“I have never enjoyed myself more than during my summer at Long Branch.” — Ulysses S. Grant
Need a lively beach escape on the Jersey Shore? Head to Long Branch! This Monmouth County gem blends sandy beaches, boardwalk energy, oceanfront dining, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you're planning a summer day trip or a romantic seaside weekend, Long Branch brings the fun with coastal charm and city convenience.
Long Branch, NJ Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Surf or paddle at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park – Ride waves, rent a board, or just swim in the Atlantic.
- For History Buffs: Walk the grounds of the Church of the Presidents – Visit the only church where seven U.S. presidents worshipped during their summer stays.
- For Shoppers: Browse Pier Village boutiques – Shop beachwear, home goods, and local designer finds just steps from the sand.
- For Couples: Stroll the Long Branch Boardwalk at sunset – Enjoy ocean breezes, watch the surf, and grab a drink with a view.
- For Families: Play at the beach and enjoy seasonal events – From summer movies on the lawn to free concerts, there’s something for all ages.
When I like to visit Long Branch, NJ
The best time to visit Long Branch is from late May through early September. Summer offers beach weather, outdoor events, and bustling boardwalk life. For fewer crowds and cooler breezes, try late spring or early fall.
Tips for getting to Long Branch, NJ
- If you are traveling by car: Located off Route 36 and the Garden State Parkway (Exit 105), Long Branch is about 1.5 hours from New York City and Philadelphia.
- By Train: Take NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line directly to Long Branch Station.
- By Ferry: Take the Seastreak Ferry from Manhattan to nearby Highlands, then drive or rideshare (20–25 minutes).
Where I like to stay in Long Branch, NJ
- Wave Resort – Modern oceanfront resort in Pier Village with a pool, spa, and luxury touches.
- Bungalow Hotel – Chic, art-filled boutique hotel just a block from the beach with an urban-meets-shore vibe.
- Ocean Place Resort & Spa – Full-service beachfront resort with direct beach access, a spa, and multiple dining options.
Best Things to Do in Long Branch, NJ
1. Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
The Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park is a 38-acre park along the Atlantic Ocean that offers a great spot for surfing, swimming, or just relaxing under the sun. During the off season, it’s also a good place for a quiet walk along the beach. In addition to its stretch of beach and designated surfing and swimming areas, the Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park also consists of changing areas and outdoor showers, a volleyball area, picnic shelters, and a snack bar during the summer season. There is only an admission fee for the park between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
221 Ocean Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740, Phone: 732-229-7025
2. New Jersey Repertory Company
The New Jersey Repertory Company is an award-winning, professional, non-profit theatre company in the town of Long Branch, New Jersey with a mission of developing and producing new plays, as well as making a lasting contribution to the theatre state of the United States. The New Jersey Repertory Company is dedicated as well to nurturing works by both new and established playwrights and has an open-submission policy for plays, receiving more than seven hundred scripts every year from throughout the country and other parts of the world. The theatre has produced over one hundred plays across over fifteen seasons.
179 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740, Phone: 732-229-3166
3. Pier Village
Pier Village is Long Branch’s luxury residential and commercial community, featuring oceanfront residences, year-round events, many restaurants, and over thirty boutiques. The grassy public area hosts a variety of events, such as holiday special events, outdoor movies, arts and crafts fairs, concerts, and farmers markets. With more than a dozen restaurants, there is no shortage of choices for dining at Pier Village, ranging from casual to elegant. Over 500 residences sit above the numerous shops, majority of which are local businesses. A few national brands exist at Pier Village as well, such as the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
1 Chelsea Ave., Long Branch, NJ 07740, Phone: 732-923-0100
Where to Eat:
4. Celtic Cottage Pub
The Celtic Cottage Pub, also known to locals as “The Celtic,” is a local neighborhood eatery and bar in Long Branch, New Jersey. While the pub is known for its Cottage Fries and burgers, the menu also includes an assortment of appetizers like the signature wings, as well as traditional Irish dishes such as fish and chips and Irish sausage. In addition to the food, the Celtic Cottage Pub also serves a selection of bottled beers, along with an array of beers available on tap, which of course includes Guinness. The restaurant also features an outdoor patio area and bar.
