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ROAD TRIP

One Tank Escape: Long Beach Island, N.J.

This summer, the key words are "quick" and "easy." So, hit the road! The retro surf towns on this barrier island feel like a real getaway.
By Sara Morrow, June 2009 issue |

Beach Haven, on southern Long Beach Island
Beach Haven, on southern Long Beach Island (Keith Beecham) [enlarge photo]
100 miles from New York City to Long Beach Island, N.J.

Retro surf towns with pastel beach houses and low-lying diners are strung along a broad central boulevard on Long Beach Island, a nearly 20-mile-long barrier isle off the southern Jersey Shore.



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HIGHLIGHTS At Tiki Taco in Surf City, beef or chicken tacos come with salsas given names like "riptide red" (609/494-3227, tikitaco.com). Brave the Sea Dragon, a swinging ship at Fantasy Island, a vintage amusement park in Beach Haven that has a century-old carousel (609/492-4000, fantasyislandpark.com). The island's best sweet treats—such as chocolate gelato—tempt beachgoers at Chocolate Bar nearby (609/492-2577).

OVERNIGHT OPTION Daddy O is a 4-year-old boutique hotel in Brant Beach with 22 modern rooms accented in steel and leather (609/361-5100, daddyohotel.com, from $99).

DRIVING TIP If the Garden State Parkway jams, exit on Highway 9 in Toms River and then head south 20 miles to Route 72, which connects with the causeway.

EN ROUTE A 24-foot, 200-pound surfboard marks the entrance to the Ron Jon Surf Shop in Ship Bottom, where you can snap photos and rent gear (609/494-8844, ronjons.com).

> This story is excerpted from: 7 Perfect Summer Getaways .

Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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