This year’s Independence Day weekend promises to be spectacular, with fireworks lighting up both bay and ocean skies, free concerts echoing across the dunes, and parades marching through charming beach towns from Barnegat Light to Beach Haven.

Whether you’re planning to stake out a prime spot for Beach Haven’s crown jewel fireworks display at Taylor Park or prefer the more intimate setting of Surf City’s bay beach show, LBI offers something for every celebration style. From family-friendly theatrical performances and festival rides to evening concerts under the stars, the island transforms into a red, white, and blue playground where summer memories are made. Pack your beach chairs, gather your loved ones, and get ready to experience why LBI’s 4th of July celebrations draw visitors from across the region year after year.

All Week Long

Festival of the Sea. St. Francis of Assisi Parish & Center parking lot. July 1st – 5th from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Get tickets.

Surf City Shuffle Scavenger Hunt. How You Brewin’, Surf City. Multiple Dates and Times. Get tickets.

Events on July 3rd

Lacey Fireworks Spectacular. Rainier Vista Community Park. 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm.

The Fireworks Display at Lacey Township High School. Event begins at 7:30 pm. Fireworks begin 9:15 pm.

The Jersey Tenors. Waterfront Park, Ship Bottom. 6:30 pm.

Rob Connolly. Wooden Jetty Beach, Holgate. 6:30 pm.

Fireworks in Surf City. 17th St. Bay Beach, Surf City. 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

Cat 5 Band. Bird and Betty’s, Beach Haven. 9:00 pm – 12:00 am.

Events on July 4th

Tuckerton’s Fourth of July Parade. Begins at the intersection of Marine Street and Route 9 and ends at Great Bay Boulevard. 10:00 am.

4th of July Flag Event. LBI National Golf & Resort, Little Egg Harbor. Tee times until 2pm.

Unlimited Ride Pass. Fantasy Island. Unlimited rides for $35 a rider. 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm.

Roger Jinx & Happy Hour Before Fireworks. Buckalew’s, Beach Haven. 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm.

4th of July Clambake. Queen City Market. 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Get tickets.

Independence Day Parade in Barnegat Light. 10 W 10 St, Barnegat Light. 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

Annual Surf City 4th of July Parade. 5th Street at the bay in Surf City. 6:30 pm.

Fire Pit Friday. 68th Street Beach Fire Pits, Long Beach Township. 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Fireworks Boat Cruise. Lighthouse Dock at Tuckerton Seaport. 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm. Get Tickets.

Annual 4th of July Fireworks in LBI. Taylor Ave Bayfront, Beach Haven. 9:30 pm.

GoodMan Fiske. Joe Pop’s, Ship Bottom. 10:00 pm.

July 4th Fireworks Party with 3AM Tokyo. Bird & Betty’s, Beach Haven. 10:30 pm – 1:30 am.

Events on July 5th

The Royals at Fire Pit Friday. 68th St Beach, Long Beach Township. 7:00 pm.

Fireworks at Barnegat High School. The event starts at 5:00 pm. Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm.

The Nerds. Joe Pop’s, Ship Bottom. 10:00 pm.

Friend Zone. Nardi’s, Long Beach Island. 10:00 pm.

Stealing Savanah. Bird and Betty’s, Beach Haven. 10:30 pm – 1:30 pm.

Remember to arrive early for popular events, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and most importantly, take time to soak in those magical moments when the island comes together to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Whether this is your first 4th of July on LBI or your fiftieth, the memories you make this weekend will be treasured long after the summer sun sets. Happy Independence Day from all of us here on Long Beach Island!

The weather is turning, and honestly, it couldn’t have come at a better time. After what felt like an endless rainy season, we’re finally getting those warm, sunny days that make you remember why you live for summer on LBI. The water’s warming up, the boats are coming out of storage, and there’s this feeling in the air that the season is really about to begin.

What I love most about boating season here is how it opens up dining possibilities you just can’t get anywhere else. Instead of being tied to one spot for the day, you can actually cruise from restaurant to restaurant, enjoying both the journey and the destination. These waterfront spots have figured out that boaters want great food without having to give up their day on the water.

