After a scenic journey over the bridge, you’ve finally made it to Long Beach Island. Take a breath of that fresh salty air, you’ve earned it, and now it’s time to explore! If you hang a right onto the island, you’ll land in Ship Bottom—the day-tripper’s capital of the island and the place I’m lucky enough to call home. From an outside perspective, this small town may be a little overwhelming at first. You may wonder, where do I even begin? After many years of beach bumming, exploring, and eating out, I’m here to help!
Tackling our morning one breakfast at a time 🥞🍳
LBI Pancake House
A smaller diner that packs a big punch. Known for their freshly squeezed orange juice made in-house every morning, this spot lives up to its name — trust me, don’t skip the pancakes. It’s become a go-to staple for my friends and family, and with good reason. From savory omelets to sweet, customizable waffles, the menu has something for everyone — even the pickiest eaters. Bonus: they offer plenty of gluten-free options too!
Shore Good Donuts
If you need a quick grab-and-go meal, this spot is a must. With made-to-order donuts and a variety of sweet treats, it’s fast, easy, and never skimps on quality. They even roast their own Shore Good Coffee in-house — the perfect pairing for your custom donut creation. With an extensive menu and creative flavors, this place is “Shore” to brighten your morning.
The Mermaid Room
This coffee shop–boutique hybrid is a total gem. While the boutique inspires your inner fashionista, the café side dazzles with a drink menu that goes beyond the basics — especially the creative summer specials. The aesthetic is beachy, warm, and effortlessly inviting, and the exceptional service makes every visit feel like a treat. Whether you’re in for coffee, tea, shopping, or just a good vibe, The Mermaid Room delivers on all fronts.
Bageleddi’s
Just steps from the sand, this local favorite serves up fresh, made-daily bagels — the perfect savory breakfast on the go. I mean, can you really visit the Jersey Shore without indulging in a bagel? Operating since 1984, they’ve had decades to perfect their craft, offering a wide variety of flavors and spreads, along with all the beloved classics.
Slept in? No worries - Great Lunch Spots Await! 🍔🥗
Burger 25
Home to some of the best burgers, sandwiches, and shakes on the island, this casual and affordable spot is a must. With a wide variety of options — from juicy burgers and crisp salads to classic shakes — it’s easy to see why I find myself coming back often. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor seating, or just a quick grab-and-go after the beach, this place hits the spot every time.
Woodies
A true LBI staple since 1954, Woody’s proudly serves up Okie’s famous burgers — crafted from a renowned blend by a beloved local butcher shop — keeping the island’s culinary roots alive and well. This retro gem dishes out affordable American comfort food in a setting that feels like a step back in time, when the island was filled with beach cottages and small, family-run restaurants. With friendly service, great music, and that classic island charm, Woody’s is a must if you’re craving a true taste of authentic LBI.
What to Do 🛍️☀️
Now that we’ve fueled up, let’s start our day! Coming to the island, you’re surrounded by the shore, so let’s dive in deeper! While you can always grab a beach badge (online or from a badge checker) and hit sand, there’s much more to explore than meets the eye!
Explore the Bay
Not everyone thinks to explore the bay side of LBI, but on a calm day, its tranquility and island views are something you don’t want to miss. When the water isn’t too choppy, it’s the perfect backdrop for a peaceful paddle or coastal cruise.
Surf Unlimited offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, making it easy to get out on the bay, while Wave Hog is your go-to spot for surfboard rentals if you’re planning to hit the waves on the ocean side. There’s something for everyone — whether you’re chasing swells or seeking serenity.
For a smooth and scenic launch, I recommend starting at Beach Arlington Park, which offers easy water access and a quiet spot to begin your day on the bay.
Go Mini Golfing
Not only is Ship Bottom the day-tripper’s capital of Long Beach Island — it’s also the island’s mini golf capital. Whether you’re just visiting for the afternoon or staying for the week, this vibrant town offers some of LBI’s most iconic mini golf experiences.
Hartland Golf & Arcade – A Ship Bottom staple, Hartland charms visitors with its 18 creatively designed holes, classic water features, and a nostalgic arcade. It’s a go-to for families and friendly competitions alike.
Flamingo Golf – With its signature pastel theme and old-school beach town vibes, Flamingo delivers fun layouts, quirky holes, and a laid-back atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.
The Sand Trap – Established in 1975, this course is known as the most challenging on the island. Its advanced layout makes it a must for mini golf lovers looking to step up their game.
