The Garden State Parkway winds more than 170 miles from the New York state line all the way down to the beaches of Cape May. This highway connects many of New Jersey's seaside resorts like Bradley Beach, the Wildwoods, and Long Branch, all within a few hours of Manhattan and Philadelphia.

Just a few miles separate the Garden State Parkway from the Atlantic Ocean and all the exciting things to do in Long Branch, including sandy beaches, a promenade to be proud of, revitalized and energetic shopping districts, resorts, and a vast array of things to do. With a strategic location in between the Atlantic City beaches, casinos, and resorts New York City, Long Branch New Jersey long has been a summertime favorite. Enjoyed by presidents, celebrities, and plenty of regular folks, the seaside resort continues to set the stage for all types of vacations.

As with other towns with New Jersey beaches, many vacationers make the Atlantic Ocean one of their first stops. All of the Long Branch beaches make up a total of two miles of oceanfront access, where visitors can enjoy the sun and the typical seaside pursuits such as swimming, building sandcastles, fishing, and lounging in the sun.

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As one of the most visited of all of the Long Branch beaches, Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park gives vacationers access to more than 30 acres of seaside natural beauty, perfect for swimming, soaking in the sun, and enjoying the surf.

Access to the park is available all year, but swimming is limited to the summer months. Lifeguards are on duty at this beach in Long Branch between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the only time admission is charged. Picnic areas, a snack bar, a boat launch, outdoor showers, and volleyball are all provided for visitor comfort.

The municipal beach, which is accessible to those in wheelchairs, requires an entry fee. Season passes can save some money for frequent visitors. Parking is available along Ocean Avenue and other places a short walk away. This beach in Long Branch is a popular place for going for a stroll, people watching, and playing in the surf.

After night has fallen after a day at the Long Branch beaches, visitors are ready for something to close out their day. Located along the beach in Long Branch, Pier Village offers vacationers a wide array of experiences. With more than 30 retail stores, a boutique hotel, restaurants, and a year-round schedule of events, Pier Village is worth exploring at night as much as during the day.

Long Branch vacations don't have to be limited to a few steps of the Atlantic Ocean. The town is proud of its role as a burgeoning arts community as the home of the New Jersey Repertory Company and the Shore Institute of Contemporary Art. The West End of Long Branch New Jersey is known for its late-night eateries, art galleries, and outdoor concerts. Visitors also add The Monmouth Park Racetrack and the funky uptown shopping district to their vacation plans.

Add to fine restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, Ocean Place (one of the most elegant of New Jersey beach hotels), and a wide array of other lodging providers, and vacation plans are a snap to complete. Long Branch New Jersey shines in the summer when the beaches are busy, but the rest of the year, visitors will find an energetic town full of fun things to do. When it's too cold for a dip, the Atlantic Ocean is still a wonderful place for a stroll and a beautiful background to any vacation.