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Ship Bottom Beach essentials
Parking
10+ public lots nearby, closest 0.6 mi away
Lifeguards
Lifeguard-supervised beach (seasonal)
Picnic tables
1 mapped nearby
Food & drink
2 restaurants, cafés & bars nearby
Mapped by volunteers on OpenStreetMap within about ¾ mile of the beach. Rules, fees and lifeguard hours change by season, so check posted signs. Updated September 2026. Data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Something missing? Add it on OpenStreetMap
Beach Report is an informational guide from public data, not a substitute for lifeguards or official National Weather Service warnings. Always check posted signs and swim near a lifeguard.
About Ship Bottom Beach
Ship Bottom is known as the 'Gateway to Long Beach Island' — the Ocean County town where the causeway from the mainland lands on the island. It combines an accessible family beach with shops and services near the bridge, making it a common first stop for LBI visitors. Swimming centers on the summer with guarded beaches. Water temperature follows the open Atlantic — cool and bracing in the 60s°F in June, warming through July into the low-to-mid 70s°F by August and early September, then cooling through the fall. The beach faces open ocean, so surf and rip currents vary with the weather — the live conditions and safety flag above show today's picture.
Ship Bottom Beach FAQ
When is the best time to visit Ship Bottom?
Peak summer brings the warmest water and full beach operations. June and September are cooler and quieter.
How warm does the water get at Ship Bottom?
From the low 60s°F in June to about the low-to-mid 70s°F by late summer, cooling in autumn. Check the live reading above.
Is Ship Bottom a good place to start an LBI trip?
Yes — as the gateway to Long Beach Island, it’s an easy first stop. The beach faces the open Atlantic, so follow the safety flag and rip-current risk above and swim near a lifeguard.
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