Outdoors

The best of the great outdoors have never felt so close, from 18 miles of sugar sand beaches, back bays  and cedar creeks to explore, and pine trails to hike.  The Long Beach Island Region of the Jersey Shore is filled with spectacular scenic countryside and pristine forest and wetland areas teeming with wildlife, including the internationally renowned Pinelands, the Stafford Forge Wildlife Management area and the northern tips of the Bass River State Forest and Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, providing ample opportunities for those exploring ecological and environmental interests or the avid hunter.

There is something for all outdoor sport enthusiasts!  For golfers, the Ocean County Golf Course at Atlantis, in Little Egg Harbor, recently was named the best inexpensive golf course in New Jersey by USA Weekend magazine. There also are the Sea Oaks Golf Course in Little Egg Harbor and the Ocean Acres Country Club in Manahawkin, just a few minutes away, and other highly regarded courses within a short drive, that have been recognized by Golfweek, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. Surfing, biking and boating events, bring thousands of  devoted competitors to the region throughout the year.  Our Fishing Tournaments keep generations returning to compete and there are plenty of local outfitters to help the beginner to the seasoned partake in all activities. Check back often to our calendar events or sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly updates.

Both the island and mainland are great for bicycling and running, and fitness areas can be easily found at the myriad of sports and recreation complexes throughout the area. The Stanley "Tip" Seaman County Park, on the banks of Lake Pohatcong in Tuckerton, offers a visitor center, bocce ball, fitness trails, horseshoes, tennis courts and a softball field. The Doc Cramer Recreational Complex, in Cedar Run, has 25 sports fields and is a great place to ride bikes and host sports competitions. There also is the Paul King County Park, on Manahawkin Lake in Manahawkin, with swimming, picnicking and playgrounds, and bayside beaches at the Bayview Park, in Brant Beach. Beach Haven's Veterans Bicentennial Park features free outdoor concerts and festivals during the summer, and Waretown's Wells Mills County Park & Nature Center maintains a full schedule of nature science programs, trips, classes and canoe rentals throughout the year. Barnegat Township offers the Rail Trail, which is one of the newest Ocean County parks. Perfect for biking and hiking, this trail follows the old Rail Road route and will continue to be expanded to reach throughout the county. Barnegat Townshiip Municipal Dock offers the pefect place to view Long Beach Island from across the bay as well as crab, fish and launch your boat.

Bay Beaches

Beach Badges are required, please call town they are located in for more information

Barnegat Light 25th St & Bay view 494-9196
Beach Haven, Taylor Ave 492-0111
Beach Haven Terrace W. Pennsylvania Avenue 361-1200
Brant Beach 68th St 361-1200
Harvey Cedars 75th St 494-2843
Ship Bottom 13th to 16th Streets & 25th Streets 494 1614
Surf City 16th St & Barnegat Ave 494 3064

Parks

A Paul King County Park, Rt 9 and Hwy 72 Manahawkin
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Barnegat Light
Barnegat Rail Trail, Railroad Avenue, Barnegat Township
Bay view Park 68th & Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach
Stanley "Tip" Seaman County Park, Lakeside Drive, Tuckerton
Veteran's Bicentennial Park, Engleside & Beach Ave Beach Haven
Wells Mills County Park & Nature Center, Rt 532 Waretown

Public Gardens

Beach Haven Public Library 3rd & Beach Avenue
Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens, Central Ave & 5th St Barnegat Light
Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church Memorial Garden Marine St, Beach Haven
Sunset Point Gardens 13th St & Bay Terr Ship Bottom
Veterans Memorial Park, Long Beach Blvd, Surf

Outdoor Activities