Island Beach State Park

Island Beach State Park is a preserved barrier island off the coastline of New Jersey just south of the popular beach town of Seaside Heights. It contains nearly ten miles of beach and is an excellent location for swimming, sunbathing and fishing during the summer months.

Natural beachfront

Since Island Beach State Park is a preserved area, the natural coastline area is home to over 400 species of plants. Animal life in the area includes red foxes and ospreys. Bird watchers can also enjoy this area, as there are several dozen types of birds in the park throughout the seasons. Just inland from the beach are natural sand dunes, and beyond these sit beautiful maritime forests.

Native American history

The park, like many other state parks across the country, was originally inhabited by Native Americans. In particular, the Lenape tribes made this area home during the summers until the middle of the 18th century. Just like many people who live in New Jersey now, the Lenape lived in permanent settlements on the mainland and traveled to the area that is now Island Beach State Park seasonally. They hunted waterfowl and shorebirds, fished and gathered shellfish.

Island Beach State Park is a terrific place to visit during the summer months. The ten miles of coastline means that beach-goers are sure to find a perfect spot in the sand to sunbathe and relax. By fishing and swimming, visitors are performing the same activities the Lenape Indians used to do on this very spot hundreds of years before.