Stafford Township · Southern Ocean County · LBI Gateway

Manahawkin Visiting & Lodging

Manahawkin is more than the mainland stop before Long Beach Island. Stafford Township combines a historic village and freshwater lake, a large lagoon community in Beach Haven West, inland recreation in Ocean Acres, a seasonal bay beach, major community events, regional shopping and direct Route 72 access to the barrier island.

NJTGO uses this Manahawkin page as the visitor guide for Manahawkin, Stafford Township, Beach Haven West and Ocean Acres.

Manahawkin LakeHeritage ParkA. Paul King County ParkBeach Haven West Jennifer Lane Bay BeachOcean AcresHistoric ManahawkinLong Beach Island Gateway

Manahawkin Home Business & Shopping Food & Drink Real Estate Classifieds Jobs

Why Visit Manahawkin & Stafford?

48-Acre County ParkA. Paul King County Park on Manahawkin Lake

2 Swimming Settingsfreshwater Manahawkin Lake and bayfront Jennifer Lane Bay Beach in season

Historic Villagechurch, railroad station, Old Stone Store, Cavalry Cottage and walking-tour history

Direct LBI GatewayRoute 72 provides Stafford Township's direct connection to Long Beach Island

Four Visitor Experiences in One Stafford Township Guide

Historic & Civic Core Manahawkin Manahawkin Lake, Heritage Park, historic buildings, local restaurants, Southern Regional, the library, healthcare and Route 9/Route 72 shopping make this the main visitor-service center.

Lagoon & Bay Beach Haven West Waterfront residential community east of the Parkway with extensive lagoons, boating culture, Jennifer Lane Bay Beach and fast access toward the Long Beach Island causeway.

Inland Recreation Ocean Acres Large residential community west of the Parkway with Ocean Acres Lake Park, neighborhood recreation and convenient access to western Route 72.

Municipal Umbrella Stafford Township Township recreation, history, events, parks and public services connect all of these visitor experiences into one Southern Ocean County destination.

Manahawkin Lake: The Heart of the Community

Manahawkin Lake anchors the historic part of Stafford Township and brings together Township and Ocean County recreation. The lakefront includes Manahawkin Lake Park, nearby Heritage Park and A. Paul King County Park.

Manahawkin Lake ParkRoute 9 and North Lakeshore Drive. Township facilities include a bike trail, pavilion, picnic tables, playground, restrooms and walking track.

A. Paul King County Park2 West Bay Avenue. The 48-acre Ocean County park offers basketball, fishing, picnic areas, playground, accessible restrooms and seasonal guarded freshwater swimming.

Seasonal SwimmingOcean County's 2026 schedule opened the A. Paul King swimming beach on June 11. Swimming is permitted only when lifeguards are on duty.

Lakefront EventsConcerts, markets, environmental programs and other Stafford Township activities use the lakefront throughout the year.

Sunset & Picnic StopThe lake is one of Stafford's easiest places to combine a walk, playground visit, picnic and evening community event.

FishingA. Paul King County Park includes freshwater fishing opportunities, subject to current New Jersey fishing requirements.

Heritage Park & Historic Manahawkin

Stafford Township's preserved historic buildings are concentrated near Manahawkin Lake and Heritage Park, creating a compact cultural area that can be explored as part of a walking visit.

Old Manahawkin Baptist ChurchThe historic church at 120 North Main Street is one of the community's key preserved landmarks and can be reserved for selected ceremonies through the Stafford Township Historical Society.

Manahawkin Railroad StationThe 1872 station recalls the era when rail connections helped turn Manahawkin into the mainland gateway for Long Beach Island tourism.

Old Stone StoreHistoric structure preserved through Stafford Township and the Stafford Township Historical Society.

Cavalry CottageOne of Stafford's oldest preserved buildings, connected with the community's early colonial and Revolutionary-era history.

Historic CemeteriesThe Stafford Township Historical Society preserves several cemeteries and local memorial resources.

Walking-Tour MarkersHistoric markers identify important existing and vanished sites around the older Manahawkin village area.

Beach Haven West & Jennifer Lane Bay Beach

Beach Haven West is Stafford Township's large lagoon community and the area's strongest connection to Manahawkin Bay and Barnegat Bay.