The Boatyard

Website

2200 E Bay Ave Manahawkin, NJ 08050

The Boatyard’s location makes it incredibly convenient whether you’re launching from the mainland or already out exploring the bay. What started as a practical stop has become a destination in its own right, thanks to an atmosphere that’s genuinely worth the trip. They offer boat rentals, marina slips, and a boat up restaurant!

A great outdoor hangout that’s perfect for the kids (and even the dogs), you can dock your boat and spend the day right by the water playing games while enjoying good food and drinks. Choose from two food truck options, one with classic American food and another with fresh seafood. The drink menu hits all the essential draft beers, or you can choose a draft or canned cocktail. 

Bird and Betty’s

Website

529 Dock Rd Beach Haven, NJ 08008

Beach Haven has always had its share of lively waterfront spots, but Bird and Betty’s has managed to strike that perfect balance between fun atmosphere and quality food. Though they don’t offer boat slips, they’re easily accessible from the options nearby and offer waterfront views on the deck and in the bar area.

For history lovers like me, you’ll be happy to know that Bird and Betty’s is located in the old Acme Hotel building, still standing from the early 1900s, and rumored to have been the oldest tavern in LBI. Today, they maintain a different part of history, bringing the summer vibes of the 1960s and 70s. 

Opening at 3pm on weekdays and 12pm on weekends, you can enjoy fresh seafood, specialty pizza, quality cocktails and vintage games like skeeball (my personal favorite). Stay for the night and dance to live music of all genres while transported to an era that embodied revolution and self-discovery.

Dock & Claw

Website

506 Centre St Beach Haven, NJ 08008

Dock & Claw is the continuation of The Clam Bar, which has been an LBI staple for more than 50 years. The new venture promises to continue the tradition of offering locally-sourced seafood that won’t break the bank. Plus, the boat access makes it easy to grab a bite without interrupting your day on the water. Though they don’t offer boat slips, you can dock at the nearby Boatyard and then head over.

They describe themselves as a “local hangout with great food and good vibes,” and I’d have to agree! With a “no cell phones” policy, it’s the perfect place to forget about life for a while and spend real quality time with the people you love. It’s also BYOB, so no need to worry about expensive cocktails running up the bill. 

This year, they’ve landed on the Philly Inquirer’s list of Best Seafood Shacks at the Shore, and the title is well-deserved. 

Queen City Marina & Kitchen

Website

525 2nd St Beach Haven, NJ 08008

Sometimes a day on the water deserves to end with something a bit more sophisticated. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, entertaining guests, or just want to treat yourself well, Queen City Marina & Kitchen delivers that elevated experience without sacrificing the waterfront convenience. They offer day slips, overnight slips and a flexible option that easily fit into your plans. Note: slips need to be booked in advance.

Their catering capabilities and flexible event spaces make them particularly valuable for special occasions, but the everyday dining experience is equally impressive. The attention to detail in both the food and the waterside atmosphere creates something genuinely special. The best part? They serve breakfast all day!

Polly’s Dock and Clam House

Website

12 Northwest Ave Beach Haven, NJ 08008

In an area that’s seen plenty of change over the years, places like Polly’s represent something valuable, continuity. They’ve been serving the boating community for generations, which speaks to their understanding of what waterfront dining should be.

The combination of boat rentals and dining makes practical sense, but it’s the consistency and authenticity that keep people coming back. Sometimes the best recommendation is simply that a place has been doing things right for longer than most of us have been boating these waters.

Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon

Website

116 Northwest Ave Beach Haven, NJ 08008

Parker’s Garage brings something special to the Beach Haven waterfront scene with their own boat slips and seating for up to 180 guests. What sets them apart is their commitment to recreating that golden era of LBI boating culture while delivering sophisticated food that matches the ambiance.

Their shareable menu features standout dishes like lobster corn dogs and mussels toast, all served in a huge open-air space filled with old maritime decor. The fact that they’re BYOB gives you the flexibility to bring exactly what you want to drink, whether that’s a carefully chosen wine or your favorite local craft beer. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between nostalgic charm and contemporary dining expectations.

Sun Harbor Seafood and Grill

Website

451 E Bay Ave Barnegat, NJ 08005

Sun Harbor makes it easy with dock and dine slips available right at their waterfront location. This spot has built a solid reputation among boaters for reliable food and service, making it a dependable choice when you want to combine a day on the water with a satisfying meal.

