As someone who typically isn’t drawn to beach destinations, Beach Haven, New Jersey, pleasantly surprised me as one of the most charming beach resort towns I’ve encountered – so much so that I’d eagerly return. My discovery of Beach Haven came after thorough online research while planning our 2019 East Coast road trip, which traveled through New Jersey. Although I was aware of the popularity of Seaside Heights, Ocean City, and Atlantic City—all prominent beachside communities in NJ—they appeared overly touristy and congested for my taste. Beach Haven, however, struck the perfect balance, offering an idyllic retreat that felt just right, with an atmosphere that was inviting and comfortably relaxed. 🤌🏼
Situated approximately 2 hours south of N.Y.C. (New York City: Controlled Chaos.), it’s an easy drive that makes you feel light years away from the hustle of the Big City. It’s a terrific little beachside community located on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, which has been nicknamed “The Queen City” due to its Victorian and Edwardian structures. Established in 1873 as a summer retreat for affluent Philadelphians, the island spans 2.33 square miles and is home to approximately 1,090 year-round residents. Its slender shape allows visitors to glimpse the ocean on both sides from the main road that bisects the island—an enchanting feature that enhances the island’s allure.
Navigating our way to the beach entrance proved to be a bit of a guessing game, as signs were absent. Fortunately, the island’s slender profile and constant water within eyesight made locating the entrance a breeze. We found convenient free parking adjacent to some beach houses, near an access point, and made our way towards the sandy shores and glistening waters. However, our enthusiasm was met with two unexpected discoveries: Firstly, access to the beach requires payment, a fact we stumbled upon on arrival. Secondly, there are no restrooms or changing facilities nearby, which can pose as an inconvenience. Regarding payment, we learned that acquiring a “beach pass” was the norm. We called the number on the sign, with the operator telling us that we could purchase one from a lifeguard or beach staff, if one was requested. As it turned out, no one ever asked us for it. 🤷🏻♀️
The water at Beach Haven is simply breathtaking—crystal clear and warm, with a mesmerizing turquoise hue that surpassed our expectations. It was a stark departure from the chilly, unwelcoming waters of California or the murky brown tides along the Carolina coast. However, it’s important to note that certain sections of the beach are designated for specific activities, such as fishing or swimming exclusively. We accidentally found ourselves inadvertently swimming in a designated fishing area and had to swiftly relocate. Surprisingly, there were no visible signs to alert us to this and we only figured it out by the absence of swimmers and overabundance of fishers.
After our beach session, it was time for lunch and we stumbled upon a place after overhearing a conversation by a group of nearby girls: The Chicken or the Egg. Intrigued, we turned to online reviews and discovered that it was the undisputed favorite among visitors and locals. Situated at 207 N Bay Ave, Beach Haven, it’s open from 11am to 8pm Monday through Friday, but opens earlier at 8am on Saturdays and Sundays. Highly recommended – our experience at The Chicken or the Egg exceeded expectations. The food was delicious, reasonably priced, served promptly, and the portions were HUGE.
Overall, if you’re in search of a New Jersey or East Coast beach getaway without the drawbacks of crowded tourist traps like Seaside Heights, Atlantic City, or Myrtle Beach (The Dirty Myrtle (South Carolina).), then Beach Haven is the place for you! Although we didn’t stay overnight, a quick online search out of curiosity did reveal that beach house rentals can be on the pricier side. However, there are also a variety of hotels and motels to suit different budgets. Nonetheless, the investment might be well justified, given the area’s cleanliness, low population density, absence of traffic congestion, welcoming locals, and the sheer beauty of the ocean. In the end, any experience at Beach Haven is likely to be a worthwhile and rejuvenating escape. And remember, I say this as NOT a beach person! 😎
