Long Branch is a fairly quiet New Jersey beach town, with scores of people flocking to the shore every summer though it’s never quite as busy as Asbury Park or Seaside Heights. The center of the action is Pier Village, an upscale complex of beachfront shops, restaurants, and luxury apartments—they even have an ice skating rink on the inland side. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park offers more of a tranquil beach experience.
New Jersey Transit rail service operates two stations in town (near Monmouth Medical Center and Elberon Park), giving residents easy access to anywhere in the surrounding area. Locals also have direct access to Monmouth University’s campus on the southwest edge of the city, including its libraries, performance venues, and arts centers.