LONG BEACH ISLAND: It's always walking distance to the beach

On New Jersey's southern shore, Long Beach Island shares some features of Long Beach and Long Island.

As in the city of Long Beach, no one on LBI, as Jersey residents call it, is far from long stretches of the beach. And, like Long Island, LBI lures city dwellers seeking weekend retreats.

The entire island has that beach feel to it - salt in the air and sand on the streets. And, unlike most of Long Island, no matter where you are, it's always walking distance to the beach, as LBI is a mile across at its widest.

North to south, it's only 18 miles - a few miles shorter than the distance between the water tower at Jones Beach and the one at Robert Moses. Barnegat Bay and Little Egg Harbor Bay lie on the west side, and the Atlantic Ocean stretches along the east side.

One of five boroughs, Barnegat Light, is on the north end of the island. The other boroughs, north to south, are Harvey Cedars, Surf City, Ship Bottom and Beach Haven. Within their boundaries are 17 quaintly named neighborhoods, including Loveladies, Peahala Park and Spray Beach.

Aside from the beach, there's plenty for kids to do, including miniature golf and a water park. Adults might enjoy shopping at the Wharf in Beach Haven and visiting wildlife sanctuaries on the north and south ends. In Beach Haven, just south of the bridge, Victorian homes, including bed and breakfasts, line many streets.

You can save money by visiting offseason. Peak months are July and August.

To get there, take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 63 East (Camden-Long Beach Island); go 7 miles to Long Beach Island.

ATTRACTIONS

On the northern end is the red-and-white Barnegat Lighthouse (609-494-2016), first lit in 1859, soon after its predecessor toppled into the ocean. Though it's no longer in use for guiding ships, tourists can ascend the 217 steps to the top for a spectacular view of Island Beach State Park and the inlet.

Bird-watchers would appreciate Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 32-acres of barrier beach with at least 217 species of birds living there or migrating through the area. Piping plovers breed there, and the area is home to 16 other endangered species.

Beach Haven is the center of life for tourists, with hotels, bed and breakfasts, clubs, miniature golf and restaurants. Fantasy Island Amusement Park (609-492-4000) has arcades, adult and kiddie rides and a turn-of-the-century carousel.

The Surflight Theatre (609-492-9477), which began as a 2,200-seat tent in 1950, is featuring "Miss Saigon" and "Man of La Mancha" this year.

WHERE TO STAY

Julia's of Savannah, 209 Centre St., Beach Haven, 609-492- 5004, is a new nine-room Victorian bed and breakfast that captures the warmth of an old-style inn. Off-peak nightly rates of $160 to $275, peak $225 to $325.

Magnolia House, 215 Centre St., Beach Haven, 609-548- 0800, formerly a guest house, is now a rental home that can sleep 26, with 13 rooms and 13½ bathrooms. Off-peak $3,500 to $5,000 a week, peak $12,000 a week.

The Sea Shell Motel, 10 S. Atlantic Ave., Beach Haven, 609-492-4611, has 154 rooms. Off-peak nightly rates of $65 to $225, peak nightly rates of $220 to $250.

Holiday Inn, 151 Rte. 72 E., Manahawkin, 609-481-6100, built last year with 116 rooms, is on the mainland, six miles west of Long Beach Island. Off-peak $109 to $149, peak $179 to $229.

For more information, contact the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce (609-494-7211).

WHERE TO EAT

Raimondo's, 1101 Long Beach Blvd., Ship Bottom, 609-494- 5391, serves tasty Italian and seafood; dinner only, entrees $19 to $40. Reservations required.

The Black Whale Bar & Fish House, 100 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Ship Bottom, 609-492- 0025, has good burgers, sandwiches and seafood. Lunch and dinner entrees, $10 to $34.

The Boat House Restaurant, Dock Road and West Avenue, Beach Haven, 609-492-1066, offers waterfront dining of seafood, chicken, steaks and pasta. No lunch. Dinner, $15 to $26.

Kelly's Old Barney Restaurant, Third and Broadway, Barnegat Light, 609-494-5115, has a variety of fare, from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to local seafood and filet mignon. Lunch, $3 to $12; dinner, $16 to $24.

Related topic galleries: Gardens and Parks, Tourism and Leisure, Natural Resources, Seafood and Fishing Industry, Wildlife, Robert Moses, Beach Vacations