Public parks & preserves on Long Beach Island
LBI has a wide range of parks, preserves, and scenic outdoor spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy. There is everything from nature trails and wildlife refuges to parks where the kids could play by the bay. Learn about all the different options in my full guide down below!
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Location: 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ
At the northern tip of LBI sits the Barnegat Lighthouse state park where you can walk the second tallest lighthouse in the United States! It’s often referred to as “Old Barney.” There’s also a walking path where you can learn about Barnegat Light history, jetty’s to fish off of, and gazebos + benches to have lunch or dinner at
Features:
Lighthouse climb with incredible views of the ocean, bay, and inlet
Short walking trails through dunes and pine trees
Long jetty great for walking and fishing
Interpretive signs on maritime history and the natural environment
Picnic areas and restrooms
Local tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and sweet photos
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Last parking lot in Holgate
The refuge is one of the most protected and ecologically rich areas on the island
Features:
Restricted access during nesting season
Critical habitat for migratory birds, ospreys, and endangered piping plovers
Open to the public in the off-season for nature walks, photography, and fishing
Beautiful, undeveloped beach and dune landscapes
Bayview Park — Brant Beach
Location: 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach
One of LBI’s most popular parks, Bayview Park sits right on the bay and offers something for everyone.
Bay beach for wading and paddleboarding
Kayak and SUP rentals
Playground
Picnic tables and shaded seating
Public restrooms and changing area
Daily food truck
Local tip: The Lifeguard in training program starts at 9am and wraps up at 12pm
under the pavilion. It’s only occupied for the first and last 20 minutes of the program on most days
Veterans Memorial Park — Beach Haven
Location: Engleside Ave & Beach Ave
Large open area near the center of Beach Haven that hosts the HopSauce festival and other markets for small business owners
Memorial installations and benches
Open grass area
Walking distance to Fantasy Island, the beach, and restaurants
Local tip: Great for a quiet moment after a busy beach day
Walsh field — Beach Haven
Location: 300 Pearl St, Beach Haven
Located on the blvd, this neighborhood park is ideal for sports and peaceful views
Baseball field, tennis and pickleball courts
Public parking available
Local tip: you need a badge for pickle ball separate from the one Long Beach Township sells
Nelson Ave park & playground — Beach Haven
Location: 2301-2351 West Ave, Beach Haven
Tucked away on the bayside this park offers a little something for everyone
Jungle gym
Soccer nets
basketball hoops
pickleball
Public parking available
Public restrooms
Local tip: short walk to the beach from this park
Sunset Park — Harvey Cedars
Location: 1 W Salem Ave, Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008
A spacious bayfront park known for its open lawn and weekly summer concerts
Basketball court
Open field and lawn chairs
Public dock
Summer concerts
Local tip: Great for families who want space to run around and catch the sunset
Beach Haven dog beach — Beach Haven
Location: Taylor Ave, Beach Haven. South of the Taylor Ave public park
This is a favorite for dogs who would like to take a dip in the bay!
Open to the public year-round
bayfront bench seating
John J. Guld Jr. recreation area — Ship Bottom
Location: West 5th & 6th Streets at Barnegat Avenue
Tennis courts
Bocce ball
Baseball field
Horseshoes
Shuffleboard
Taylor Avenue park — Beach Haven
Location: Taylor Ave, Beach Haven. Directly on the bay
A spacious bayfront park known for its open lawn and weekly summer concerts
bayfront Gazebo
Public restrooms
Playground
Nearby restaurants, shopping, and endless amenities
Local tip: This park gets busy on weekend nights with young kids venturing out on the town
Beach Arlington Park & Bay Beach — Ship Bottom
Location: 13th – 16th Streets and the Bay
A spacious bayfront park known for its open lawn and weekly summer concerts
Sunset point Gazebo
Public restrooms
Bay beach
Playground

Barnegat Lighthouse state park

Edwin B. Forsythe wildlife refuge

Bayview park

Veterans memorial park

Walsh field

Nelson Ave park & playground

Sunset park

Beach Haven dog beach

John J. Guld Jr. recreation area

Taylor Avenue park

Beach Arlington park & bay beach