Long Branch, New Jersey started as a hot summer resort filled with sun, sea, gambling and horse racing for newly-monied players from Philadelphia and New York City. With its heyday behind it by the end of the 19th century, the once-bustling town entered a period of economic decline. In recent years, however, the "Friendly City" has leveled most of its waterfront area, rebuilding from the ground up to reinvent itself as one the Jersey Shore's premier vacation spots. Long Branch is once again courting visitors to its beaches, boardwalk and bevy of shops and restaurants.
Municipal Beaches
- A wide stretch of pristine, white-sand beach is Long Branch's main attraction. While 2012's Hurricane Sandy caused extensive damage, the municipal beaches are back in business. These beaches are not free, however; to put flip-flops to sand, beach-goers between the ages of 14 and 62 must purchase a beach tag. But it's worth the nominal fee to enjoy the surf and view. Dolphins splash just beyond the breakers and tanned vacationers swim, build sandcastles and play volleyball. Licensed fishing is permitted in designated areas. In addition, surfers like Sam Hammer, a well-known name in New Jersey surfing, often hang 10 at Pavilion Avenue Beach and an area referred to as "The Pit" at Brighton Avenue.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
- President Ulysses S. Grant had a summer home on Ocean Avenue in Long Branch, while President James A. Garfield attempted to recuperate at the shore after a gunshot wound. In all, seven presidents vacationed in Long Branch during its gilded age, so it's not surprising that one of the town's best-known attractions is Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park. Operated by the Monmouth County Park System, the 38-acre park has slightly higher beach badge fees than the municipal beaches, but the facility is packed with fun. Licensed fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, body boarding and surfing are permitted along its mile-long shoreline. The smoke-free park offers volleyball courts and the year-round Tony's Place playground. While the county has no plans to re-open the in-line skating rink after it was damaged by Hurricane Sandy, the year-round Skateplex -- a skateboarder's heaven with a bowl, wedges and quarter pipes -- is fully operational.
Shopping and Nightlife
- Pier Village, a high-end oceanfront condo and retail complex, was developed after the city's raze-and-rebuild phase. Although somewhat pricey, trendy boutique shops and eateries offer a convenient escape from the sand and surf. Free live bands play on Thursdays during the summer at Festival Plaza, a grassy area open to the public. In addition, a series of charity walks and runs are sponsored by businesses throughout the year. Other Pier Village events include sidewalk sales -- held every couple of months -- and the annual Tree Lighting event in December. For nightlife, the Brighton Bar has been a favored music venue with locals for decades. It may look like a dive, but some up-and-coming bands from around New Jersey and the U.S. come to play here.
Monmouth Park
- Throughout the summer season, Monmouth Park in nearby Oceanfront has live thoroughbred horse racing. You may have seen the racetrack featured in episodes of "The Sopranos" and "Law & Order." Families can get an insider's tour of the track on summer Saturdays and Sundays during the Dawn Patrol. The facility is much more than a racing venue, however. Restaurants, a gift shop and the Bluegrass Mini Golf course all call the park home. In addition, a calendar of special events includes crab cake cook-offs, barbecues, beer festivals and family days, when kids can enjoy free pony rides, live music, face painting and bounce house thrills.
