Ship Bottom serves as the commercial heart of Long Beach Island, where Route 72 meets the island after crossing the causeway. This makes it the first point of entry for most LBI visitors and a convenient hub for shopping, dining, and services.
The town's name comes from a local legend about a shipwreck survivor found on the beach in the 1800s. Today, Ship Bottom offers a bustling downtown area along the boulevard while maintaining family-friendly beaches just a few blocks away.
Despite the commercial activity, Ship Bottom's beaches are excellent—wide, clean, and with good lifeguard coverage. The central location makes it easy to explore the entire island, and the variety of restaurants and shops means you'll find everything you need.