Looking for the best things to do in Beach Haven, NJ? Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or just vibing with salty air and sunscreen rolling into the day- Beach Haven’s got a little some’n-some’n for everyone in this walkable-everything town.
Here’s your go-to list — short, sweet, and straight from someone who’s been there, done that, and already wants to go back.
Choose your vibe and begin your Beach Haven adventure!
I'm looking to___________in Beach Haven.
💕 Date Night Vibes
Romantic and Fun Things to Do in Beach Haven for Couples
Bay Village Shops
Boulevard and bayside, this walkable mall atmosphere is great for perusing with plentiful options and entertainment. Boutiques, bistros, bakeries (oh my) and classic stops for fudge. Sometimes we just want to stroll with a snack and our Sweetie. It’s hard not to get an Elephant ear, your palm read, or a henna tattoo.
(Dog tip: The backyard bayside is a great “good-dog” place for those “dog dates”)
Dinner at Stefano’s, The Engleside, The Gables, Parkers Garage, Bird and Betty’s
If you’re trying to impress and sweetheart-splurge, these are the spots. All of the restaurants listed serve different combinations of romantic candlelight, classic and modern plated perfection, curated menus, charm, or selfie-certified beautiful bay sunset views. Embrace your Honey and your Foodie vibes.
(Tip: Visit their websites to make a resy for any of these.)
The Woo Hoo Ice Cream Parlor
Finish the night with homemade ice cream and groovy charm. They will have a long line where you can talk all about how delish dinner was and even have non-dairy Froconut. It’s cute, casual, and yes — sprinkles are mandatory.
Surflight Theatre
Live theater right by the beach? The 1950’s theatre plans to feature mainstage and children’s theatre, from Top Hat, West Side Story, 9 to 5, and more this season. Go on and culture yourself for a treat and a show tune that’s effortlessly stuck in your head.
(Tip: Buy your tickets ahead of time to catch your show.
👟 Embrace Your Inner Child
Where to Play in Beach Haven
Thundering Surf Waterpark
Slides, splash zones, and my personal fav, a lazy river — remember your strong bikini, and then just float and slide your worries away. (Also, a highly underrated date spot??)
Mini Golf (Mr. Tee’s)
A sea-side staple, Beach Haven is home to two courses and endless bragging rights. I personally like to dress like it’s the PGA Championship for a little extra vacay spirit since I’m terrible at chip and putt.
(Tip: Popular in the evenings, especially with kids (and competitive couples). Go early or late to avoid the crowds.)
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
This place is childhood in technicolor. Ferris wheel, stilt walkers, funnel cake, and the arcade that steals all your quarters in the best way. Hey- losing money to a claw machine is a right of LBI passage before you finally get that French fry eating-seagull stuffy. It’s all remembered well after a hyper-competitive game of skeeball!
The Chegg (The Chicken or the Egg)
Wings that will ruin all other wings for you. I think one summer day I ate at the Chegg for all 3 square meals. Come hungry and prepare to wait — it’s worth it.
(Bonus- they’re open after a late-late weekend night out)
Escape LBI
Locked in one of 3 puzzle escape rooms with your friends and a ticking clock? Chaos and laughter guaranteed. Find out exactly where you stand in your group’s hierarchy. Prove once and for all who’s Velma, Shaggy, Freddie or Daphne! Hey, maybe you’re really the Scoob! Come for a fun time and leave questioning your friendships.
Black Pearl Pirate Excursion
A family friendly pirate ship sails through the bay in search of treasure, and yar, ye will be handed a water cannon. Don’t ask – be a good first mate and just send it.
The Show Place Ice Cream Parlour
Singing servers and giant sundaes make for chaotic, delicious magic. Who doesn’t want to get serenaded mid-scoop?
(Tip: Plan ahead, you want to make a reservation for the show!)
🍹Just Wanna Have Fun
Where to Party in Beach Haven
SBB Tiki Boat
BYOB and float around the bay on a floating tiki bar! A personal island excursion.
