Overview
Longport is a small, quiet borough at the southern tip of Absecon Island on the New Jersey Shore, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Great Egg Harbor Bay to the west. With a permanent population of under 1,000 residents, it occupies roughly one square mile and has the unhurried, residential feel that distinguishes it from busier resort towns nearby.
The borough sits at the very end of a chain that runs north through Margate City and Ventnor City before reaching Atlantic City — making Longport genuinely walkable or bikeable to several neighboring communities while retaining a noticeably calmer atmosphere. Its streets are lined primarily with private homes, many of them classic Shore-style bungalows alongside newer construction, and the pace of life here is deliberately slow.
Visitors come to Longport mainly for its wide, relatively uncrowded beaches, bay-side views, and the ability to decompress from the energy of the casino corridor a few miles away. It is not a destination built around attractions or nightlife — its appeal is fundamentally about the beach itself and the quiet that surrounds it.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Longport is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website, as rules vary significantly by nationality.
Seasonal Considerations
The beach season runs roughly Memorial Day weekend (late May) through Labor Day (early September). Outside those months, many seasonal businesses close and the borough becomes very quiet. If you are visiting in the off-season, plan accordingly — dining and services will be limited.
What to Pack
- Beach gear: towels, umbrella, and sun protection; vendors are limited locally
- Bicycles or be prepared to walk; the island is flat and bike-friendly
- Cash and cards: the borough has minimal retail, so stock up on provisions in a neighboring town
- Layers for evenings, even in summer, when ocean breezes can be cool
Getting There
By Air
The closest major airport is Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in Egg Harbor Township, approximately 10–15 miles west of Longport. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a larger hub roughly 60 miles to the northwest and offers significantly more flight options. Verify current routes and transfer times on your chosen carrier's website.
By Car
Most visitors arrive by car. Longport is reached via the Garden State Parkway — take the exit toward Atlantic City and then follow local roads south along Absecon Island. Parking in Longport is largely residential; beach parking is limited and seasonal beach badges are typically required for non-residents. Verify current badge policies and fees with the Borough of Longport directly before your visit.
By Public Transit
NJ Transit operates bus service along the Atlantic City area shore communities. From Atlantic City, local bus routes connect through Ventnor City and Margate City toward Longport. Schedules and routes should be confirmed on the NJ Transit website (njtransit.com) before travel, as service frequency varies by season.
Getting Around
Longport is small enough that most of it is walkable once you are on the island. The borough is flat and well-suited to cycling; a bike path and relatively quiet streets make bicycles a practical and popular option for getting between the beach, the bay side, and neighboring Margate City to the north.
There is no local public transit within Longport itself. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate in the Atlantic City area and can be used for trips into Atlantic City or other nearby towns, though availability may be less consistent than in urban areas. Having your own car or a rental is the most flexible option, particularly if you plan to explore beyond the immediate shoreline.
Things to See & Do
The Beach
Longport's Atlantic-facing beach is the primary draw. It is notably less crowded than beaches closer to Atlantic City, and the town maintains it well. A seasonal beach badge is required for non-residents during the summer; verify current fees and badge purchase locations with the borough office.
Bay Side and Fishing
The Great Egg Harbor Bay side of the island offers calm water, bay views, and fishing opportunities. Local anglers use the bay shores for recreational fishing; verify any licensing requirements with New Jersey Fish and Wildlife before fishing.
Walking and Cycling the Island
The flat terrain and connected street grid make it easy to walk or cycle north into Margate City and Ventnor City, passing a range of residential architecture and small commercial strips. The famous Lucy the Elephant — a National Historic Landmark — is located in Margate City, a short bike ride north.
Proximity to Atlantic City
Atlantic City's boardwalk, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues are only a few miles north. Many visitors use Longport as a quieter base while making day or evening trips into Atlantic City.
Food & Drink
Longport has very limited dining options within the borough itself given its small size and residential character. There are a small number of local establishments — verify what is currently operating locally, as businesses in small shore towns open and close seasonally.
For a broader dining selection, Margate City immediately to the north has a well-regarded local dining scene with restaurants serving seafood, pizza, and casual American fare that have served the shore community for many years. Ventnor City and Atlantic City offer even wider choices, from casual boardwalk food to higher-end casino restaurants.
Grocery shopping and provisioning for self-catering is best done in Margate City or further inland, as retail options within Longport are minimal. If you are renting a home or staying somewhere with a kitchen, this is the most practical approach for most meals.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for all emergencies in the United States. Longport has its own small police and fire department. The nearest hospital with full emergency services is in the Atlantic City area — verify the closest facility with your accommodation upon arrival.
Connectivity
Cellular coverage from major U.S. carriers is generally reliable throughout the island. Public Wi-Fi is not a feature of this small residential borough; rely on your mobile data plan or accommodation Wi-Fi.
Beach Badges
Seasonal beach badges (permits) are required for non-residents to use the beach during the summer season. These can typically be purchased at borough offices or designated beach locations. Fees and hours change annually — check with the Borough of Longport for current information.
Money
ATMs are limited within Longport; the nearest concentration of ATMs and banks is in Margate City or Atlantic City. Carry sufficient cash or plan to use card payment where accepted.
Safety
Longport is a low-crime residential community and is generally considered very safe for visitors. Standard beach safety awareness applies: observe posted flag conditions, swim near lifeguards during staffed hours (seasonal), and be aware of rip currents, which can occur along any New Jersey Shore beach.
During summer, sun exposure is the most common visitor health concern — use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and seek shade during peak afternoon hours. Jellyfish occasionally wash ashore along the Jersey Shore; lifeguards and posted signage will note when conditions are relevant.
