As the weather heats up on Long Beach Island, so does the nightlife. Starting on Memorial Day Weekend and going to Labor Day, there’s always somewhere to go out to celebrate any occasion after a long day at the beach. The nightlife has been so strong that it has even been sprinkling into the off-season.
Long Beach Island is known for some of New Jersey’s finest nightlife. Whether you’re staying for a weekend, a week, or all summer long, there is something for everyone, even for teens, to have some fun. So strap on your finest sandals and read on to find out where the party is at on the island!
Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club
The Shell is the home of Thunder Thursday. Every Thursday night during the summer the Shell drops its drink prices to $1 Coors Lights, $2 Miller Lites, $3 Blue Moons, $4 White Claws, and $1 Kamikazi & Jello Shots. This brings a huge crowd ready to celebrate all night long.
The Shell offers great parties and fun all weekend. Dance the night away inside to the area’s finest DJs and bands. If you need some air, simply step outside to relax by the oceanfront Tiki Bar. Outside is also a great place to kick back by the fire pits and listen to more live music and DJs on the sand. This beach club has the perfect mix of dancing and chill vibes, preparing yourself for whatever mood you’re in.
Not a night owl? That’s okay. The Shell offers entertainment by the pool during the day. Let the kids swim while you sit back and relax with your family and friends and listen to local bands that are sure to get you jumping out of your seat. And the Shell offers a prime location to park your car and walk around to some of the best the island has to offer.
Joe Pop’s Shore Bar & Restaurant
An LBI classic, Joe Pop’s ranks as one of the best shore bars for nightlife entertainment. Centrally located on the island, this bar is perfect no matter where you’re staying on the island. Joe Pop’s offers a variety of nightlife events throughout the week from relaxing trivia nights to dancing to New Jersey’s finest rock band idols.
It’s an iconic New Jersey experience to go see The Nerds–one of New Jersey’s most popular and legendary Rock & Roll cover bands. Playing every Wednesday throughout the summer starting at 10 pm, The Nerds will rock your socks off. They play every song you want to hear, but better. From ripping guitar solos to heart-rushing singing, an evening with The Nerds at Joe Pop’s is a MUST for your LBI experience.
But it’s not just The Nerds that rock the roof off of Joe Pop’s. This shore bar features some of the best bands, musicians, and DJ’s in the tri-state area. Every week, a variety of genres fill Joe Pop’s stage, bringing something everyone can enjoy. A great place for a wild night out, or just a relaxing time with your friends, Joe Pop’s is an outing to add to your list.
Bird and Betty’s
Bird and Betty’s brings you back to the past to a time when everyone laughed, danced, and shot skee-ball instead of being glued to a phone. And this night club does exactly as it promises, bringing in national touring bands and DJs to Beach Haven. This is the place to dance like you’ve never danced before, to music you didn’t know you were missing until that night out at Bird and Betty’s.
Situated right on the bay, after housing a beautiful sunset on its deck, the fire pits sprinkle on and the real fun begins. Start out the night on the enormous deck where two bars work hard to serve the large crowds. Then, relax by the many fire pits on those cool summer nights, catching up with your friends as you listen to the outdoor deck DJ spin his throwbacks.
When the mood strikes, venture inside to the balcony where you can witness how crazy this island actually gets. Another bar greets you on the wrap around railing, allowing you to assess the scene of dancing and music below as you take it all in. You can even loosen up with a game of skee-ball.
The dance floor calls, and you descend the stairs with your friends. And before you know it, you’re wishing the night would never end. It really is a night to remember.
The Marlin
Just up the road from Bird and Betty’s, The Marlin sits right on the main boulevard in Beach Haven. This night club hosts some of the island’s best bands and DJs every weekend throughout the summer, featuring groups like Coming Alive, Stereo Social Club, and Changing Lanes.
You can even party it up on a Wednesday night playing beer pong with DJ Const. If you’re not into dancing, that’s okay, The Marlin has a beautiful table shuffleboard snugged along the wall to compete with your friends. This is a great spot to let loose after a fun day soaking up the sun at the beach.
