Best of the Shore

Sun. Surf. Tiny paper parasols. What’s better than a visit to the Shore? One guided by our first-ever list of the honest-to-goodness all-around greatest places to grab a dog, rest your head, stroll the beach, sip a cocktail, or just soak up the rays. We’ve gone town by town, to tell you where to stay, what to eat, and how the Shore haunts of your youth have changed

Longport

No hotels, no rides, no games, no nightlife. And “no cheesesteaks, no surfboards,” adds one realtor we spoke to. When you really, really want to get away from it all, you move to Longport, where beautiful homes surround a beautiful beach and there’s nothing to do but kick back.

Best of Longport

Breakfast: Ozzie’s of Longport. This ’50s-style diner is best known for its Granola French Toast—thick challah bread dipped in egg and grilled with granola, then topped with powdered sugar—and oatmeal pancakes served with fresh fruit. Snag a table outside, next to the bottleneck palm trees (2401 Atlantic Avenue; 609-487-0575).


Personal Best:
“32nd Street beach. This will be my 53rd summer on that beach. We’re still a really tight gang down there. If you miss a Saturday or Sunday between July 4th and Labor Day, you better bring a note with a good excuse.” —Vito Canuso, Republican City Committee chairman

Bed & Beach
Average 2004 home price:
$652,949
AVERAGE 1999 HOME PRICE: $292,210
Recent listing: A three-bedroom, three-full-bath cottage on a beach block, with front porch and hardwood floors, $1,250,000.
Cost to rent a three-bedroom beach-front house:
$50,000 to $60,000 for a season. But rentals are hard to come by here.
Where to stay: No hotels or motels.
On the beach: It’s narrow but beautiful. Beach tags are required ($15 for the season).