“I have never enjoyed myself more than during my summer at Long Branch.” — Ulysses S. Grant
While living in NYC, when I needed a beach escape with energy, charm, and easy access from the city, I headed to Long Branch. I think you’ll have just as much fun as I did. This Monmouth County spot hits the sweet spot between seaside relaxation and vibrant boardwalk life. I spent mornings on the sand, afternoons browsing Pier Village, and evenings enjoying cocktails with an ocean breeze. Whether you’re coming for a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, you’ll find Long Branch full of fun, flavor, and that classic Jersey Shore vibe—with a touch of style.
Best Things to Do in Long Branch, NJ
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
I started my visit where the town meets the sea—Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park. Named for the U.S. presidents who vacationed here, the beach felt wide and generous, the kind of place that invites you to slow down before you even touch the sand. I walked along the water’s edge with the tide brushing my ankles and a breeze that smelled like sunscreen and salt.
Families set up umbrellas while joggers passed on the boardwalk behind me. I found a quiet spot near the dunes and just sat for a while, letting the horizon do what it does best—center everything. I remember thinking, "This is the kind of stillness that doesn’t ask for anything but your presence."
After the beach, I headed over to Pier Village and grabbed a shrimp po’ boy from McLoone’s Pier House. I ate it on their patio with a view of the ocean still shimmering in the distance. The sandwich was warm, spicy, and just messy enough to remind me I was still on vacation.
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park At a Glance
- Location: 221 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch, NJ 07740
- Vibe: Open, clean, family-friendly
- Highlights: Lifeguarded beach, boardwalk access, views of the Atlantic
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or early morning for fewer crowds
- Cost: $10 beach access fee (summer season)
- Hours: 7 a.m. to dusk; seasonal lifeguards and amenities
New Jersey Repertory Company
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a small black-box theater near the shore—but the New Jersey Repertory Company absolutely floored me. The space was intimate, maybe 60 seats, and yet the performance felt as big and absorbing as anything I’d seen in a major city. No sets, no flash—just powerful acting and a story that stayed with me long after the lights came up.
It was the kind of night that made me grateful for the dark—to sit still, to feel something real. I remember thinking, "Theater like this doesn’t need scale—it just needs truth." When the cast took their bow, I was on my feet without even realizing it.
After the show, I walked over to Trama’s Trattoria for a late dinner. I ordered the house-made ricotta gnocchi with short rib ragu, and it was rich and comforting in all the right ways. Candlelight, good wine, and a quiet booth—honestly, it felt like the perfect second act.
New Jersey Repertory Company At a Glance
- Location: 179 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740
- Vibe: Intimate, artistic, deeply moving
- Highlights: New plays, intimate setting, strong performances
- Best Time to Visit: Evening showtimes; check schedule online
- Cost: ~$30–$50 per ticket
- Hours: Showtimes vary; advance booking recommended
Pier Village
During the day, Pier Village buzzes with beachgoers and kids in wet swimsuits chasing ice cream cones. But in the evening, it shifts—sunset over the boardwalk, string lights overhead, and music drifting from open-air patios. It felt like the town’s social heartbeat, pulsing gently between surf shops and upscale boutiques.
I walked through the plaza with no real plan, browsing shelves of beach novels and handmade soaps. Couples laughed over cocktails, families gathered for gelato, and I remember thinking, “This is what vacation feels like when you stop trying so hard.”
I ended up at Sirena Ristorante, where I ordered the linguine alle vongole and a glass of prosecco. The clams were briny and sweet, the pasta perfectly al dente, and the view—straight out to the sea—needed nothing else.
Pier Village At a Glance
- Location: 50 Chelsea Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
- Vibe: Vibrant, coastal, sociable
- Highlights: Dining, boutique shopping, seasonal events, ocean views
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset to evening for best ambiance
- Cost: Free to explore; food and shopping prices vary
- Hours: Most businesses open daily; hours vary by season
Jackson Woods
Tucked away from the waterfront buzz is Jackson Woods—a quiet, forested trail system that felt like it belonged to another world. I wandered through under a canopy of green, hearing little more than the rustle of leaves and the occasional bird call. The paths were simple, winding, and full of small surprises—wooden bridges, marsh overlooks, and wildflowers brushing my ankles.