Jennifer Lane Bay BeachStafford Township's seasonal guarded bay beach in Beach Haven West. There is no admission fee or beach badge requirement.

2026 Guarded SeasonWeekend lifeguard coverage began May 23. Beginning June 15, Stafford lists daily guarding from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. through Labor Day, weather permitting.

Lagoon CommunityBeach Haven West's extensive canal network gives the neighborhood its distinctive boating and waterfront character.

Route 72 AccessThe community sits close to Stafford's Route 72 commercial corridor and the causeway leading to Long Beach Island.

Water access planning: Jennifer Lane Bay Beach is a seasonal municipal swimming location. Weather, water-quality conditions and lifeguard staffing can affect access, so verify current status before making a special trip.

Ocean Acres & Inland Recreation

Ocean Acres adds a quieter inland side to the Stafford visitor experience.

Ocean Acres Lake ParkBuccaneer Lane park with basketball, tennis, playground, picnic shelters, grills, picnic tables and restrooms.

Neighborhood ParksNautilus Park, Lighthouse Park and other Township facilities provide additional playground and recreation space.

Community CenterOcean Acres Community Center hosts Township programs and selected community events.

Western Route 72Ocean Acres is close to Stafford Park shopping, restaurants, services and Garden State Parkway access.

2026 Stafford Township Events

Manahawkin Lake and Heritage Park are central to Stafford Township's event calendar.

Founders Day ParadeJune 13, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Summer Pop-Up MarketsMonday evenings July 6 through August 31, beginning at 5 p.m. and running to dusk.

Summer Concert SeriesMonday evenings July 6 through August 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Manahawkin Lake Park pavilion.

Green FairJuly 27, 2026 from 4–7 p.m. at Manahawkin Lake Park.

National Night Out & Cardboard Boat RegattaAugust 4, 2026 beginning at 5 p.m.

Fall Harvest & Wine FestivalOctober 10–11, 2026 from noon–5 p.m.

Holiday Wonderland & Christmas MarketDecember 12, 2026 at Heritage Park.

Hooked on FishingAugust 31, 2026 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Events can change: Stafford Township notes that dates are subject to weather conditions and schedule changes. Always check the current municipal calendar before planning around a specific event.

Gateway to Long Beach Island

Route 72 makes Manahawkin and Stafford Township the mainland gateway to Long Beach Island. That role shapes local shopping, dining, lodging and summer traffic.

Ship Bottom FirstCrossing the Route 72 causeway brings travelers directly into Ship Bottom, where Route 72 meets the island's north-south roads.

North on LBISurf City, North Beach, Harvey Cedars, Loveladies and Barnegat Light are reached by turning north after the causeway.

South on LBILong Beach Township communities and Beach Haven are reached by turning south after entering the island.

Summer TrafficFriday afternoons, Saturday changeover periods and Sunday departures can produce heavy Route 72 traffic. Build extra time into Shore travel plans.

Dining Before or After the Beach

Manahawkin is one of the best mainland dining stops before crossing onto Long Beach Island. The East Bay Avenue/LBI gateway area is especially strong for seafood, steak, oysters, craft beer and casual Shore dining, while Route 72 adds diners, pizza, Italian, Asian and quick-service choices.

Explore the full guide: See Manahawkin Food & Drink on NJTGO.

Shopping & Visitor Services

Route 72 and Stafford Park make Manahawkin the principal mainland stock-up center for many Long Beach Island visitors. Grocery stores, warehouse clubs, pharmacies, sporting goods, beach supplies, automotive services and healthcare are concentrated along the corridor.

Explore the full guide: See Manahawkin Business & Shopping on NJTGO.

Where to Stay in Manahawkin

Manahawkin has a limited conventional hotel inventory, but its location near the Garden State Parkway and Long Beach Island causeway makes it a useful mainland base.

Hotel Holiday Inn Manahawkin/Long Beach Island 151 Route 72 West
Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-481-6100

Full-service hotel near the Long Beach Island gateway with an indoor pool, on-site dining at The Mainland Kitchen + Pub, arcade/karts and event facilities. Verify current rates, availability, policies and amenities directly before booking.

