Island Beach State Park

WOW! Great news, after I posted a blog on NJ beaches last week I stumble across an article in today's paper about my favorite beach, Island Beach State Park.  Men's Fitness magazine named  IBSP as on of the 10 hot spots to visit in the Summer. National Recognition... There goes the neighborhood!

Did you ever think that a Beach in NJ would be named in a top 10 list?

Island beach is located just south of seaside, it is the southern most tip of the barrier Island that starts with Point Pleasant beach. What makes it so special is that it is a preserved barrier island, approximately 10 miles of shore line on both the ocean and bay side. (so over 20 Miles of water) Here is a Birdseye view:

There is almost no development in the park other than 3 bath houses on the first 3 beaches, the old governors mansion, a nature center. Other than a few outhouses, you wont see many structures on the island. The Road in the park is a straight run right up the middle, and is over 7 miles long. There are parking areas hidden through out the 7 mile stretch. On the ocean side this is one of the only places you can drive on the beach (4x4 necessary with a permit) and one of the only places in NJ that I know that allows you to have a fire on the beach. (South of the bathing beaches at least).  The park has rolling sand dunes, maritime forests, tidal marshes and of course wild life, Fox, Osprey an more. 

The Bay side is where you will find tidal marshes and many small islands on the southern end, great for Kayaking and nature watching. About half way down the Island on the bay side is "Tices Shoal" a narrow point in the island it is a popular anchorage in the summer with and easy walk across the island to the ocean beach.

There are not many places you can go and enjoy a place so Untouched by man. You can be on a beach without being crowded and enjoy a true get away, Definately worthy of a visit!

I hope you enjoyed the quick Tour!

Have a great weekend

Rob

Robert Rauf

www.RobertRaufHomeloans.com