With the summer winding down, now is the perfect time to hit one of the Jersey Shore’s most scenic corners. Even if the waters are a little too cold right now to hit the waves, it’s never too late to enjoy beautiful Long Beach Island. From the lighthouse at Barnegat’s light at the northern tip down to the bustling shops of Beach Haven and Surf City, there’s a host of sights to see and stores to shop this September in LBI.
10 a.m. – Chow down at Mustache Bill’s Diner
W 8th St., Barnegat Light
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Not much has changed at Mustache Bill’s Diner since it opened in 1959. Despite namesake Bill Smith’s anticipated departure after 2023, the famed eatery returned for one more year in 2024 and has retained the same cash-only weekend hours (Friday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Smith, a James Beard Foundation award winner, has crafted a welcoming atmosphere and a Jersey Shore legacy at what some have called “the diner man’s diner.” The signature creation is the Cyclops breakfast, two pancakes with over-medium eggs cooked in the middle. Yum!
11:30 a.m. – Conquer Barnegat’s Lighthouse
208 Broadway, Barnegat Light
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Originally lit 165 years ago in 1859, Barnegat’s Lighthouse has survived the many storms that have hit Long Beach Island and stands tall today after renovation saved the behemoth in 2009. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors are welcome to climb the 217 steps to the top of the spire and witness one of the great views of the Jersey Shore stretching for leagues out to sea and south across the 18 miles of Long Beach Island.
12:45 p.m. – Shop ‘Til You Drop in Surf City and Ship Bottom
1819 Long Beach Blvd., Surf City; 15 Long Beach Blvd., Surf City; 202 W 28th St., Ship Bottom; 8101 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach
Beyond breathtaking art at beautiful galleries, Long Beach Island also has a variety of intriguing antique shops. On your journey south from Barnegat’s light your first destination is Surf City’s m.t.burton Gallery. This quaint stop promotes local artists, sculptors, potters and jewelry makers, as well as other assorted antiques. It also offers shipping back to the Main Line.
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Your next stop is Firefly, also in the heart of Surf City. The exhibits include works made from sea glass and watercolor, and the shop sells clothing from beachwear to dresses. A little over a mile south in Ship Bottom you’ll find Ship Bottom Antiques, an anything-goes antique store that specializes in Victoriana, vintage souvenirs, nautical objects, LPs, automotive collectibles, hand-painted sand pails and more treasures during its opening hours from Friday through Monday.
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Your shopping trip ends just a little more than two miles south at Garden State Surf and Art in Long Beach. This fun stop showcases artwork from local artists like driftwood cultures, nautical decor, surfboard tables and so much more all among antique projects designed from reclaimed wood.
2:45 p.m. – Refuel at Holiday Snack Bar
401 Centre St., Beach Haven
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This tiny snack shack has been a Beach Haven favorite for over 75 years. The aroma of fresh cookies, pies and cakes wafting out of the kitchen will get your mouth watering while you wait for your sandwich, fries or salad.
3:45 p.m. – Observe migratory birds and wildlife at Holgate Beach
11 W Lincoln Ave., Long Beach
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Part of the 48,000 acres that comprise Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Holgate Beach finally reopened to the public at the end of nesting season for migratory birds on August 31. Truly intrepid explorers are welcome to hike the three miles south and three miles back north to the southern point of Long Beach Island for a wonderful view of the sunset. Be warned that beach hiking is much more difficult than trail hiking and you’ll tire much faster across six miles of trekking along the sands. For shorter journeys, make sure to bring binoculars for views into the dunes of colorful birds and breathtaking wildlife.
5:30 p.m. – Check in at Williams Cottage Inn
506 S Atlantic Ave., Beach Haven
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This charming beachside bed and breakfast is a great way to hunker down after a long day exploring Long Beach Island. For now, it’s a better place to drop your bags off, take a quick shower and maybe a cat nap before your adventure continues.
6:30 p.m. – Enjoy dinner and BYOB at Stefano’s Restaurant
1814 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach
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This Beach Haven institution is known for its award-winning clam chowder among a mouthwatering array of seafood and steaks. Nosh on the calamari or Roquefort mussels to start before indulging in favorites like the lobster fra diavolo or risotto del mare.
8:15 p.m. – Sip a nightcap at Bird & Betty’s
529 Dock Rd., Beach Haven
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Take an Uber on down to Bird & Betty’s to cap off this memorable day trip. The extensive cocktail menu is the perfect late-evening patio indulgence with four different martinis, spritzers and nine cocktails over ice, plus two frozen specialties.
10 p.m. – Hunker down at Williams Cottage Inn
506 S Atlantic Ave., Beach Haven
Back in the cozy warmth of Williams Cottage Inn, enjoy one of the eight themed rooms: The Garden, Angel, Asian, Aviary, Blue, Opulent, Dome Room and Rose Suite. Each option includes a private bath, flat-screen TV, robes, makeup mirror, hairdryer and Wi-Fi plus other amenities specific to each room from private verandas to dramatic ceiling-high Victorian headboards, Victorian cottage furniture and more. As you drift off to sleep, think about what you’ll have to eat tomorrow morning as part of your two-course complimentary gourmet breakfast.
Related: Cape May Day Trip Guide: How to Spend 24 Hours in Town
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