Sand Castle B&B, Long Beach Island
Jersey pearl: a low-key beach haven on Long Beach Island.

From the March 24, 2003 Issue of New York

The Sand Castle B&B at the northern tip of Long Beach Island is mercifully distant from the honky-tonk of water slides and mini-golf that most New Yorkers associate with the Jersey Shore. Here, the busiest attractions are the dunes surrounding the picturesque Barnegat Lighthouse. Climb “Old Barney” or just stroll the trails of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. Pedal the bike lanes on Bayview Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard or tee off at one of the three nearby (real) golf courses: Ocean County, Ocean Acres, and Sea Oaks. Each of the Sand Castle’s guest rooms has a private entrance, bay or pool views, and a fireplace. Ask for Egret’s Landing, named for its exceptional view of an active nesting area. The Sand Castle’s breakfast scones, blueberry French toast, and eggs Benedict are all first-rate. For dinner, head to the Octopus’s Garden in Surf City for terrific seafood, and try the house specialty—pan-seared scallops with artichoke hearts and mushrooms.

-- Sandy Soule