Welcome to Beach Haven, New Jersey, the ultimate destination for a fun-filled family vacation on Long Beach Island that is “shore to please.” This exciting seaside town boasts miles of picturesque beaches, classic shoreline attractions, and a hoppy family-friendly craft beer scene.
Whether you’re looking for family fun or a relaxing getaway, Beach Haven has it all. Spend your days lounging on the beach or exploring the town’s rich history and culture. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the perfect vacation in Beach Haven, New Jersey, with the Hoppy Parents!
Ship Bottom Brewery
Tucked away amidst the shops at Bay Village lies a hidden gem that’s sure to delight all who venture inside: Ship Bottom Brewing Company. Conveniently situated just a stone’s throw away from numerous Beach Haven attractions, this charming establishment is the perfect spot for families looking to unwind and indulge in a refreshing array of beachy libations and craft beer.
Located on the second floor (although it’s worth noting that they do have a service elevator to accomodate wheelchairs), their inviting year-round tasting room boasts open seating, with many seats offering stunning views of picturesque Barnegat Bay. Once settled in, make your way to the bar and prepare to be wowed by the impressive selection of summertime thirst quenchers they offer. 
Our top pick? The irresistible Blueberry Bikini Bottom: a light, refreshing wheat ale with a deliciously fruity blueberry undertone, coming in at a very reasonable 4.7% ABV. Another standout option is the Shack IPA, a classic west coast-style IPA that packs a punch at 6% ABV – a refreshing departure from the plethora of New England IPAs that have taken over breweries everywhere. The taproom also offers a wide variety of other styles, including the Barnegat Lager and the Freshly Baked Pie Ale Series (our personal favorite being the Key Lime Pie). And if craft beer isn’t your thing, don’t worry – Ship Bottom also offers a selection of ciders and seltzers.
But it’s not just the beer worth writing about – Ship Bottom’s brews pair exceptionally well with the delicious local cuisine. With a Bring Your Own Food mentality, this taproom is the perfect spot to enjoy a satisfying meal with the family. Look no further than Spice It Up, whose mouth-watering sandwiches are simply unbeatable. We highly recommend the “Ship Bottom Brewery,” a pastrami sandwich, and “The Original Dan,” a delicious London Broil sandwich with Bella Vidalia spread. Spice It Up also offers a variety of children’s menu options, including grilled cheese, peanut butter and jelly, turkey and cheese, and ham and cheese sandwiches. The children’s menu items also include a bag of chips.
Hoppy Parents Tip- For a quick bite to satisfy a hungry belly, Bay Village Pizza is also a great option. Its generously sized slices are a delicious and affordable choice that will please even the pickiest little eaters.
Thundering Surf Waterpark
The Thundering Surf Waterpark has operated for 45 years, making it the world’s longest continually running water park. Some of our Hoppy family’s top picks for a visit include the “Lazy Crazy River,” an excellent option for anyone not totally into water park fun. This Lazy River has a rotating cycle between “Lazy Mode” (30 minutes) and “Crazy Mode” (20 minutes). Next, our boys love the “Cowabunga Kids” area! This area is set in only 12 inches of water and has a variety of water slides for kids. Thundering Surf lists their slides in this area as:
- Four Lane Mini Racer Slide
- Two Large Serpentine Body Slides
- Tunnel Swirly Body Slide
- Two Small Body Slides
- Large Tipping Bucket
- Two Small Tipping Buckets
- Two-Man Water Pump
A perfect spot for little ones is the Toddler Area, a splash pad with aquatic animal decor. This is a great calm area for toddlers, and it would also be perfect for smaller ones as long as a grown-up is with them! This area is also set close to the sun deck so that you can always be in full view of your little ones while they play. Thundering Surf also has other attractions for older kids, such as Serpentine Tube Slides, which offers a variety of slide types for the whole family, Rainbow Rapids, a 200-foot-long water slide race track with lots of fun bumps and drops; and the Flow Rider Double body board surf experience.
