If you ask anyone who lives in New Jersey to name one geographic or cultural aspect that defines the state, the vast majority of people will say the Jersey Shore. From reality television to reality itself, the Jersey Shore has always been idealized and praised by not only those who reside in New Jersey, but by inhabitants of other locations as well. Growing up, I spent portions of most summers on Long Beach Island, or LBI, where my week-long family sojourns never failed to make my yearly highlight reel. Although it may not be the most thrilling, exotic, or adventurous vacation destination on the planet, but it will always hold a place in my heart and comprise a large part of my favorite childhood memories. What’s so great about LBI, you might ask?

1. The Beaches (Obviously):

There isn’t much need to go too into depth with this first point. From Holgate, to Beach Haven, to Surf City, to Barnegat Light, exist 18 miles’ worth of tranquil ocean-side relaxation. Naturally, there are beaches on Long Beach Island, and this is the first and foremost allure to tourists and vacationers.

2. Food:

If you don’t enjoy seafood of any persuasion, LBI might just change that. Regardless, all different kinds of delicious food can be found on the island. Restaurant after restaurant line the roads inundated with beachgoers, cyclists, and frustrated families stuck in traffic. One of my personal favorite eateries is Neptune Market, located in Harvey Cedars. Whether you’re just looking to pick up a few groceries, need a breakfast sandwich to start off your day, or need a tasty burger following a long day at the beach, Neptune Market can deliver. Moreover, Long Beach also has higher end restaurants. Wherever you go, it would be a sin not to try the clam chowder. Finally, let’s not forget the innumerable ice cream parlors strewn across the island that always make for great late-night snack stops.

3. Entertainment:

If you’ve ever been to LBI, you know exactly where this is going: Fantasy Island. A combination amusement park, arcade, and mini golf course, Fantasy Island is every kid’s dream. You can ride iconic attractions like the ferris wheel, challenge your friends and family to a game of mini-golf, and spend hours on end putting money into games and machines that won’t yield you many tickets. Additionally, Thundering Surf waterpark provides another alternative to going to the ocean. Finally, aside from the mini-golf course at Fantasy Island, there is no shortage of other putt-putt places across the island. In fact, mini-golf places are like Starbucks on Long Beach Island: there seems to be one on every block.

4. Sightseeing and Leisure Activities:

Long Beach Island’s most notable sight is Barnegat Light, a historic lighthouse that you can walk up to the top of and soak in the views of the Atlantic, the mainland, and the rest of the island. There is also a museum and nature walk next to this historic landmark. Additionally, one can go fishing and boating on the bay or on the ocean. If sightseeing is not really your thing, there is a large complex of shops called Bay Village. The stores in Bay Village sell a variety of different products, including clothing, jewelry, toys, and souvenirs. Finally, if you like water sports and water activities, there are countless places to rent kayaks, canoes, jet skis, as well as go wakeboarding, waterskiing, and parasailing.

Long Beach Island is more than just a collection of beaches. It is a place where typically tacky tourist attractions are transmuted into childhood and family memories, where rental homes become second homes, and where there is never a shortage of sand being dragged around the house. It is, in fact, a wonderful place.