmless agreement.
- Operation: When beaches are guarded, the Gator can be caught at approved vehicle access streets: N. 5th, N. 12th, or N. 18th.
- Coverage:
- 5th Street Gator: South 3rd Street to 7th Street
- 12th Street Gator: 7th Street to 15th Street
- 18th Street Gator: 15th Street to 25th Street
- 5th Street Gator: South 3rd Street to 7th Street
- Companion: One individual may assist and ride along with the badge holder.
- Contact: For more information, call 609-361-7655 during business hours.
3. Accessible Beach Entrances
- Beach Access Mats: Installed at each beach entrance to facilitate wheelchair movement.
- Improved Access Point: The North 12th Street beach features enhanced accessibility with a ramp and beach mat.
