How many towns in the United States have been visited by seven U.S. Presidents? If you guessed Long Branch, New Jersey, you’re right. They are Chester A. Arthur, James Garfield, Ulysses S. Grant, Benjamin Harrison, Rutherford B. Hayes,
William McKinley, and Woodrow Wilson. Seven Presidents Park, near the beach, was named in their honor, and the Church of the Presidents (New Jersey) where all seven men worshipped is the only structure remaining in Long Branch that is associated with them. Sadly, President Garfield, who was shot by an assassin on July 2, 1881, died in Long Branch on September 19, 1881 after being brought to the town in the hope that the climate might help him survive his wound. He was two months short of his 50th birthday.
Other New Jersey resort towns have colorful histories, but none is more glamorous or notable than that of the “Nation’s First Seaside Resort,” (as it was known): Long Branch, New Jersey. Formed in April of 1867 from portions of Ocean Township, Long Branch was officially incorporated by the New Jersey legislature in April of 1903.
A beach resort town is the late 1700’s, it became the “Hollywood” of the East in the 1800’s because famous actors, entertainers and other celebrities came there to perform and enjoy the summer climate. By the first half of the 20th century the seven American Presidents we just referred to had vacationed in Long Branch.
Hollywood, California became significant and Long Branch’s popularity as a “theater” resort declined, but this city of 31,523 people remains a popular resort today. The famous Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City, Kansas was named after the city by William Harris, the saloon’s first owner, who was a native of Long Branch, New Jersey
Long Branch is one of the largest towns on the New Jersey shore, and its beach makes it an ideal seaside resort. The main train station is just three blocks from the beach connecting to New York City and northern New Jersey via New Jersey Transit trains running on the North Jersey Coast Line.
Beach information:
Beach tags:
Seasonal: (Adults 18 – 61) $35.00
Seasonal: (teens 13 -17 with student ID) $30.00
Daily: $5.00
Daily (teens 13-17 with student ID): $3.00
Children 12 and under and adults 62 and over: FREE
Beach badges are sold for cash purchase only.
Purchase badges at:
Long Branch Recreation Office
3 Bay Avenue
Long Branch, NJ
Monday – Friday: noon to 4:00 p.m.
Weekends: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Seasonal badges are also available daily at the Beach Office from 10 to 4.
Beach Season: Memorial Day – Labor Day.
Restrooms: West End, Cottage, Morris, Laird, North Bath and Great Lawn beaches.
Portable restrooms: Seaview and Cottage beaches.
Indoor showers: North Bath and Morris beaches.
Outdoor showers: West End beach.
Visitors may change in restrooms.
Parking: On-street parking is available.
Lifeguards: On duty 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Weekends: Memorial Day – Mid-June
Daily: Mid-June – Labor Day
Beach wheelchairs available at Morris Avenue beach and Chelsea Avenue beach, and both of these beaches are accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted on the beach, but glass containers are not allowed on the beach.
Smoking is permitted on the beach only in designated areas.
Information: 732-571-6545. www.visitlongbranch.com
