The gateway town to Long Beach Island, where traffic from the Route 72 causeway first reaches the beach.
Ocean County·South Shore·Official site ↗
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The gateway town to Long Beach Island, where traffic from the Route 72 causeway first reaches the beach. Ship Bottom has a more practical, commercial feel than some LBI towns, with surf shops, restaurants, rentals, and services clustered along Long Beach Boulevard. Its beaches remain central, but the town's identity is also tied to arrival, access, and the rhythm of getting on and off the island.
dogs
Dogs restricted during summer season
tents
Tents and canopies allowed — no restrictions
smoking
Smoking banned on all NJ public beaches (state law since 2019). Fines $250–$1,000
glass
Glass containers prohibited on beach
alcohol
Alcohol prohibited on beach (local ordinance)
Ship Bottom Beach
Route 830 bus from Toms River; causeway entrance town
First stop on LBI from mainland
NJ Transit 830 — Ship Bottom
18 miles, six towns, one causeway in.
66°
Sunny
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued May 18 at 2:52AM EDT until May 19 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
✈Rip current risk HIGH along entire NJ coast
Avoid swimming beyond waist-depth. Swim near lifeguards only.
Today
70°
Mostly Sunny
Tonight
61°
Partly Cloudy
Tuesday
74°
Mostly Sunny
Tuesday Night
64°
Partly Cloudy
Wednesday
76°
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Wednesday Night
56°
Showers And Thunderstorms