Thundering Surf Waterpark offers additional amenities during your visit, including various cabana options, locker rentals, and food choices. If you have energy left after a day at the water park, stop by Adventure Golf for a round of mini-golf. This course has two 18-hole courses voted the “Best Golf Course in NJ” by several local publications.
It is undoubtedly a great alternative to a beach day, especially on hot summer days when you need a little downtime and some extra shade.
Museum of New Jersey Maritime History
The Museum of New Jersey Maritime History quickly became one of our family’s top 5 picks on a recent trip to LBI. Located in Beach Haven at the southern end of Long Beach Island, the Museum of New Jersey Maritime History boasts a vast collection of maritime artifacts and history in New Jersey. Visitors can explore an extensive collection that provides a comprehensive overview of New Jersey’s rich maritime history.
This is a fantastic destination for any history lover, anyone who has grown up visiting LBI, and anyone who wants to learn more about the history of this amazing vacation spot.
Once a week, they offer a variety of children’s programs ranging from arts and crafts, and museum scavenger hunts to a children’s presentation on clamming in the bay. The staff is extremely friendly and very knowledgeable.
Hoppy Parents Tip- They also offer free DVDs to take home of any of the exhibits your child may have enjoyed during their trip.
Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club
Experience your very own tropical paradise at the Jersey Shore with the Sea Shell! This remarkable hotel offers not only an exceptional resort stay for families, but also an unforgettable Caribbean-inspired lunch. As you step through the hotel lobby, you’ll be transported from your typical Jersey Shore vacation to a breathtaking tropical oasis with an outdoor pool and bar.
During our summer visit, we were swiftly seated at a poolside table and presented with a drink menu featuring refreshing favorites like margaritas and an array of rum and vodka cocktails. The beer list included summer staples like Bud, Coors, and Miller, as well as craft favorites such as Cape May Brewing Company. Be sure to sample the “Hang Ten” Hefeweizen from the local Ship Bottom Brewing Company if you’re a craft beer fan.
But the Sea Shell’s offerings continue beyond the beverages. The menu includes summer classics like a full raw bar, coconut shrimp, and a selection of fresh seafood catches. We indulged in protein bowls with salmon that perfectly complemented the Caribbean vibes and left us craving more. Plus, the Sea Shell also offers a wide range of kid-friendly options. And once the little ones have finished their meals, they can head to the beach side ice cream stand while you enjoy your final sips.
With the staff’s exceptional attentiveness and the tropical atmosphere, our experience at the Sea Shell was nothing short of amazing. We’re already counting down the days until we can return!
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
A family LBI beach vacation is only complete without a visit to Fantasy Island Amusement Park. This night is always a family favorite in the Happy household. This beachside amusement park has 18 exciting rides, including family, kiddie, and thrill rides, so there is something for every family member. For most of the larger rides, all riders must pay. However,, an adult can ride with a little one for free. There are also over 13 boardwalk games and a 12,000-square-foot arcade with wall-to-wall fun.
The arcade is open throughout the colder months on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The rides open on the weekends around the third weekend in May, and they open for full summer weekdays a month later in June.
If you’re feeling hungry after all that fun? Fantasy Island offers various options, including The Shark Bite Grill, Surfside Snack Shack, and Scoops Up – ice cream. If you are looking for a classic quick snack to eat on the go, Surfside Snack Shack is your spot!
Hoppy Parents Tip- Active or retired military personnel ride for free and can purchase up to four Unlimited Ride Passes for $20 each!
Hoppy Parents Tip- For most visits, you pay for each ride with tokens, and the number of tokens for each ride varies from 3 to 8 tokens per ride. Watch for wristband nights, where you can purchase a wristband and ride unlimited rides.
Beach Haven, New Jersey, is the ultimate vacation destination for families seeking a fun-filled getaway on Long Beach Island. With abundant family-friendly activities, there’s never a dull moment in this charming seaside town. Beach Haven has something for everyone. Discover why Beach Haven is perfect for family fun, craft beer, and unforgettable memories.
Keep crafting family memories, one hop at a time!
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