Another great perk about The Marlin is its teen nights. Every Sunday and Tuesday during the summer, teens can dance the night away. This is one of the only night clubs that still hosts a teen night. A great way for them to make long lasting memories.
Surf City Hotel
Located just a few steps from the Atlantic Ocean, the Surf City Hotel serves as the nightlife hub for the north end of the island. One of the oldest structures in LBI, the Surf City Hotel has been providing accommodation and entertainment for over 100 years. Its rich history makes it a favorite among local residents and summer vacationers.
Enjoy live music at this historic hotel every weekend with a vibrant and laid back atmosphere that offers two different entertainment experiences. The Bistro has live entertainment on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. The Beach Club hosts some of the best bands on LBI on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoons.
A regular at the Surf City Hotel is Shorty Long and the Jersey Horns, one of the Jersey shore’s hottest party bands. Equipped with a 9 piece band, this Jersey legend has a set list that includes all genres, styles, and artists from every generation so that all guests can connect and have a good time.
If you are looking for accommodations, the Surf City Hotel is the perfect place for your LBI stay. The Surf City Hotel offers rooms in the original historic hotel, as well as rooms in the cottage and inn. The newest addition to the hotel is the Apartment, a fully furnished 2-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, laundry facilities, and outdoor deck.
Nardi's Tavern and Grille
The legendary Nardi’s. Famous for the pink Nardi’s party bus that you can find cruising up and down the main boulevard, picking up people ready to party. And they’ll even drop you off at the end of the night. So don’t worry about who’s driving, just call them up (609-492-9538), hop on the Nardi’s bus and prepare for the time of your life. (Click here for more information the Nardi’s bus)
Spread out around the entire wrap-around bar to enjoy chatting with your friends, or meet some new ones. When the time is right, step out onto the dance floor to let loose to live bands playing classic Jersey throwbacks. If it becomes too crowded, venture upstairs to dance in another room with a bar and DJ.
Nardi’s is the perfect place for any bachelorette party, or if you’re just unsure of where to go, you can’t go wrong with a night out at Nardi’s.
Nardi’s also offers other live entertainment throughout the summer like karaoke and trivia.
The Old Causeway
Looking for an off-island getaway? Text the Mud Shuttle (609-713-0451) for a courtesy ride (5 mile radius) to and from the Old Causeway. This local watering hole is located on Bay Ave. in Manahawkin, looking out on the beautiful marshes. An off-island gem, the Old Causeway believes the weekends are for blowing off steam and are ready to make any summer weekend a good time.
Offering live entertainment most nights throughout the summer, this place is always happening. If you’re looking for a more relaxing evening out, the Old Causeway offers mellow music on Monday nights and acoustic happy hour every day throughout the summer. A great option for those staying on or off the island!
You really can’t go wrong with any of these diverse options the island offers for nightlife. The summer goes quick, so don’t miss out on your chance to make the best of it. Each night out on Long Beach Island will be another mental photograph for the memory book. Enjoy it. Be safe. And have fun.
Patrick Johns is a New Jersey writer with a background in engineering and mathematics. He spent his summers on LBI glued to his beach chair reading his next favorite book. He worked at Custard Hut, Country Kettle Chowder, Thundering Surf Waterpark, and Long Beach Island Foundation. After working for a large engineering firm for 3 years outside Washington D.C., he discovered his passion for writing and decided to move to Spain. For 4 years he taught English overseas, wrote and published his own fantasy and poetry books, wrote and performed his own music live, and got involved in many freelance projects like copywriting, editing, and book coaching. Currently back in the US, Patrick is passionate about inspiring people with non-writing backgrounds to gain the confidence, routine, and skills to finally start the book they’ve always wanted to write. He’s convinced his writing journey blossomed from those days reading on the beach in Long Beach Island.
When he’s not writing, you can find him…
🏄 Out in the ocean, surfing some narly waves
📚 Reading whatever he can get his hands on
🗺️ Traveling and seeking inspiration for his next book
