Ever since I can remember, I've been going to Long Beach Island, N.J. for summer vacations. I may be a little biased, but it's definitely one of the best places in the world. Here are some of my favorite parts of LBI.
1. The Beach
Now, this one is a given. How can you not love relaxing on the beach? Sitting on the beach all day is the best thing to do. Not only can you swim in the water and go surfing, but you can build sandcastles and play Kan Jam in the sand.
2. Mini golfing
Even though we're older now, mini golfing is still so much fun. Whether you play a competitive game or are just having some fun, it's something to do on the island after a day at the beach. You can enter tournaments in the mornings at places such as The Sand Trap and Hartland Golf.
3. Bike riding
While in LBI, it's easy to tell that biking is a common activity. Instead of simply walking around, biking is a quicker way of getting around. Take a trip to Wawa or just get to know the island; it's a great form of exercise.
4. Fantasy Island
Fantasy Island is a small-scale amusement park that's great for a night out. You can visit the arcade and play games or walk around outside, which includes boardwalk style games and rides. Some of my favorite rides are the Sea Dragon and the ferris wheel. Not only is it a fun place to visit, but it's great for a summer job too. I worked there one summer and it was perfect because I got to spend days at the beach and spend my nights working at the park.
5. Climbing the Lighthouse
Make a trip down to the end of the island and climb the lighthouse. It's a beautiful sight and you can wander around near the water.
6. Parasailing
Get over your fear of heights and try parasailing; it's definitely worth the view. You can get a glimpse of most of the island. Grab a friend and you can do two people on one parasail. It's more fun with someone to share the experience with. Sometimes the boat drivers will even dip you underwater.
7. Paddle boarding
Paddle boarding is a great workout for your core. It helps with balance and is so much fun. While paddle boarding, you can get closer to the little grasslands in the water, which include diverse wildlife. I've seen a lot of snapping turtles while paddle boarding.
8. Fishing
If you're a skilled fisher, sign up for a charter boat. If not, try renting a small boat or just fish off a dock. It's entertaining to see what you can catch and it's also a relaxing hobby. You can fish for hours while sunbathing at the same time. When you get bored, take a dip in the water.
