Hello all, can anyone describe the area and any lodging suggestions for a night or two. Seems a very congested honkytonk destination which is fine for a night. Thanks. We have an event in Tuckerton.

Beach Haven is actually quite different from how you describe it. Almost the entire stretch of Long Beach Island, maybe 20miles end to end is a strip of land ranging from about 8-10 blocks wide. Down the center is the main commercial road with shops, businesses, etc. On the ocean side are miles and miles of quiet residential houses, and beautiful, wide sandy beaches. Most everyone is there for at least a week or 2 rental, or for the summer if they own the place. The town of Beach Haven makes up about the lower 1/3 of the island, more or less.

There is a 2square block honky tonk area at the south end of Beach Haven. Fast food, rides, games, etc that is fun on a cloudy day and at night, but really the rest is sleepy beach houses and miles of beach.

There are a number of hotels in Beach Haven for shorter stays - there's one in particular that's often recommended here on Fodors - I think it's the Engleside inn (http://www.engleside.com/)

Ditto what J62 said. I spent my childhood summers in Beach Haven, LBI, and met my husband there, so I have lots of wonderful memories. Still visit and (with my siblings) own a family rental home there - it's not honky tonk at all, very residential. The Engleside is a nice place, close to the "action" as J62 described. Also check out Spray Beach Hotel and the Mariner, if you want to be a little away from the fray. Spray Beach is on the ocean, Mariner on the main drag about two blocks from the beach:

http://lbiinns.com/

P.S. On Saturdays in the summer (indeed also Friday and Sundays) the traffic can be horrendous, so take that into consideration...

Thanks for setting me straight, which is a relief! Will check out engleside and others. Any word on Coral Seas's? So appreciated

Thanks so much. I've booked 2 nights at the Mariner! Looking forward to seeing a new area!

Hey gyppie, this is so ironic...I grew up 5 blocks away from the Mariner! I have a fond memory of getting caught by the owner (this is a very small motel) swimming in the pool as a teenager. They called my mom and she had to drive over and pick up my girlfriend and I! Hee hee have a fun time and think of me when you see the pool!

P.S. The ocean is so very beautiful from a beachfront balcony...if you're spending much time "in the room", and if budget allows, do reconsider one of the beachfront hotels (but of course be careful to get an oceanfront room at such a hotel).