Beach Haven

Understand

Beach Haven is a rather affluent community, although it is certainly more affordable than other places on LBI. Much like the beginnings of the town, a majority of the homes are summer homes. You may notice that there is an abundance of newly constructed homes in Beach Haven. This is due in part to Superstorm Sandy, which in late 2012 brought a historic storm surge, flooding, and damaging winds. The community has all but healed from the damage.

History The area of what is now Beach Haven was a desolate, treeless barrier island. Using wooden canoes, Lenape natives harvested clams for food and gathered shells for trading and jewelry. Much later, colonists occasionally set up rudimentary fishing and whaling camps, and farmers let their cattle graze the sand dunes. A few small boarding houses were set up in the area to house wealthy sportsmen who visited with their families to hunt and fish. A small community began to form, which was aided by railroads reaching down to the mainland. Wealthy families from Philadelphia built summer cottages, many of which were inspired by Quaker architecture. Later, larger Victorian mansions were constructed. Because of the limited access to the island, the vast majority of these were summer residences, leaving the town mostly uninhabited in the off-season. Finally, in 1886, the Pennsylvania Railroad company constructed a railroad across Manahawkin Bay and down the island, connecting Beach Haven (and other early LBI communities) with the mainland for the first time. This led to a construction boom, and much of the town's notable historic buildings were completed. An automobile drawbridge was completed in 1914. A few years later, a storm wiped out the railroad, which ceased operation. Sadly, many of these buildings have been lost to history, destroyed in coastal storms or bulldozed. A notable example was the Engleside Hotel, which was one of the most decorative and beautiful Victorian hotels ever built, an icon for the community. It was

Getting there

Getting to Beach Haven is a simple process. Coming from Route 72, cross over the causeway and once on the island, make a right (South) on Long Beach Blvd. Beach Haven is 3–5 miles down the road. You can get to Route 72 via the Garden State Parkway or Route 9. You can also follow it in from Four Mile Circle in Pemberton. Another option is to take the pedestrian-only Beach Haven Ferry, which departs from Tuckerton Seaport on the mainland. It's perfect for day trips.

Getting around

Most people get around by car, bike or walking. Public transport is not widely used here, but the LBI Shuttle wave-down service runs 18 miles along the entire island, charging a small fee. Many use Uber or Lyft ride-hailing services as well. Be advised that Beach Haven's roads become rather busy each Saturday and Sunday as these are the changeover days for vacation rentals. Beach Haven is small enough that you can walk to and from most destinations in under 20 minutes, or less than 10 minutes by bike. Beach Haven doesn't have a gas station, but there is one just north in Spray Beach. Beach Haven provides ample biking infrastructure like racks and bike lanes. If you are under 18, by law you must wear a bike helmet, but this rule is not well enforced. It's always smart to stay safe, though! Beach Haven roads can be quite chaotic at times. Don't have a bike? No worries. The Boardwalk, a bike rental shop with an ice cream parlor and beach store attached, is located at 2306 S Bay Ave, at the southern end of Beach Haven. If you have disabilities, the town provides free beach wheelchairs at the Centre Street Beach Pavillion, which can also be delivered to where you're staying.

See

Museum of New Jersey Maritime History, Dock Road and West Avenue Beach Haven, NJ, ☏ +1 609-492-0202, [email protected]. Long Beach Island Historical Association, Eangleside and Beach Avenue.

Do

Mr. Tee's Arcade, Engleside and Bay Avenue. Mr. Tee's is a classic arcade that is lots of fun for the family. Fantasy Island Amusements, 320 Seventh Street. Fantasy Island is a Victorian-themed amusement park that is great for families. They have an arcade, carnival games, and rides, including a Ferris wheel. They also offer a food court with classic choices and an ice cream stand. You won't find any large roller coasters or thrill rides, although the pirate ship and drop tower are pretty fun. Fantasy Island is the only amusement park on LBI, so you'll see kids and teens here. (updated Jun 2020)

Buy

Cool Beans Gourmet Coffee Shop, Bay Village 9th and Bay Ave.. Country Kettle Chowda, 9th and Bay Ave.. Coconuts, Schooner's Wharf - 325 9th Street. The Coffee Bouteaque, Schooners Wharf - 325 9th Street. Leo's Ice Cream Company, Silver Sun Mall - Third and North Bay Ave.. Pearl Street Market, 229 Pearl Street.

Eat

1 The Chicken or the Egg (Chegg) (near the corner of 2nd St. and N Bay Ave), ☏ +1 609 492-FOWL (3695), [email protected]. Su-Th 8AM-10PM, F Sa 8AM-11PM. Chicken or the Egg is famous for its wings, which many have called the best in Jersey. The Chegg was featured on Travel Channel's Man v. Food when Jack Riegel tried the Ludicrous Wings. There's a quirky atmosphere, great service, and a fairly-priced, varied menu. $15 for a decent meal and drink. (updated Jun 2020) Buckalew's Restaurant and Tavern, 101 N. Bay Ave.. Claimed "A Jersey Shore Legend", folks have been eating at Buckalew's for over a century. There is a fairly priced menu, great service, and multiple dining areas. They also offer live music and entertainment. Buckalew's has a great family atmosphere, but once it hits night time the bar is a lot of fun. Engleside Inn - The Leeward Room, 30 Engleside Avenue. The Leeward Room is only one of the three restaurants the Engleside Inn offers. If you are looking for a more formal dining experience then the Leeward Room is the right choice. They offer a regular dining menu, a children's menu, a wine list, and a martini list. Prices are a little high. Engleside Inn - Sushi Bar and Lounge, 30 Engleside Avenue. The Sushi Bar and Lounge at Engleside Inn offers an extensive sushi menu, whether you are new to sushi or a sushi connoisseur they will have something for you. At night time the bar comes alive and they offer musical entertainment. Engleside Inn - The Sand Bar, 30 Engleside Ave.. The Sand Bar is the more relaxing and casual dining option. On sunny days, The Sand Bar is a great place to go with friends and enjoy a nice drink in the sunshine. It is fairly priced and a very friendly atmosphere. The Gables, 212 Centre Street. The Gables is a refurbished antique home that has been turned into a fantastic upscale restaurant. They offer two menus: dinner and brunch. Reservations for this fabulous dining experience should be made far in advance. Pa

Drink & nightlife

The Shell Beach Club and Tiki, 10 South Atlantic Avenue NJ. Right on the water. It is a relaxed atmosphere and some of the biggest bands in Ocean County play there. The Tiki Bar is a mini escape to the tropical islands. Th