Long Beach Island, NJ

Beach Blanket Bingo

On LBI, the beach is the main attraction. But before you plop down that blanket, it's a good idea to brush up on the local laws. LBI is made up of various towns, each with its own beach patrol (lifeguards are on duty during the day) and beach badge requirements -- which can be confusing to first-timers. Here's how it works:

• To sit on a beach you need a badge, which you can get from your motel (most offer complimentary badges). Or you can buy a daily or weekly badge from the town itself.
• Badges are only required during the daytime, late June to Labor Day. Note that a badge only allows you to sit on that town's beach.
• If you want to beach hop, you'll need to purchase additional badges, so it'a best to do some location scouting ahead of time, and settle on a favorite beach for the week. Families with little kids may prefer one of the calmer Bay spots, such as the popular 68th Street Beach in Brant Beach.
• If your pleasure is walking the beaches, you won't need a badge at all, and you're free to walk across the borders.