Long Beach Island has been selected by the editors of The Independent Traveler’s website Family Vacation Critic as one of the 10 best family beaches in the country, along with the Sea Spray Motel as the recommended lodging.
Expedia Inc.’s TripAdvisor, “the world’s largest travel community,” acquired IndependentTraveler.com this year.
Cape May represented the New Jersey shore on the list in 2015, and The Wildwoods in 2016. But this year it’s LBI’s turn in the spotlight.
The compilation, listed in no particular order, provides glimpses of opportunities to “disconnect” from the world, to relax and to enjoy calm, lifeguarded waters, amenities and attractions.
Writer Amanda Geronikos describes Long Beach Island as the “classic beach vacation,” highlighting its “18 miles of shoreline for sandcastle building and boogie boarding.” Barnegat Light’s new Daymark Bar and Restaurant gets a nod, as does Surflight Theatre’s anticipated reopening June 23. “But the main highlight for kids remains Fantasy Island Amusement Park,” according to Geronikos, citing the Giant Wheel, funnel cake, free concerts and magic shows.
Also named: Ponce Inlet (Fla.), Rehoboth (Del.), Jones Beach (N.Y.), Coast Guard Beach (Mass.), Weirs Beach (N.H.), the West Coast’s Coronado and Balboa Beach (Calif.), Seaside Beach (Ore.) and Lake Michigan’s North Beach Park (Wis.). —V.F. The SandPaper