The straightforward approach to waterfront dining here means you can count on them for exactly what you’re looking for, good seafood, convenient docking, and a welcoming atmosphere that doesn’t overcomplicate things.

The Waterfront

Website

361 East Lacey Road Forked River, NJ 08731

The Waterfront delivers on its name with genuine waterfront dining that feels both accessible and authentic. Their approach to boat-accessible dining focuses on the fundamentals, fresh seafood, comfortable seating, and views that remind you why you love being on the water. They offer both in-water boat slips and outdoor rack storage.

It’s the kind of place that works equally well for a casual lunch after a morning of fishing or a more relaxed dinner as the sun starts to set. The simplicity of their approach often turns out to be exactly what a day on the water calls for.

Captain’s Inn Dockside Bar

Website

304 E Lacey Rd Forked River, NJ 08731

Captain’s Inn offers 30 boat slips and gives you options for how you want to experience your meal, at their tiki bar, under The Captain’s Port Tent outside, or in their indoor restaurant. This flexibility makes it easy to match your dining choice to your mood and the weather.

The variety of settings all in one location means your group can move around as the evening progresses. It’s particularly convenient when you’re not sure what kind of atmosphere you’re in the mood for until you arrive.

Oyster Creek Restaurant

Website

41 Oyster Creek Rd Leeds Point, NJ 08220

Located in the marshes of Otter Pond, off Oyster Creek and the Great Bay, this dock and dine seafood restaurant sits in one of New Jersey’s most unique dining locations. The journey to get there by boat is part of the experience, you’re truly getting away from the crowds and into the quieter waters that many visitors never see.

This old-time South Jersey seafood restaurant offers water views and an authentic connection to the area’s maritime heritage. The slightly more remote location means you’re dining in an environment that feels genuinely untouched by the more commercial aspects of shore dining.

B2 in Bayville

Website

125 Bayview Ave Bayville, NJ 08721

B2 in Bayville offers a more contemporary take on waterfront dining, with a menu that balances classic shore favorites with modern preparations. Their boat-accessible location makes them a solid choice when you want something that feels both familiar and fresh.

Their menu is based on a “garden to table” concept, sourcing local ingredients with an American and Mediterranean influence. Their known for their barrel-aged cocktails, which use fresh, in-season fruits. The deck is enormous, with space to sit down and eat or hang out at the tiki bar while overlooking the water. They also have a pool!

MJ’s in Bayville

Website

905 Bay Boulevard Bayville NJ 08721

MJ’s in Bayville has built a loyal following among local boaters for their consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can count on good food and service without any pretense, sometimes that’s exactly what a day on the water calls for. There are only about 5 boat slips available, but there are nearby options if it fills up.

Sunset Seafood of Tuckerton

Website

101 Parker Road Tuckerton, New Jersey

Sunset Seafood’s recently opened Tuckerton location rounds out the options with their focus on fresh, local seafood served in a relaxed waterfront setting. The slightly quieter location makes it perfect for those times when you want to escape the busier areas but still enjoy excellent food with water views. BYOB and with waterfront dining from both their indoor and outdoor sections, enjoy live music every Friday after you dock (by reservation).

Making the Most of the Season

The real advantage of LBI’s boat-accessible dining scene is the flexibility it provides. You can plan a progressive dining experience, moving from breakfast at one location to lunch at another, with plenty of time on the water in between. The protected bay waters make this kind of restaurant hopping comfortable for boaters of all experience levels.

Timing your visits around sunset adds another dimension to the experience. There’s something particularly satisfying about watching the day end from the deck of a waterfront restaurant with your boat bobbing gently at the dock nearby.

Just remember that peak season means calling ahead, especially for weekend visits. These restaurants welcome boaters, but a quick call can save you the disappointment of arriving to find no available dock space.

With weather like this and water conditions that couldn’t be better, it’s time to take advantage of what might be the best part of living near the water!

Looking for a corporate, portrait, wedding photographer? Check out Jim Givas Photography who is located in LBI!!

Check out his site here

When Hurricane Sandy devastated our store in Beach Haven we decided to open up a mainland store to have a year round presence.  That led to the opening of The Shack Board Shop in the Manahawkin Mart with an intense focus on revitalizing a once flourishing skate scene in Ocean County.

We are open on a daily basis and here to service all your skate and skim needs.

Come shop with us today!