(Tip: This one sells out fast. Book early if sunset tiki cruising with a drink in hand sounds like your thing.)
Tiki Bar at The Sea Shell Resort
Beachfront, breezy, and the drinks just hit better here. A great place to get the beach sand and the resort hospitality in one. Go for the Florida Keys palm trees, stay for the playlist. With bands playing every day by the Tiki bar, the fire pits, and the on-the-beach stage, this is Beach Haven’s one stop for your beach bar combo.
(Plus: The outdoor restaurant and tiki bar is good-dog friendly. We love that.)
LBI PedalCycle
You and your crew bar pedal crawl! Ride a human powered bicycle bar-on-wheels through town. Nothing gains onlookers quite like it. Follow the tour, wave at strangers, and maybe skip leg day.
(Tip: book ahead of time to get your pedal on.)
Birds & Betty’s – Live Band Karaoke
It’s Thursday late night karaoke, but with a live band behind you. For the performance fans, you’ll feel like a rockstar on stage or cheering wildly from the bar.
(*Pro tip: Don’t forget the words)
😎 Lowkey Adulting
Where to Drink & Hang in Beach Haven
Ship Bottom Brewery
Second floor craft brewery, grand bay-set views and zero pressure to do anything but chill. (Bonus: you can bring outside food in and it’s “good-dog” friendly.) Imagine you and SylvieDog people-watching Bay Village over a slice. If only you had beers!
The Sea Shell Martini Bar
Upscale cocktails curated by experienced mixologists make this a pearl waiting for you inside the Sea Shell’s Palm Tree Restaurant. Your beach-hair-new-outfit combo suddenly feels very “on purpose” here at one of the low-lit high tops.
Pickleball Courts (Nelson Park)
The hype is real — and it’s addicting. Grab a paddle and pretend you’ve played before. Watch out for Mommom and Poppop, they will dink you right off the courts!
The Sea Shell Fire Pits
A triple feature, because I cannot stress enough- Sunkissed, tiki bar cocktails, barefoot dancing along to beautiful music every night fireside? Whether you’re grooving by the fire or sinking into an Adirondack chair, there’s the calm, starry charm of a seaside summer.
(Tip: it’s far more energetic on a Thunder Thursday Club night.)
Black Pearl Sunset Cruise
Same pirate ship, but grown-up and golden-hour allure. Aboard the cruise to chill and enjoy the picturesque sun as it sizzles on the bay with your Bae.
Free Concerts on the Green
Free field shows featuring local bands, and picnic festival energy. Bring your chair, a snack, and a blanket. Family friendly field. Perfect end to a sun-drenched perfect beach day.
The Hudson House Bar
With one of the first liquor licenses on Long Beach Island and dating itself back to the 1880’s – “The Hud” is free from frills, children, and credit card receipts. Offering vintage dive games, classic bartenders with a genuine taste of Beach Haven’s spirit. You’ll hear Creed come on the vintage jukebox at least 5 times if you hang here for your chance to rule the Pool table! This is often where you see locals hang their night caps before they call it a night.”
There you have it, a Local’s Guide to introduce you to our very own Queen City L.B.I. Leave your worries over the bridge, remember your reusable shopping bag and a change of clothes- you might find yourself wanting to hang around later into the day after hitting the beach to dig through the treasures that Beach Haven has to offer you. Have fun.
Hey, I’m LG—a year-round Ship Bottom local, motorcycle rider, and your friendly neighborhood fun specialist. You’ll usually spot me cruising the island with my pup Sylvie or chatting with someone about where to catch live music, the best beach for a sunset, or which local spot has the freshest tacos this week. You might even see me out there enjoying this beautiful and precious gem that is LBI.
To me, everyone who lands on LBI is just another kid at summer camp—and I’m here to be your counselor. This is Camp LBI, and I’m sharing the magic one guide at a time! Peace and love, see you there!