Under $100: Long Beach Island

While the sand and seashore are popular in the summer, there is plenty to do in LBI year-round.

After May rolls around, you will need a beach badge to enjoy the beautiful coastline of LBI. Thankfully, badges are $20 if purchased by July 15 and are valid until Labor Day. For short visits, you can buy a daily badge for $5. After Labor Day, you can enjoy the beach for free and after Oct. 1, you can also bring your dogs with you as long as you clean up after them.

Schooner’s Wharf © Andrew Kazmierski | Dreamstime

If you’re nearby LBI in the fall, head to the famous Chowderfest festival that begins Oct.1. Restaurants come together from all over the island to compete for the title of the best red or white chowder, and many offer free samples.

For breakfast on LBI, you can’t go wrong with the classic LBI Pancake House. This LBI staple was featured on Restaurant Impossible with Robert Irvine after Hurricane Sandy, and has remained an integral part of the community. Most of their breakfast specials range from $7.75 to $9.99, and are not complete without a glass of their fresh-squeezed orange juice.

© Eileencpa | Dreamstime

For lunch, visit Bay Village in Beach Haven for some cute nautical shops, and LBI staples like homemade fudge and chowder. The best chowder on the island, arguably, is at Country Kettle Chowda. They offer New England Clam, Rhode Island Red, Lobster Bisque and a refreshing Gazpacho. It’s a filling lunch for less than $10.

If you’re sticking around for dinner, there are loads of seafood restaurants available, but they’re usually pricey. Instead, grab a quick slice of pizza at Panzone’s or enjoy a sit-down meal at Wally’s for a meal ranging from $10–15.95.