Gatehouse and Visitor Center

Beautiful park! Will definitely be back. Was there end of March with my dog, we visited the beach and cove trail and I picked upwards to 10 ticks off him over the next 24 hours!! Skip that if you take your pup.

Great, quiet place to enjoy the shore. No boardwalk.

Island beach state park is our go-to Jersey shore destination. You won't find arcades, or rides here. Just natural scrub area and beaches. If you have a permit you can drive up on the beach with your vehicle (assuming it is properly equipped). They even provide air and water stations along the roadway after your done driving through-incase you need to deflate your tires to ride on the beach. I found it nice to have a place to air up my bicycle tires along the route. I have cycled here, kyaked the bay, and just lounged on the beach. At swimming area 1 there is a restaurant with facilities and a bar which is nice in the evening (sometimes they have live music) and it isn't too crowded. You don't get the riff Raff of seaside heights. It's a grown up version of the Jersey shore. Great place to bring the kids to the beach as there are little distractions from the natural beauty of the ocean and bay. There are walking nature trails, places to surf fish, and you will often see surfers out by the breakers. There is a $5 entry fee, and it does get busy on weekends in the summer. Park will close to motorists if the lots are full, so be aware of that. Cyclists and those on foot can still enter, even if the parking lots are full.

IBSP...great spot for fishing and star gazing

Probably the most beautiful place in New Jersey. Miles of ocean beaches and bay beaches, and a staff eager to discuss the flora and fauna. Island Beach State Park is truly a delightful place, with something for every age and level of activity.