From the northern tip of Atlantic City through Ventnor and Margate, there's always stop-and-go traffic along any main road. Finally, after the traffic veers off on the John F. Kennedy Bridge to Somers Point and Ocean City, the island takes a break at Longport.
Even on the oceanfront, the pedestrian traffic relaxes as the density of the housing decreases, meaning less beachgoers. By the time you reach the southern end of the oceanwalk at the jetty, you can really breathe. But don't stop there.
(From the vantage point of the beachfront or boardwalk, this is a breezy overview of what you see, where to park and beach access, plus a bit or history and the latest happenings. See map below.)
Even though you have to detour across Borough streets from the main beach to The Point of Absecon Island, it's the best ocean view on the island. At the narrow point on a small spit of land, you see the ocean meet the bay with a water view of 300 degrees.
You access The Point from a small parking lot and walkway along the bay following Atlantic Avenue with its expansive views looking toward Somers Point and Ocean City.
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Mansions along the oceanfront
Unlike Ventnor and Margate which have a mix of single-family, condos and hi-rises, Longport is mostly single-family homes. There are large, remarkable contemporary homes to see as you walk the beach particularly the southern section.
Best Dog Beach on the Shore
The image of a dog, a stick, and a beach is an ideal you often see in print ads and TV commercials. But at the Jersey Shore, turning that image into reality is very difficult except at the wonderful, scenic Longport Dog Beach, a long stretch of uninhabited beach with views toward the ocean and Great Egg Harbor. It’s the only place where year-round you can allow your dog to run free, splash in the water and interact with other dogs.
It's separated from the mainland via the Route 152 Bridge. The two parking lots that straddle Ocean Drive are small. The beach is free, and so is the parking.
How Longport got its name
Over 150 years, the land that is known as the Borough of Longport changed hands until 1854 when it was purchased by James Long. Twenty-eight years later, Long decided to sell the land to his friend M. Simpson McCullough, a renowned Philadelphia businessman who envisioned developing the area as a seashore resort. McCullough named it for his friend, whose last name also reflected a long port area on the bay side.
Tips for visiting Longport
What's New: Nothing new to report
Access and Parking: The city is directly south of Margate via Ventnor Avenue or can be reached from the south by Route 152, the John F. Kennedy Bridge. Note that the Longport Dog Beach is separated from the mainland via the Route 152 and requires a car to reach it. Parking is free in most places.
Amenities: None None at the beach.
Beaches: Beach badges are required daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Full season badges are $30 for people 12 to 64 years old. People over 65 years old pay $10. Badges are free for people 11 years older and younger. Badges can be purchased through Viply App or at the beach.
This spring, summer and fall, follow Jersey Shore author and expert R.C. Staab as he walks the entire 139 miles of the Jersey Shore coastline from Sandy Hook to Island Beach State Park, the length of Long Beach Island from Old Barney to the Edwin Forsythe Wildlife Refuge, from Brigantine to Cape May.
Next stop: Ocean City at Jersey Shore Walk Mile post 87. See profiles of Margate, Ventnor, Atlantic City, Brigantine, North Brigantine and every beach and town along the Jersey Shore at www.jerseyshorewalk.com
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