I passed a couple walking their dog, and otherwise had the place to myself. I sat on a bench near a stream and thought, “Every town needs a place like this—a place where you can hear yourself again.”
After my walk, I headed to Celtic Cottage Pub nearby for a pint and a warm shepherd’s pie. The pub was low-lit and welcoming, the kind of place where strangers smile and the jukebox still matters. It was the perfect cozy end to a quiet afternoon.
Jackson Woods At a Glance
- Location: Ocean Blvd & Cedar Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
- Vibe: Quiet, natural, meditative
- Highlights: Nature trails, birdwatching, secluded benches
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for cooler air
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
The Spa at Ocean Palace
After a few days of walking, eating, and exploring, I gave myself the gift of stillness at The Spa at Ocean Place Resort. From the moment I stepped inside, the scent of eucalyptus and the hush of running water settled my nerves like a reset button. I booked a classic Swedish massage, and for an hour, I didn’t think about anything except breath and pressure and letting go.
Afterward, I slipped into the relaxation lounge with its ocean view and a cup of herbal tea in hand. The Atlantic stretched endlessly outside the windows, and I remember thinking, "There’s a difference between doing nothing and being restored." This was the latter, and I felt better for it.
I stayed for lunch at the resort’s Seaview Restaurant, where I had a grilled chicken Caesar salad on the patio. Even the lettuce felt more relaxed than I was an hour ago. It was simple, fresh, and just right.
The Spa at Ocean Place At a Glance
- Location: 1 Ocean Blvd, Long Branch, NJ 07740
- Vibe: Serene, upscale, ocean-facing
- Highlights: Full-service spa, ocean views, relaxation lounges
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for quieter sessions and off-peak pricing
- Cost: Massages from $120 and up; day pass options available
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; appointments recommended
Escape the Puzzle
I ended my trip with something playful and unexpected—Escape the Puzzle. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a Jersey Shore escape room, but this place had me grinning from the moment the timer started. Our group chose the "Shipwrecked" theme, and within minutes we were decoding nautical clues, flipping over furniture, and laughing at how stumped we got over the simplest riddle.
The staff was friendly and fun, and the room design was impressively detailed. I remember solving one puzzle and turning to my team like, "Why does this feel as satisfying as finishing a novel?" It was fast-paced, funny, and a great way to bond—whether with friends, family, or curious strangers.
After we (barely) escaped, we walked a few doors down to Rocky’s Italian Ice for a celebratory treat. I went with mango and cherry swirl—cold, bright, and exactly what victory tastes like.
Escape the Puzzle At a Glance
- Location: 473 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740
- Vibe: Energetic, clever, interactive
- Highlights: Themed escape rooms, great for groups, family-friendly
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or early evening; book ahead
- Cost: ~$30 per person
- Hours: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Travel Tips: How to Get to Long Branch, NJ
- Driving? I usually take Route 36 or the Garden State Parkway (Exit 105)—it’s about 1.5 hours from NYC or Philly, depending on traffic. You’ll be parking and walking the boardwalk before you know it.
- Don’t want to drive? I’ve taken NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line – It drops you right in Long Branch, and you’ll be beach-bound in minutes.
- Coming from Manhattan? The Seastreak Ferry to Highlands worked great for me – After a breezy boat ride, it was just a 20–25 minute car ride to the beach. You’ll arrive feeling like the vacation started early.
Where to Stay in Long Branch, NJ
- Wave Resort gave me a sleek oceanfront stay with serious style – You’ll love the pool, spa, and views, all in the heart of Pier Village. It felt upscale but totally laid-back.
- If you want boutique charm, I loved Bungalow Hotel – It’s just a block from the beach and filled with modern art and cool coastal vibes. You’ll feel like you’ve found your own hidden gem.
- Looking for full-service beach luxury? Ocean Place Resort & Spa hit the mark – I stayed here with friends, and you’ll get beach access, multiple dining options, and a spa—all without ever leaving the property.
Final Thoughts on Long Branch
Long Branch didn’t just offer me a weekend by the water—it gave me a little bit of everything. From beach walks to black-box theater, from nature trails to pasta dinners, it blended the laid-back rhythm of a shore town with unexpected pockets of creativity and calm. I kept thinking, "This is the kind of place that unfolds slowly, if you let it." And I’m glad I did. I left feeling full—not just from the food, but from the kind of balance you only find when you stop rushing and start really seeing.