Long Branch, New Jersey: 10 Fun Things to Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Long Branch, New Jersey (Monmouth County)

If you’re looking for a classic Jersey Shore getaway, Long Branch, New Jersey in Monmouth County should be on your list. This oceanfront town mixes beach days, boardwalk vibes, great food, and easy day trips to nearby spots. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape from New York City or a longer family vacation, here are 10 fun things to do in and around Long Branch, NJ that will keep everyone happy.

1. Relax at the Long Branch Beaches

Let’s start with the obvious: the beach. Long Branch offers wide sandy beaches that are perfect for:
  • Spreading out a blanket and relaxing
  • Playing in the waves
  • Walking along the water at sunset
In the summer, lifeguards are usually on duty, and you’ll find:
  • Restrooms
  • Outdoor showers
  • Food options just a short walk away
If you’re coming from North Jersey or New York City, it can feel like a totally different world in under 1.5 hours. I still remember my first visit — stepping onto the warm sand after sitting in city traffic felt like someone hit a reset button on my week. Tip: In peak season, get there earlier in the day. Parking and beach badges can sell out on busy summer weekends.

2. Stroll, Shop, and Dine at Pier Village

Right next to the beach, you’ll find Pier Village, Long Branch’s lively oceanfront complex. This is one of the most popular things to do in Long Branch, and for good reason. Here you can:
  • Walk the boardwalk-style promenade
  • Grab ice cream or coffee
  • Browse boutiques and beach shops
  • Enjoy oceanfront restaurants with outdoor seating
At night, Pier Village has a fun, laid-back energy. You’ll see families with strollers, couples on date night, and groups of friends hanging out by the water. Depending on the season, you might find:
  • Outdoor movies
  • Live music
  • Holiday events and pop-up markets
SEO tip for your trip: If you’re searching online, look for “Pier Village Long Branch restaurants” to see what’s new. Places change, but there’s almost always a good mix of casual and sit-down options.

3. Catch a Show at New Jersey Repertory Company

If you like theater or just want something different to do at night, check out the New Jersey Repertory Company in Long Branch. This is a small professional theater known for:
  • Original plays
  • Intimate performances
  • Thought-provoking shows you won’t see on Broadway… yet
The space is cozy, so you feel close to the action. Even if you’re not a “theater person,” it can be a fun change from the usual bar or movie night, especially on a cooler or rainy beach day. Tip: Check their schedule ahead of time and buy tickets early for weekend shows. Their productions often sell out.

4. Walk the Long Branch Promenade at Sunset

Sometimes the best thing to do in Long Branch doesn’t cost a dime. The oceanfront promenade and boardwalk-style paths are perfect for:
  • Sunrise walks with coffee
  • Sunset strolls after dinner
  • Casual bike rides or jogs along the shore
On a calm evening, the sky over the Atlantic can shift from orange to pink to deep blue in just a few minutes. It’s the kind of simple moment that makes you forget about your phone for a while. Ask yourself: When was the last time you just walked by the ocean with no plan and no rush? Long Branch gives you that space.

5. Explore Asbury Park’s Boardwalk and Music Scene (About 15 Minutes Away)

Just a short drive south from Long Branch, you’ll find Asbury Park, another famous Jersey Shore town in Monmouth County. It’s packed with character and is known for:
  • The historic Stone Pony music venue (Bruce Springsteen made it famous)
  • Colorful murals and street art
  • Trendy bars, cafés, and restaurants
  • A fun, walkable boardwalk with unique shops
You can easily:
  • Spend the day on the beach
  • Grab tacos or pizza on the boardwalk
  • Catch live music at night
If you want more “energy” than Long Branch’s relaxed vibe, Asbury Park is a great day (or night) trip. Driving time: Around 15–20 minutes from Long Branch, depending on traffic.

