Locals, vacationers and, apparently, NJ.com readers agree: Long Beach Island is unparalleled. According to the website, LBI is the official 2016 Readers’ Choice winner for best beach in New Jersey.
In early July, the site asked readers to choose their favorite shore spot from a list of 40 locations. Criteria included the quality of beach, such as sand and water cleanliness; the impact of out-of-town crowds; the availability of boardwalks, food and recreation; and the cost of beach badges. Only ocean beaches were eligible for the poll, and certain municipalities were grouped together, such as those on the Island.
LBI received the most votes in the poll, and was named a finalist along with the five other towns or areas with the most tallies.
“Flash forward to July 18, when we asked readers to vote once more, on which of those six contenders should be named best beach,” noted Bobby Olivier, NJ.com spokesman. “And after nearly 2,000 votes, we saw a familiar result.” LBI took the Readers’ Choice title, while Cape May was the site’s overall winner.
In NJ.com’s “full LBI report,” Olivier wrote, “Many beach towns can feel cramped, as if the municipality is a venue stuffed far beyond its max capacity. LBI seems to be the opposite; it’s almost unfair how much there is to do here. It’s just how far you’re willing to bike, walk or drive in a straight line, north or south. And for those stopping by for a beach day, week or month, there’s a great mix of action and serenity.”
Read the full report on Long Beach Island at nj.com/jerseysbest.
Sandpaper J.K.H and M.S.