Point Pleasant Beach Travel Guide

Discover Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey through this comprehensive travel guide, including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, transportation options, nearby destinations, and more.


Introduction to Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant Beach is a charming seaside town in Ocean County, located in the Jersey Shore region of New Jersey. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the town has something for everyone – from beautiful beaches and natural reserves to a bustling boardwalk and entertainment options.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family, Point Pleasant Beach is a perfect getaway destination. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, the top things to do, where to eat and stay, local customs, and everything else you need to know to have a great vacation in Point Pleasant Beach.

List of Places to Visit in Point Pleasant Beach

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Antique Emporium

Located on the scenic Arnold Avenue, the Antique Emporium showcases over 60 dealers who sell antiques, collectibles, vintage items, and other treasures. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs to take back home.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium

Jenkinson’s Aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, making it an exceptional attraction for animal lovers. You can even touch and feed some of the creatures during your visit!

Lovelandtown Historical Society Museum

The Lovelandtown Historical Society Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the town’s history. You’ll find artifacts, photographs, and other historical items on display, and there are guided tours available as well.

Natural Attractions of Point Pleasant Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Bay Head Beach

Bay Head Beach is a relaxing, picturesque beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Travelers can rent beach chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a picnic on the sand or explore the surrounding beach town.

Beaver Dam Creek County Park

Beaver Dam Creek County Park is a nature reserve near the town of Point Pleasant Beach that’s a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers excellent hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing sites, making it a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

Manasquan Reservoir

The Manasquan Reservoir is an enormous freshwater reservoir that supplies drinking water to many parts of New Jersey. The park offers hiking trails, paddleboat rentals, and fishing, as well as surrounding picnic areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Point Pleasant Beach

Laurelton Trail

The Laurelton Trail is an excellent hiking trail that takes you through a nature reserve right in the heart of Point Pleasant Beach. The trail is approximately 4 miles long and features beautiful views of the surrounding forest.

River-to-Sea Bikeway

The River-to-Sea Bikeway is a scenic 6.2-mile bike path that goes from Manasquan to Point Pleasant Beach. The trail passes through beautiful parks, scenic waterways, and historic sites, making it a great way to see some of the town’s best attractions.

Best Things to Do in Point Pleasant Beach: Activities and Tours

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is a lively waterfront area that features shops, restaurants, and attractions perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers. The boardwalk is home to a variety of rides, games, and dining options, plus it’s an excellent spot for an evening stroll.

Point Pleasant Parasail

Point Pleasant Parasail offers adventurous travelers a unique way to experience the area with a thrilling parasailing tour. You’ll get an unforgettable view of Point Pleasant Beach from high above the water!

Silver Lake Park

Located in the center of town, Silver Lake Park is a serene and peaceful park surrounded by the town’s best attractions and restaurants. You can walk around the lake, get a picnic, or enjoy boating.

Week-Long Itinerary for Point Pleasant Beach

Here’s an itinerary we recommend for travelers looking to maximize their visit to Point Pleasant Beach:

  • Day 1: Check-in to your hotel and head to the antique emporium for unique souvenirs. Enjoy an early dinner at your favorite restaurant in town.
  • Day 2: Go on a guided tour of the Lovelandtown Historical Society Museum and immerse yourself in the town’s history. Have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. In the evening, spend time at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and indulge in some of its attractions.
  • Day 3: Take the Laurelton Trail hike in the morning. Then enjoy an afternoon at the Bay Head Beach, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Day 4: Rent bikes and hit the River-to-Sea Bikeway to view the scenic spots and attractions on your own. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Enjoy shopping at specialty stores in the town.
  • Day 5: Spend the day at Beaver Dam Creek County Park, enjoy a picnic and experience nature with your family.
  • Day 6: Take a fly over Point Pleasant Beach (optional) after breakfast and spend the rest of the day at the Silver Lake Park, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Day 7: Explore the Manasquan Reservoir, followed by an afternoon at Jenkinson’s Aquarium before having dinner at a seafood restaurant.

Food and Drink Scene of Point Pleasant Beach

Must-Try Dishes

Clam Chowder

Clam Chowder is a New England staple, and you’ll find it cooked to perfection in many of the town’s restaurants. It is a must-try dish for seafood lovers.

