There are a few things you should know before hitting the sand on Long Beach Island. Like most places at the Shore, LBI requires beach tags, which are sold by each township and do not carry across township lines. Day tags range from $5 to $10; weeklong tags can be purchased for $20 in most towns. Tags can be purchased at each township’s municipal building or from the tag checkers on the beach.
Conventional wisdom is that the island’s best beaches can be found in Harvey Cedars, but other popular access points include Holgate and Barnegat Light (which have bathrooms and outdoor showers). Otherwise, park where you can (street parking is free) and walk to the water. Word to the wise: the greenhead flies are often voracious toward the southern end of the island, particularly in Holgate.
Families with youngsters should try the toddler beach on the bay at Taylor Avenue in Beach Haven. The waters are calm and there’s an adjacent recreation park with a playground and basketball courts.