Long Branch Beaches Surprisingly Not As Busy Today

It's hot, and maybe too hot for some in Long Branch on Thursday.

As the heat wave brings sweltering temperatures that are nearing 95 degrees, people appear to be staying away from the beach.

As of 12:30 p.m., the boardwalk was not bustling with activity as it usually is at that time. Some jog by with their headphones in place, or walk arm in arm with their loved ones, but the boardwalk more closely resembled a day in April or May when only the locals inhabit the area.

The beaches on the south side of the city do not have nearly as many people on them today as the ones near Pier Village and the promenade. That's not unusual in the summer, as Pier Village draws its largest crowds from June through September.

Traffic around Long Branch has been pretty light today as well. Ocean Boulevard is clear in both directions, with the heavier traffic located near the north end of the city, near Monmouth Beach.

On the boardwalk, some people were embracing the hot weather, including Brian Caufield, of Dayton, OH, who had just finished installing a car showroom in Long Branch.

"I get few opportunities to go out to the beach an enjoy it," Caufield said. "You have to take advantage of days like this."

Caufield said he also enjoyed a hot dog from Max's Hot Dogs, which is located just one block from the ocean on the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Matilda Terrace. As he looked out onto the ocean, he finished a soda he had just purchased from one of the most popular dining destinations in the city.

"They've got some big hot dogs," he said. "Somebody told me it was good and that had to try it out."

While some rushed to the beach the opportunity to enjoy the weather, others were heading home to cool off.

George Cantaffa, of Long Branch, said it was "too hot to stay out for long."

"I'm heading back to the house to enjoy the pool and the AC," Cantaffa said. "You only need about an hour or two out here to enjoy the climate and the atmosphere."

Cantaffa said the slight breeze that was rolling off the ocean helped keep things somewhat bearable near the shore today.

"If it wasn't for the breeze today, people wouldn't be out," he said.