Crowds enjoy the fireworks on the beach at Long Branch’s Oceanfest celebration on July 4. LONG BRANCH
Crowds are expected to once again flock to Long Branch this summer during the annual Oceanfest celebration on July 4.
The celebration, which regularly brings in more than 100,000 people to the city, features food, bands, acts, games, crafts, a basketball tournament and fireworks.
While Oceanfest is the lynchpin of city’s summer entertainment, a variety of free concerts, including Tuesday nights at the Broadway stage,Thursday nights at Pier Village and Sunday nights at West End Park, can be seen throughout the summer.
The city also has planned Art in the Park on May 25 at West End Park; the Annual Cruise to the Jersey Shore on June 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Oceanfront Promenade;West End Classic Car Cruise Night on Aug. 16 from 6-10 p.m. at the Corner of Brighton Avenue and Kossick Way; and The Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival on Aug. 23 from 1-10 p.m. on the Great Lawn by the Promenade.
Pictured are two Asbury Park icons, the former Howard Johnson’s on the boardwalk (now McLoone’s Asbury Grille and Supper Club) and the historic Convention Hall. While the car shows and concerts are sure to draw a crowd, the beachfront is seen by many as the true draw to Long Branch.From Memorial Day to Labor Day Long Branch has 15 beaches: Seaview Avenue, Great Lawn, Madison Avenue, Laird Street, Chelsea Avenue, Melrose Terrace, Morris Avenue, Pavilion Avenue, North Bath Avenue, South Bath Avenue, Matilda Terrace, Cottage Place,West End, Brighton Avenue and New Court. In Long Branch is also the county’s 38-acre Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park.
Thrill seekers on a budget can enjoy the county’s Skatepark on Ocean Avenue, a walk along the 4-mile boardwalk, or a trip through the city’s new Manahassett Creek Park, which includes basketball courts, tennis courts, softball fields, a fitness trail and a putting green.
Downtown Ocean Grove The history of Long Branch dates back to the late 18th century when it was a popular resort town along the burgeoning Jersey Shore.
Seven United States presidents visited the city during the 19th century when it was labeled “Hollywood of the East.”
Many of the city’s most historic structures still stand today, including the Church of the Presidents, the North Long Branch Primary School, and the three Takanassee Lifesaving Station buildings.
Seven Presidents
Oceanfront Park
Season beach fees:
Adults (ages 18-64): $65
Seniors (ages 65+): $25
Students (ages 13-17): $45
Daily beach fee: $7
Seasonal beach fees:
Adults: $45
Students (ages 14-17): $30
Children (ages 13 and
under): free
Daily beach fees:
Weekday: $5
Weekend: $7
ASBURY PARK
Renowned for its rock ’n’ roll roots, diverse nightlife and restaurant scene, the revitalization of the iconic boardwalk and downtown of Asbury Park has gained momentum, and makes it one of the most visited small cities on the East Coast.
Asbury Park has much to offer visitors, whether they are looking to shop, dine or be entertained.
Asbury Park’s First Saturday events bring visitors from near and far. On the first Saturday of every month, shops, galleries and cafés stay open late.There are art exhibit openings and events all over town.There is free trolley service from 6-10 p.m.
Other special events that will be featured in Asbury Park this summer and fall include:
Belmar drawbridge Asbury Park Blues & Brews Festival, June 7, noon to 8 p.m., Bradley Park, 1300 Ocean Ave.;
Independence Day Fireworks, July 4, on the beach;
Asbury Fresh Local Artisan Market, Sundays beginning June 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kennedy Park;
25th Annual Asbury Park Jazz Festival, Sunset Park, June 28 and 29, noon to 8 p.m.
Art on the Boardwalk,Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and
Oysterfest, Sept. 5-7, east end of Cookman
Avenue
Seasonal beach fees:
Adults (ages 18-62): $70
Seniors (ages 63+) and
teens (ages 13-17): $20
Children (ages 12 and
under): free
Daily beach fees:
Monday through Friday: $5
Saturday, Sunday and
holidays: $6
OCEAN GROVE
Ocean Grove has something for everyone.The one-square-mile,“dry” town offers visitors one mile of pristine beachfront and scenic boardwalk. If staying in Ocean Grove, visitors have the option of choosing among five oceanfront accommodations, or one of the many houses, condominiums, bed and breakfasts, inns and hotels available off the boardwalk.
downtown Spring Lake The hottest accommodation in town, though, is unavailable to even the wealthiest of visitors. Starting mid-May, 114 tents are erected and surround the Great Auditorium.The tents, a nod to the founders of Ocean Grove, who originally lived in tents, sit about 2 feet from each other and, while appearing small, are equipped with a full kitchen and full bath. Each tent lessee must furnish the inside and take care of the garden surrounding the tent.The tents are taken down mid-September. Leases for the tents, if not handed down through generations, are awarded to members of the Ocean Grove Camp Ministry Association for their service to the organization.There is a 10-year waiting list to become a lessee.
Ocean Grove’s centerpiece,The Great Auditorium, is home to many of the town’s summer programs. For a complete listing of events at The Great Auditorium, visit www.oceangrove.org.
