Brigantine Island and my only reason to visit Atlantic City

We’re almost at the end of our five week road trip to the Jersey Shore and that means one last mini road trip heading north of Ocean City to Brigantine Island and Atlantic City.

I’m not a gambler, and I also remember how Atlantic City use to be when I grew up in the area. That being said I’m not too fond of what it’s become, so I limited my time there to what I consider the only reason to visit Atlantic City, The White House Sub Shop.

But that’s enough of a tease for now, let’s get started with Brigantine Island.

As we enter the Island over the causeway (the only way in and out of Brigantine by car) we come upon the Brigantine Lighthouse.

The Brigantine Lighthouse was built in 1926 by the Island Development Real Estate Company to attract people to Brigantine Beach Island and has never been an operating lighthouse. Over the years, it has served as the headquarters for the Brigantine Police Department, as a museum and a gift shop. After some serious renovations, it’s now become just a familiar landmark.

Driving up to the north end of the Island we find Brigantine short but sweet boardwalk. Brigantines boardwalk is a bit more than a quarter of a mile of concrete walkway on top of a seawall, but everyone seems to enjoy it even if they’re the only boards are for sitting on, not walking.

The beach at the north end of town is often quite empty because of its location and because of the greenheads that are sometimes present. This beach is closer to the marsh area and sometimes suffers the consequences of the super flies that inhabit the island.

Continuing our drive around the bay side of Brigantine we found a beautiful marina area that also had a protected swimming area.

There was also a small beach where the paddle boarders could enter the waterway easily.

But we wanted a beach to sit on, so we kept driving around the island until we came to the southern end of Brigantine where the ocean is not so close to the marshes of the bay area, which meant free of flies. (hopefully)

Parking we walked about two blocks through the dense foliage that separates the community from the beach.

And then we had a little bit of a walk along a very firm sanded area (which made walking a lot easier) as we got closer to the water.

What awaited us was well worth the walk, as we found a delicious breeze and a beautiful firm beach to walk on. (and thankfully no flies)

After a delightful walk on the Brigantine Beach we drove around the area looking for our new fantasy home. I think this one will do.

And then it was time to eat! I know there are a lot of great restaurants in Atlantic City, great shopping at the Outlets, and the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk. But sadly the madness I find up there just isn’t worth the time and trouble to park just to venture out on what use to be the premier vacation destination of the east coast.

I spent many nights walking that boardwalk in my teenage years and saw a lot of popular bands at the steel pier. Those are memories I don’t want to erase by going back up on the boardwalk the way it is now.

One thing that hasn’t changed in Atlantic City since they opened the White House Sub Shop in 1946, is the delicious submarine sandwiches they make there. From their Famous Italian Sub or White House Special ( famous Italian sub with extra meat), Cheesesteaks, Meatball Subs, and my favorite growing up a Cheeseburger Sub! All on the best sub bread you’ll ever have!!