Where Holgate is (and what it is)
Holgate starts at Nelson Avenue, the southern boundary of Beach Haven borough, and runs south to Beach Haven Inlet. Although most Holgate addresses read "Beach Haven, NJ 08008," the section belongs to Long Beach Township — a distinction that matters for beach badges, parking rules, and municipal services. From downtown Beach Haven it's a five-minute drive south on Long Beach Boulevard, which makes Holgate popular with families who want Beach Haven's restaurants and amusements close by without staying in the middle of them.
Beaches in Holgate
Holgate's ocean beaches are wide and noticeably less crowded than Beach Haven's, guarded in season at designated streets. Because Holgate is Long Beach Township, the LBT beach badge applies here — one badge covers every township section from Loveladies down to Holgate, one of the best-value badges on the island. The surf near the inlet can run stronger than mid-island; swim at guarded beaches.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
The southern end of Holgate is the Holgate Unit of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge — an undeveloped stretch of beach, dune, and tidal marsh running to Beach Haven Inlet. It's one of New Jersey's most important nesting grounds for piping plovers, so the refuge closes every year from April 1 through August 31. From September through March it reopens for birding, shell-hunting, and surf fishing, and walking to the island's very tip is one of the great off-season LBI experiences.
Parking in Holgate
Street parking in Holgate is free, with Long Beach Township's seasonal side-of-street rules in effect (no parking on easterly/southerly sides 9am Wednesday through 9am Sunday, May 1 – September 30). At the southern end, near the refuge entrance, the township operates a pay lot — the easiest option for refuge walkers and surf fishermen in the open season.
Where to Eat in Holgate
Holgate keeps it simple. Bowker's South Beach Deli & Grill is the local staple for breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and cheesesteaks. For everything else, downtown Beach Haven's restaurant row — the densest dining scene on LBI — is five minutes north.
Holgate FAQ
Is Holgate part of Beach Haven?
No. Holgate is a section of Long Beach Township, even though its mailing addresses say "Beach Haven, NJ 08008." Beach Haven borough ends at Nelson Avenue; everything south of that line is Holgate. That means Long Beach Township beach badges and parking rules apply, not Beach Haven's.
Can you walk to the southern tip of LBI at Holgate?
Yes, from September 1 through March 31, when the Holgate Unit of the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is open — the walk to Beach Haven Inlet crosses undeveloped refuge beach. The refuge is closed April 1 through August 31 to protect nesting piping plovers.
What beach badge do I need in Holgate?
A Long Beach Township badge — Holgate is a township section, so the LBT badge applies, and the same badge also covers every other township section from Brant Beach up to Loveladies.
Who Holgate is best for
Families who want Beach Haven's amenities a short drive away without the crowds, surf fishermen, birders, and anyone drawn to the quietest, wildest end of the island.
Nearby on the island