Some special events happening in Ocean Grove this summer include:
Giant Spring Flea Market, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Ocean Pathway;
Giant Craft Show, June 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Ocean Pathway;
Bridgefest Beach Festival, June 21-22, North End Beach;
Fourth of July Parade, July 4, 10:30 a.m.;
Choir Festival, July 13, 7:30 p.m., Great Auditorium;
Ocean Grove House and Garden Tour, July 18, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., starts at the Historical Society of Ocean Grove Museum, 50 Pitman Ave.;
Giant Fall Flea Market, Sept. 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Ocean Pathway; and
British Car Show,“Brits on the Beach,” Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Seasonal beach fees:
Adults: $80
Seniors (ages 65+): $45
Youth (ages 12-17): $40
Children (ages 11 and
under): free
Daily beach fees: $8
Weekly special
(7 continuous days): $40
BRADLEY BEACH
The charm of a seaside town is proudly showing in Bradley Beach.Within a stretch of beach neighboring Ocean Grove and Avon-by-the-Sea, Bradley Beach has a long history dating back to the 17th century.According to borough history, in the early part of the 20th century Bradley Beach became a popular seaside resort town and continues to draw visitors to its beautiful beaches each summer.
To beat the summer heat, stop in at the Beach Cinema on Main Street, which shows limited- and wide-release films for just $7 on evenings. Senior discount is $6, and Saturday and Sunday matinees are $6. Call 732-774-9089 to find out what movie is playing.
The Bradley Beach Bowl & Recreation Center, Main Street, has been around since 1959.The bowling alley offers specials with discounted games and shoes along with weekend events. For more information, visit www.bradleybowlnj.com.
Bradley Beach will launch the official start of the summer season with a Memorial Day parade on May 24.The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Bradley Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.That weekend also features an arts and crafts festival on May 24 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the boardwalk.
Fireworks will be held on the beach on July 5 at 9 p.m.
The fifth annual Lobster Fest will be held July 12 and 13 on the boardwalk, between Fourth Avenue and Brinley Avenue.The event, hosted by the Bradley Beach Chamber of Commerce, features seafood, music, crafters and children’s activities.
Seasonal beach fees:
Adults (ages 16-61): $70
Seniors (ages 62+): $30
Juniors (ages 14 & 15): $25
Children (ages 13 and
under): free
Daily beach fee: $8
Belmar
The summer season is ready to begin in Belmar, a community that remains a draw for people who come from near and far in search of a good time.The Belmar Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Department invite the public to swim, sun, fish, surf, boogie board and kayak at its sandy white beaches and to take a stroll on its landscaped boardwalk. Surrounded by water on three sides, the 1-square-mile town of Belmar has the Atlantic Ocean on its easternmost shore, the Shark River Inlet to the north and the Shark River to its west.
The town has many food options for families and singles to enjoy, ranging from beachfront concessions to fast food, coffee and doughnuts, ice cream, local fare such as crab cakes, and many notable restaurants along the water and throughout town, plus hot spots for evening entertainment.
A farmers’ market will be held at Pyanoe Plaza from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Saturday beginning July 5.
Friday Night Concerts last through September at Pyanoe Plaza, from 7-9 p.m.
The New Jersey Seafood Festival will take place in Silver Lake Park at Fifth and Ocean avenues from 4-8 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 13-15.Admission is free and plenty of delectable seafood will be sold.
The New Jersey Sandcastle Contest is scheduled for July 16 at the 18th Avenue beach.The fun gets under way at 8 a.m., and judging begins at noon.
Other upcoming events in Belmar include SkimBash, June 21 and 22; Belmar 5, July 12 at 8 a.m. on Ocean Avenue; Belmar Chase 5K,Aug. 9, 8 a.m. to noon; the San Gennaro Festival, Sept. 20 and 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street between 10th and 13thAvenues; and Beer on the Pier, Sept. 27 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Belmar Marina K Street Pier.
For more information about the listed events, visit www.visitbelmarnj.com.
Seasonal beach fees:
Adults (ages 16-61): $50
Seniors (ages 62+): $15
Children (ages 15 and
under): free
Free to active military and
their families
Free to Belmar volunteer
first responders
Daily beach fee: $7
Spring Lake
Named for the spring-fed lake in the middle of the town’s Divine Park and nicknamed the “Irish Riviera” after the town’s wealthy founders, Spring Lake is a haven for relaxation and beauty.
For those looking to shop, Spring Lake’s downtown section does not disappoint. On Third Avenue, shoppers will find just about anything and everything in the 60-plus boutiques. With everything from footwear at Al’s Bootery to candy at Jean Louise Homemade Candies and cosmetics at Eur Organics, the business district has shoppers covered. If you are looking for summer vacation-oriented gifts,Teddy Bears by the Seashore has your needs.
Spring Lake also entices visitors with a number of fine-dining options. For an ocean view to accompany delicious food, visit the dining room at The Breakers Hotel.The Black Trumpet next door to The Breakers also offers diners an upscale experience.A pleasant meal away from the shoreline can be found at Whispers, located near the lake.
A trip to Spring Lake wouldn’t be complete unless you stay a night or two.The town prides itself not only on its two hotels — The Breakers and the Hewitt Wellington Hotel — but also on the multitude of bed and breakfasts that dot the townscape.
Some summer special events happening in Spring Lake include:
Spring Lake 5-Mile Run, May 24, beginning at 8:30 a.m., on Ocean and Sussex avenues; for more information call 732-449-3544;
Race Day Sidewalk Sale, May 24 and 25;
Historical Society House Tour, June 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
Art in the Park, June 14 at Divine Park, sponsored by the Manasquan River Group of Artists;
Garden Tour, June 25, sponsored by the Garden Club of Spring Lake;
Art Walk, July 5;
Shakespeare in the Park — “Divine Park, July 24-26 and July 31,Aug. 1-2;
Summer Sidewalk Sale,Aug. 16 and 17; and End of Summer Celebration and Sale/Art Walk,Aug. 30.
(For information about all of the above events, call 732-449-0577.)
Seasonal beach fees:
$105
Half-season beach badge:
$65
Daily beach fee: $10
To inquire about locker,
shower/locker, and pool
badges, call the Beach
Dept. at 732-449-0800