Fried Seafood Platter

Point Pleasant Beach is all about seafood! A fried seafood platter featuring shrimp, scallops, and calamari is a common dish in town, and every seafood lover must try this dish.

Local Beverages

Beer

Point Pleasant Beach is home to several local breweries. Try some of their popular beers, and you will be surprised.

Cocktails

The town’s bars and restaurants serve refreshing cocktails that are perfect for sipping on the beach or enjoying at a local bar.

Where to Stay in Point Pleasant Beach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Point Pleasant Manor

This hotel is a short walk away from the beach and offers comfortable rooms and suites perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. It’s a budget-friendly stay option in town.

Shore Point Motel

The Shore Point Motel is another comfortable and affordable option that is also a short walk from the beach. It features bright, spacious rooms ideal for families or single travelers.

What to Buy in Point Pleasant Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Jersey Shore T-Shirts and Souvenirs

Visitors will find a wide array of T-shirts and souvenirs at stores and specialty shops all over town. There are several designs and slogans, such as ‘I love Jersey Shore’ etc. that you can choose from.

Beach Decor and Accessories

The town has stores that stock beads, jewelry, lanterns, sand artwork, candles and others. Bring some of these novelties as souvenirs from your fun beach vacation.

Local Culture and Customs of Point Pleasant Beach

Visitors are encouraged to respect the purity and preservation of the environment in town. It is forbidden to take away sand or stones from the beaches, or create excessive noise levels. Visitors are encouraged to take their trash with them when leaving the beaches.

Best Time to Visit Point Pleasant Beach

The best time to visit Point Pleasant Beach is between May to October, when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and the water is warm. The busiest season is the summer, expect more crowds and traffic. Fall offers milder weather and fewer tourists.

Do’s and Don’ts of Point Pleasant Beach

Do:

  • Carry a trash bag and clean your trash properly
  • Respect the beach-goer’s privacy
  • Stick to the speed limit and other town rules while driving
  • Leave no trace

Don’t:

  • Litter on the beach or anywhere in town
  • Have loud parties or excessive noise in the evenings
  • Block roads and driveways while parking

Safety and Health

Safety in Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant is a generally safe place, but always use common sense. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended at the beach or in busy areas. The beaches are monitored, but always swim within the designated swimming area and follow the lifeguard’s directions.

Health in Point Pleasant Beach

Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, especially on hot summer days. The town has medical facilities for minor health issues, but in the event of a medical emergency, dial 911 and the first responders will be there to assist you.

Getting to Point Pleasant Beach: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Point Pleasant Beach

The Newark Liberty International Airport is the nearest airport to Point Pleasant Beach. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to the town. You can alternatively choose to fly into New York’s LaGuardia or JFK International Airport, from where you can drive, take a train, or rent cars to Point Pleasant Beach.

Bus Stations Near Point Pleasant Beach

The closest bus station to Point Pleasant Beach is the New Jersey Transit Bus Station at Manasquan. From there, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or which is easily accessible through the NJ Transit trains and buses.

Other Options

Point Pleasant Beach is located off the Garden State Parkway, which runs north-south. You can opt for car rentals for easy navigation in and around town.

How to Get Around in Point Pleasant Beach

Exploring Point Pleasant is interesting either on foot or bike, while the town offers bus services and taxi rentals, it is recommended to have a car rental for easy navigation to the nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from Point Pleasant Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cape May

Cape May is known for its charming Victorian-era houses, excellent seafood, and spectacular views. It’s a perfect destination for a relaxing beach vacation.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is home to world-class casinos, dining and shopping options, and one of the state’s best beaches. A little less than an hour’s drive away, Atlantic City would make an excellent day trip.

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive tour guide of Point Pleasant Beach has provided enough information to plan your vacation. Whether you’re a beach bum or an adventure lover, there are plenty of reasons for you to choose the town as your next vacation spot.

Remember to enjoy the town’s beaches, indulge in some local cuisine, breathe in the fresh sea air, and have a memorable time!

Jenkinson's Boardwalk Jenkinson's Boardwalk