Kid-Friendly LBI Beaches With Convenient Parking

Finding the right beach spot can get complicated before anyone reaches the sand. Chairs, umbrellas, coolers, beach bags, and kids still have to make it from the car to the beach. When comparing LBI beaches with convenient parking, the closest spot isn't always the most useful. The walk to the entrance, nearby restrooms, and the kind of beach access at that street can matter just as much.

Beach Haven gives visitors several ways to plan where to park. The borough says public parking is free and lists ocean-side parking areas at Taylor Avenue, Centre Street, Engleside Avenue, Amber Street, Coral Street, Pearl Street and Marine Street. Another public parking area sits a half block south of Nelson Avenue, and street parking is available throughout Beach Haven. That gives beachgoers several starting points instead of sending everyone toward one main lot.

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Distance still matters. Someone carrying only towels may not care about a few extra blocks. Parents moving chairs, kids, and a cooler in a wagon probably will. Beach Haven also lists public restrooms and rinse stations at the Centre Street Beach Patrol building. Looking at the parking and restroom locations together can help narrow down which part of town works for the day.

Planning is key for Surf City. Swimming areas can change during the guarded beach season. They may vary from year to year or week to week due to the surf and sandbars. If you decide to park first and then try to find the guarded beach, you may end up with a long walk. It's best to look up where the swimming area is before you choose which beach block to park on.

Harvey Cedars, NJ, also has a bay beach on West 75th Street. The borough lists it as one of its guarded beaches during the full season. If you're planning to go, check the current lifeguard schedule and posted parking restrictions. Find out how far you'll have to walk from a legal parking space to that beach.

Make sure you can get to the beach. Ship Bottom has accessible dune walkovers at 15th and 20th Streets. The borough also lists ramp access at various beach entrances. It states that Mobi-Mats are available on most beach streets. You may want to park a little farther away if that gives you an easier route to the beach with a wheelchair, walker, or another mobility device.

Time of day can play a part as well. Parking may be limited near the beach entrance you want to use. You may walk less if you choose a different beach entrance. Know a couple of other nearby options when driving to the beach.

Plan out your beach trip. Where are you going to park? How far will you walk? Are there bathrooms nearby? Will everyone be able to use that beach entrance? During the guarded beach season, will you be near the lifeguards that day?

Check seasonal restroom and access-mat availability before visiting, and follow posted parking restrictions.

When looking at LBI beaches that offer easy parking, ask yourself if the parking, beach entrance, and bathrooms work for the people using them. You may need an easier route for a wagon if you're spending the day at the beach. Or you may only be spending an hour or two at the beach with your partner.

Parking, bathroom, beach access, and lifeguard information comes from the municipal websites of Beach Haven, Surf City, Ship Bottom, and Harvey Cedars.

Related LBI reference: https://lbilocals.com/long-beach-island-family-friendly-beaches/