Need more lodging choices? Visitors can also consider hotels, motels, inns and vacation rentals on Long Beach Island and in nearby Southern Ocean County communities. Availability and minimum-stay policies can vary sharply by season.

Lodging listing policy: Basic NJTGO lodging listings do not include direct commercial website or reservation links. Website links, expanded descriptions, photographs, logos and featured placement are paid enhancements.

Three Easy Stafford Township Itineraries

History & Lake Day

Begin around Heritage Park and North Main Street.
See the historic church, railroad station and preserved village buildings.
Walk around Manahawkin Lake Park.
Picnic or use recreation facilities at A. Paul King County Park.
Finish with dinner along Route 9, Route 72 or East Bay Avenue.

Bay & Beach Haven West Day

Explore the Beach Haven West lagoon area.
Visit Jennifer Lane Bay Beach during the guarded season.
Stop for seafood or another meal along East Bay Avenue.
Continue east toward the Long Beach Island causeway for sunset or an island evening.

Ocean Acres + Evening Event

Start at Ocean Acres Lake Park.
Use Stafford Park or Route 72 for lunch and shopping.
Return to historic Manahawkin in late afternoon.
On event nights, finish with a market or concert at Manahawkin Lake.

Getting to Manahawkin

Garden State ParkwayExit 63 is the principal highway access for Manahawkin, Stafford Township and the Route 72 Long Beach Island corridor.

Route 72The major east-west route through Stafford, linking inland Ocean County with Manahawkin, Beach Haven West and Long Beach Island.

U.S. Route 9The historic local route through Manahawkin connects Barnegat to the north with Eagleswood and Tuckerton to the south.

ParkingParking varies by attraction. Township parks and event areas may have special traffic or shuttle plans during large events.

Accessibility & Seasonal Planning

A. Paul King County ParkOcean County lists handicap-accessible restrooms and accessible park areas.

Jennifer Lane Bay BeachContact Stafford Recreation for current accessibility details, guarded-swimming status and seasonal operating information.

Historic SitesHistoric structures can have older building configurations. Contact the Historical Society before visiting if step-free access or other accommodations are essential.

Summer ConditionsHeat, thunderstorms, traffic and seasonal crowds can affect plans. Bring water, sun protection and extra travel time during peak Shore weekends.

Nearby Communities & Day Trips

Barnegat Mainland Ocean County community north of Stafford with historic, bayfront and nature-oriented attractions. Ship Bottom The first Long Beach Island community reached directly from Stafford Township via Route 72. Surf City Popular Long Beach Island beach community a short drive north after crossing the causeway.

Beach Haven Southern Long Beach Island destination with beaches, entertainment, restaurants, shopping and maritime history.

Eagleswood Rural and bay-oriented township immediately south of Stafford.

Tuckerton Historic Southern Ocean County borough with maritime heritage, local dining and regional attractions.

Official Visitor Resources

Manahawkin Lake Park Current Township park features, location and facility information. A. Paul King County Park Current park hours, seasonal swimming, fishing, playground, picnic and accessibility information. Jennifer Lane Bay Beach Current lifeguard season, hours, weather notes and free-admission information. Manahawkin Lake Events Current Stafford Township festival, concert, market and seasonal event schedule. Stafford Township History Historic Manahawkin, tourism, Beach Haven West, Ocean Acres and Historical Society resources. Ocean Acres Lake Park Current park features, recreation facilities and location information. Stafford Township Recreation Community programs, parks, concerts, bay beach, markets, events and seasonal activities. Stafford Township Calendar Current municipal and recreation event dates.

Visitor Information Disclaimer

Park hours, lifeguard coverage, water quality, swimming status, event dates, traffic conditions, hotel availability, rates and seasonal operations can change. Verify time-sensitive information directly with Stafford Township, Ocean County or the lodging provider before making a special trip or reservation.

Reach Manahawkin & Stafford Township Visitors on NJTGO

Lodging providers, restaurants, attractions and visitor-oriented businesses can ask about enhanced listings with website links, photographs, logos, expanded descriptions, Local Business Spotlight placement and Townwide Placement across the Manahawkin/Stafford page set.

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