Together, these three local gems make Ship Bottom a must-stop for anyone wanting to putt their way through LBI. Whether you’re in it for the competition or the memories, Ship Bottom has a course for everyone.
Shop!
Hazel Boutique – My Top Pick for Women’s Fashion
An iconic Jersey Shore staple, Hazel is hands-down one of my favorites — and I’ll admit, my hoodie collection might be getting out of control. Their women’s selection is incredibly diverse, featuring everything from signature loungewear to effortless sundresses perfect for a girls’ night out. Every piece is made with top-tier quality (I’ve had mine for years), and each new collection strikes the perfect balance between on-trend styles and timeless vintage finds.
Farias Surf Shop – Must-visit for Men’s Apparel
A true LBI original, Farias Surf Shop has been outfitting the island since 1969 — and while they do carry a great selection of women’s styles, it’s also one of the best spots for men’s clothing on the island. From boardshorts and hoodies to everyday essentials, Farias offers top brands like Vissla, Patagonia, RVCA, Relwen, and Katin, all with that signature laid-back surf vibe. With multiple locations and a reputation for quality, it’s a go-to for guys who want to look sharp while keeping it coastal.
Explore the Town on Bikes
If you’re looking for a quick, efficient, and eco-friendly way to explore Ship Bottom, look no further than Walter’s Bicycles. Family-owned and operated since 1978, Walter’s has become a trusted name on the island for both locals and visitors. They offer a wide selection of bikes — from cruisers to e-bikes — to suit every comfort level, and even provide guided tours led by friendly, knowledgeable locals. Whether you’re riding solo or with the whole crew, Walter’s makes it easy to see more of LBI the fun and sustainable way.
Dinner & Drinks 🍽️🍸
After you’ve spent your day soaking up the sun, it’s time to unwind. Whether that means grabbing a cold refreshing drink or sitting down to a relaxing family dinner, we have you covered.
Port Hole
With reasonably priced drinks and an easygoing atmosphere, this laid-back spot is perfect for unwinding. Known for their killer wings and solid bar food, it’s the kind of place where you can always count on grabbing a seat, catching your favorite game, or playing a round of pinball with friends. It’s low-key, no-frills, and always a good time.
The Arlington
If you’re craving something a bit more upscale, look no further than The Arlington. Specializing in fresh seafood and elevated American cuisine, this spot delivers a true culinary and craft cocktail experience that keeps me coming back. Their thoughtfully crafted cocktails pair seamlessly with expertly prepared entrées — and trust me, I always wish I had room for more.
They host an awesome weekday happy hour, Monday–Friday from 4–6 PM at the bar, offering drink deals, small plates, and even $1 oysters during that time. With exceptional service, a warm yet refined atmosphere, and prices that are fair for the quality, The Arlington has earned a permanent spot on my list of favorite island dining destinations.
Hotel LBI
Salt Kitchen & Bar, located inside the hotel, offers one of LBI’s most upscale dining experiences, featuring refined American cuisine and fresh, local ingredients. The rooftop bar is a standout — the perfect place to grab a craft cocktail and catch one last sunset before heading off the island.
With high demand during the season, reservations are highly recommended for the dining room. From flavorful entrées to premium drinks, Salt is a worthwhile indulgence for a special night out.
Joe Pops
Joe Pop’s Shore Bar and Restaurant has been an island staple since the 1930s, offering vibrant indoor and outdoor bars with live music all week long — including fan-favorite rockers The Nerds, rocking since 1985. Loved by generations, Joe Pop’s is more than just drinks and music — it’s a living piece of LBI history, and I highly recommend making some memories there yourself.
They also host a lively happy hour:
All day every Thursday
4–6 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Whether you’re catching a sunset Tiki Bar session or dancing indoors, Joe Pop’s is a must-stop for classic island vibes.
Before you head home, treat yourself to something sweet — Ship Bottom Ice Cream is a fan favorite on the island!
Whether you take my advice or create your own journey, this town is sure to make you forget why you came here in the first place, leaving you with a tan and a smile. I hope my experiences will ignite your own and that you take advantage of all the wonderful times to be had on our little island.
Hi! I’m Liz and I’m currently living locally in Ship Bottom. I have a passion for sharing my creativity with others through music, writing, and photography. While I might be on the island now, I love to solo travel and explore all that this world has to offer. You’ll definitely see me throughout the season catching some waves and sipping on my coffee at the mermaid room. I’m a true lover of our little coastal community and can’t wait to share my experiences with you!