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!

A wide shot of a large body of water taken from a tall red bridge, with multiple boats creating white wakes on the blue water under a partly cloudy sky.

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