6. Visit Sandy Hook & Gateway National Recreation Area (About 30–40 Minutes Away)

For a wilder, more natural beach experience, head north from Long Branch to Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Here you’ll find:
  • Beautiful, less developed beaches
  • Bike paths and walking trails
  • Birdwatching spots
  • Historic military sites and old buildings
It feels more like a coastal park than a typical beach town. You can bring bikes or just walk around and explore. On clear days, you can even see the New York City skyline across the water. It’s a cool reminder of how close yet how far away city life really is. Tip: In summer, parking can fill up. Arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends.

7. Go Back in Time in Red Bank, NJ (About 20 Minutes Away)

Another Monmouth County gem near Long Branch is Red Bank, a charming small city along the Navesink River. Red Bank is great for:
  • Shopping at local boutiques
  • Grabbing brunch, coffee, or dessert
  • Checking out vintage shops and bookstores
  • Evening shows at the historic Count Basie Center for the Arts
The streets are walkable and full of character. It’s the kind of place where you wander into a tiny store “just for a minute” and walk out 30 minutes later with a bag of things you didn’t know you needed. Driving time: Around 20 minutes from Long Branch.

8. Enjoy Ocean Avenue & Scenic Coastal Drives

If you enjoy a peaceful drive with ocean views, you’re in luck. From Long Branch, you can follow Ocean Avenue north or south for classic Jersey Shore scenery. Along the way you might see:
  • Grand old beach houses and historic mansions
  • Pretty parks and lookout points
  • Smaller beach towns and quiet stretches of sand
This is especially nice:
  • In the early morning, when the roads are calm
  • At sunset, with the sky lighting up over the water
Roll down the windows, put on some music, and just cruise. It’s a simple but surprisingly relaxing way to enjoy the area.

9. Visit Monmouth Park Racetrack (About 10 Minutes Away)

Just a short drive inland from Long Branch is Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, a classic summer attraction in Monmouth County. Even if you’re not into horse racing, it can be a fun, different kind of outing:
  • Watch live races in season
  • Enjoy food trucks and picnic areas
  • Hang out with friends or family for the afternoon
Many people bring:
  • Foldable chairs
  • Blankets
  • Coolers (check current rules before you go)
There’s something exciting about watching the horses thunder past, even if you only bet a couple of dollars just for fun. Driving time: About 10 minutes from Long Branch.

10. Explore Local Parks & Trails in Monmouth County

When you’ve had your fill of sand and saltwater, it’s nice to mix in some green space. Monmouth County has a strong park system with many spots within easy reach of Long Branch. Depending on how far you want to drive, you can find:
  • Easy walking trails
  • Picnic areas
  • Playgrounds for kids
  • Lakes and riverside views
A few popular options near Long Branch include:
  • Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park – technically still in the Long Branch area, with beach, playgrounds, and open space.
  • Other Monmouth County parks (check the county’s park website for the latest list and maps).
It’s a nice way to get a break from the crowds on peak beach days, while still enjoying the outdoors.

Planning Your Trip to Long Branch, New Jersey

Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your Long Branch visit:
  • Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall for beach weather. Early June and September can be sweet spots with fewer crowds.
  • Getting there: Many visitors drive from New York, North Jersey, or Pennsylvania. You can also take trains from NYC to nearby stations.
  • Where to stay: Long Branch has oceanfront hotels near Pier Village, plus more budget-friendly spots a short drive away.
  • What to pack: Beach gear, comfy walking shoes, a light jacket for breezy nights, and sunscreen (the ocean breeze can be sneaky).
Think of Long Branch as your basecamp: you get great beaches and a lively oceanfront area, plus easy access to other Monmouth County highlights like Asbury Park, Red Bank, Sandy Hook, and Monmouth Park.

What Would You Add to This Long Branch Bucket List?

Have you spent time in Long Branch, NJ or elsewhere in Monmouth County?
  • Do you have a favorite Long Branch restaurant or coffee shop?
  • Is there a hidden beach, park, or local spot more people should know about?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments — your suggestion might be exactly what someone else is looking for when planning their Jersey Shore trip. If you found this guide to things to do near Long Branch, New Jersey helpful, please share it with a friend who’s dreaming about their next beach getaway.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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