608 2nd Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740, Phone: 732-229-2123
5. Trama's Trattoria
Trama's Trattoria in the seaside town of Long Branch on the Jersey Shore is a local Italian restaurant in the town’s West End. Chef Trama has garnered a bit of a following among wine and food aficionados thanks to his strong commitment to attention to detail, consistency, and quality. Trama’s Trattoria uses farm-to-table, local, high quality ingredients in its dishes, which change on a seasonal basis to ensure optimum taste.
115 Brighton Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740, Phone: 732-222-1121
6. Sirena Ristorante
Sirena Ristorante is an upscale local Italian eatery boasting beautiful views of the ocean from Pier Village in Long Branch, New Jersey. The name “Sirena,” which means “mermaid” in Italian, was inspired by the oceanside views of the restaurant’s location, along with the fusion of the menu’s signature Italian dishes from the sea and land. The restaurant serves classic Italian recipes inspired by culinary journeys in Italy, as well as specials and new curated dishes created by the Sirena Ristorante’s talented chef. With a prime location, the Italian restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
27 Ocean Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740, Phone: 732-222-1119
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
7. Jackson Woods
Jackson Woods was created in 1991, when a 13 acre wetland property which had been earmarked for development, was instead preserved as an open space. However, the space soon become totally overgrown and neglected until a concerned group of residents got together in 2018 to try and revitalize the property. Jackson Woods is still a work in progress, but huge strides have been taken including the clearing of overgrown trees and shrubs, the establishment of a butterfly garden, the laying out of paved pathways, creating walking/hiking trails and so much more. An outdoor classroom is planned and it is hoped that more and more volunteers will join the Friends of Jackson Woods.
Jackson Woods, 01, Long Branch, NJ 07740, 732 222 7000
8. The Spa at Ocean Palace
The Spa at Ocean Palace has to be one of the most relaxing destinations for a pamper session. Directly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Spa has a wonderful relaxation lounge with floor to ceiling windows where customers can spend some time relaxing before or after their spa treatments. The spa has a total of 16 treatment rooms, an indoor pool and whirlpool, a steam room, fitness room and showers. Some of the treatment rooms include a private soaking tub. Signature treatments include their Detoxifying Seaweed Wrap, Salt Mouse Exfoliation, Chocolate Indulgence Body Treatments and a range of relaxing and rejuvenating massages and facials.
The Spa at Ocean Palace, 1 Ocean Blvd, Long Branch, NJ 07740, 732 571 4000
9. Escape the Puzzle
Touted as the best escape room on the Jersey Shore, Escape the Puzzle offers no fewer than 6 exciting escape rooms for you and your team to master. Most of the themed escape rooms are considered to fall within the medium difficulty level and most of them are suitable for between 2 and 8 players. If you have a larger group you can book the Swamp game, which can accommodate up to 10 players (or even more by prior arrangement). If you consider yourself an expert escapee you can book the Got a Clue? game, which is by far the most difficult room and is suited to 6 experienced players.
Escape the Puzzle, 473 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740, 732 995 9004
My favorite local events:
- Oceanfest at Long Branch (July 4th) – The largest Independence Day celebration on the Jersey Shore with fireworks, food, and vendors.
- Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival (August) – Free all-day music festival on the Great Lawn by the sea.
- Pier Village Summer Movie Series (June–August) – Family-friendly outdoor films shown weekly on the lawn.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Long Branch, New Jersey:
- Asbury Park (15–20 min) – Visit the famous boardwalk, historic venues like The Stone Pony, and downtown’s artsy shops and eateries.
- Red Bank (20–25 min) – Explore galleries, the Count Basie Center for the Arts, and great riverside dining.
- Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area (30 min) – Hike, bike, swim, or learn coastal history at this scenic barrier peninsula.
- Allaire State Park (25–30 min) – Ride the Pine Creek Railroad and explore a restored 19th-century village amid forest trails.
- Monmouth Park Racetrack (10–15 min) – Watch live thoroughbred racing and enjoy themed food and drink festivals.
- Long Branch Green Acres Park (5–10 min) – Enjoy tennis, sports fields, and playgrounds in a quieter local setting.
Plan Your Trip