Long Beach Island New Jersey
The people of New York, Connecticut and Philadelphia often migrate to Long Beach Island New Jersey in the summer months. Many city dwellers escape to their summer homes there and the town receives thousands of tourists. Many residents of the barrier island enjoy an affluent lifestyle in this scenic part of the world. It is a peaceful place, appealing to families.
Fishing boats and pleasure craft can be hired from the island. The coastline is a great playground on a calm day but Long Beach Island New Jersey has suffered severe storms on three occasions, especially in 1962, when a lot of damage was sustained. The surrounding fast currents and dangerous sandbars and shoals were a constant threat to boats and the Barnegat Lighthouse was built at the north end of the island in 1858.
The 165 foot high lighthouse was operational from 1859 until 1944. Affectionately known to the locals as Old Barney, the lighthouse contained a lens that was state of the art technology for its time. This lens is now on proud display, along with early photographs of the lighthouse, at the Barnegat Light Historical Museum. The surrounding area to the lighthouse achieved the status of a State Park in 1957. In addition to going on a tour of the lighthouse, visitors to Long Beach Island New Jersey can enjoy the other amenities of the park. There are picnic areas with shelters and a walking trail through woodland. Visitors can fish here and it is also popular with bird watchers, who may see herons, egrets, pelicans and other shore and wading birds.
There are lots of things to do here and events to enjoy. Activities include canoeing, diving, surfing and searching for crabs and clams along the shore. The Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Tournament is an annual event with prizes for catching striped bass and bluefish. The two day Chowdafest is another annual favorite when people get the chance to taste some chowder, buy some chowder in and listen to some live music. There is also music at free concerts during the summer season. Restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisine in the area, including Japanese and Italian dishes. Many restaurants specialize in seafood and there are seafood markets to browse round.
The kids love it at Thundering Surf Water Park. There are various water slides for different age groups, an infant pool, dancing fountains, a parent's sun deck and two snack bars and an ice cream parlor. It's a favorite day out for families in Long Beach Island New Jersey.
Summary
Long Beach Island New Jersey is the getaway for people from New York, Connecticut, and Philadelphia. The Barnegat Lighthouse stands tall on the north end of the island at 165 feet. and was active from 1859 to 1944. There is a museum highlighting the lighthouse service. Activites here include canoeing, kayaking, camping, and of course fishing. Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Tournament is held yearly with prizes. Free concerts and great food can be had at the Chowdafest in the summer.
