Beach Haven New Jersey – Dining, accomodations and attractions on Long Beach Island, LBI – Voctorian B&Bs

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Beach Haven is known as the “Queen City” and has a slogan of “six miles at sea”. The town is located about 7 miles south of the causeway on Long Beach Island. It was one of the earliest resorts on the island boasting hotels such as the Engleside, Baldwin, and Parry House.

In it’s earliest days,  Beach Haven was only accessible by boat, usually from Tuckerton. Later the railroad was extended to the island crossing the bay near the present day causeway. The railroad ran north to Barnegat Light and south as far as Beach Haven. If you happen to eat at Morrison’s restaurant, check out the two aerial photos. If you look closely you will see that one of the photos shows the remains of the track used to turn the engines around for their return journey. (Note unfortunately Morrison’s was the victim of a fire in the summer of 2005.) 

Near the railroad’s southern terminus was Koseff’s hardware store. I remember many a trip to Koseff’s in the 60’s and early 70’s for hardware and fishing supplies. The fishing counter was staffed by “Jingles” who eventually went on to open his own  bait and tackle near Hand’s department store. Koseff’s underwent a massive ‘upgrade’ some time perhaps in the early 70’s to something of a large department store. Unfortunately the upscale essence of the store was a little premature for the island. Koseff’s underwent another transformation to Pier 18 with a number of souvenir and specialty stores. That eventually evolved into the Silver Sun Mall.

Back in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, well before the massive redevelopment, Beach Haven ran at a much slower pace. I remember many trips to the Lucy Evelyn and Bay Village. My father was on the bay when the Lucy Evelyn  came into the bay. The vessel was beached at the present site of the Schooner’s Wharf. You entered through a doorway cut in her starboard side. I still remember the aromas of the various candles when you entered. For a small fee you could visit the Captain’s cabin and walk on her decks. Later on, John Maschcall built Bay Village across the street. .

Information about the borough including ordinances, beach badges and other government issues can be found at the Beach Haven Borough website. Beach badges are required.

There is a nice bathing beach and boat ramp at 9th street and the bay. Parking can be a little bit of a problem during busy times.