About
Island Beach State Park is a preserved barrier island that protects a number of natural shoreline and nearshore habitats. The park contains close to ten miles of sandy beach, an extensive shoreline along Barnegat Bay, dense maritime forests, rolling sand dunes, and tidal marshes. Island Beach is also home to foxes, ospreys, other wildlife, and more than 400 species of plants. The majority of visitors to Island Beach State Park come to swim in the ocean or surf fish from the beach. You can also enjoy other recreational pursuits in the park and see firsthand what the barrier islands of New Jersey looked like many centuries ago. Island Beach State Park is located at the southern terminus of Route 35 and is just a short drive from the boardwalks and beaches of Seaside Heights. The southern tip of the Island Beach State Park bounds one side of Barnegat Inlet and offers a beautiful view of Barnegat Lighthouse. The lighthouse is part of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park which is located on the opposite side of the inlet, on Long Beach Island. You can start at the Plan a Visit page on our website to find out when Island Beach is open and what recreational opportunities you can enjoy once you arrive. To find out about the park’s natural features you can begin at the Nature page. I hope you find the webpages helpful and that you have an opportunity to visit Island Beach State Park sometime soon!
