Explore Point Pleasant Beach: Ultimate Visitor's Guide

Point Pleasant Beach, NJ: A Shoreline Gem for Summer Fun

Point Pleasant Beach is the ultimate Jersey Shore destination, offering something for everyone—from families seeking fun-filled days to young adults enjoying the vibrant nightlife. Whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended summer vacation, this charming town has it all.

Conveniently located just 90 minutes from New York City by car or a New Jersey Transit train ride followed by a short 15-minute walk to the boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach is a popular retreat for tourists from North Jersey and NYC. Locals affectionately refer to these visitors as "bennys."

For overnight stays, the town features a wide range of accommodations, including cozy B&Bs and motels to suit all budgets and preferences. Dining options are equally diverse, with restaurants catering to every taste and price point.

The boardwalk is a hub of activity, offering attractions for all ages. Families can enjoy an amusement park, while nightclubs and restaurants keep the energy alive for those seeking a lively evening. The boardwalk also features shops, a bathhouse with showers and lockers, and plenty of places to relax or explore.

Downtown Point Pleasant Beach is another highlight, boasting a unique shopping district filled with boutique stores and antique shops. When shopping works up an appetite, you’ll find a variety of fine restaurants, coffee shops, and cafés ready to delight your palate.

Point Pleasant Beach truly combines the best of relaxation, entertainment, and coastal charm, making it a must-visit destination at the Jersey Shore.

Annual Festivals & Seasonal Events in Point Pleasant Beach

Spring: Annual Easter Egg Hunts (March/April): Point Pleasant Beach officially kicks off its season with festive egg hunts on the beach, sponsored by local businesses. Insider Tip: These events are very popular with families, so arrive early to find parking and get a good spot on the sand.

Summer: Jenkinson's Christmas in July (July): The boardwalk gets a festive holiday makeover in the middle of summer, with decorations, special entertainment, and visits from Santa Claus. Insider Tip: This is a great time to experience the boardwalk with a unique, festive twist and capture fun family photos.

Fall: The Festival of the Sea (September): As one of New Jersey's largest seafood festivals, this downtown event marks the unofficial end of summer. Dozens of vendors serve up delicious seafood creations. Insider Tip: Parking is extremely limited. Consider using NJ Transit or park several blocks away and walk to avoid the worst traffic congestion.

Winter: Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (November/December): Held in the heart of the nearby downtown shopping district, this charming event features caroling, hot cocoa, and the official start of the holiday season in Point Pleasant. Insider Tip: Many local shops stay open late and offer special sales, making it a perfect night to support local businesses.

Weekend Events in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

Finding exciting things to do in Point Pleasant NJ is easy any weekend, especially during the summer. While schedules can change, the town hosts many recurring events. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check the official websites for Jenkinson's Boardwalk and the Point Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce before your visit.

Boardwalk Fireworks: A signature summer event, these spectacular fireworks light up the sky every Thursday night after dark (weather permitting). Find a spot anywhere on the beach for a great view. This event is free and runs from June through August.

Live Music at Beachfront Clubs: On Friday and Saturday nights, venues like Jenk's Nightclub and Martell's Tiki Bar host some of the Jersey Shore's best live bands and DJs. Check their websites for the latest schedules, ticket information, and cover charges.

Point Pleasant Beach Farmers' Market: Held on Sundays from spring through fall at the Borden's Lot on Route 35 South. It's a fantastic opportunity to browse local produce, fresh baked goods, and artisanal crafts.

Weekend itinerary for families with kids in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ—perfect for a Friday-to-Sunday escape

️ Check-in at The White Sands Oceanfront Resort & Spa: Indoor/outdoor pools, beach access, and family-friendly dining at Aragula Oceanside.

Evening stroll on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk: Grab pizza, play arcade games, and let the kids ride the carousel under twinkling lights.

Catch the Thursday night fireworks (if arriving early): A magical start to your weekend.

Saturday: Full Day of Shore Adventures

Breakfast at The Offshore Café: Pancakes shaped like sea creatures? Yes, please.

Jenkinson’s Aquarium: Meet penguins, seals, and a sloth. Touch tanks are a hit with little ones.

Mini Golf at Castaway Cove: Pirate ships, waterfalls, and treasure-themed holes.

Lunch at Shore Fresh Seafood Market: Kid-friendly options like fish tacos and grilled cheese.

Afternoon beach time at Bradshaw’s Beach: Lifeguards, soft sand, and gentle waves.

Dinner at The Shrimp Box: Waterfront views and coloring menus for kids.

Evening treat at Hoffman’s Ice Cream: Try the Jersey Monkey or Cotton Candy Swirl.

Sunday: Wind Down & Explore

Breakfast at The Tower Cottage B&B (if staying there): Gourmet morning bites in a cozy Victorian setting.

Visit Point Pavilion Antiques: Let kids hunt for quirky treasures while grown-ups browse vintage finds.

Riverfront Park picnic: Pack snacks and enjoy the playground and boat-watching.

Optional stop at Bay Head Beach: Quieter vibes and a final splash before heading home.

Boating Tours and Activities in Point Pleasant Beach

Party & Charter Fishing Boats: Experience some of the best fishing on the East Coast. Operators like the Norma K III and Gambler offer half-day and full-day excursions for fluke, sea bass, and bluefish. Trips typically last 4-8 hours ($50-$90/person) and include all necessary equipment and expert guidance.

Dolphin and Whale Watching Cruises: See magnificent marine life in its natural habitat with a guided ocean tour. The Jersey Shore Whale Watching Tour, departing from nearby Belmar, provides a 2-3 hour narrated experience where you can spot dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures.

Manasquan River Eco-Tours & Sunset Cruises: For a more relaxed journey, explore the calm waters of the Manasquan River. These shorter cruises offer beautiful views of waterfront homes and local wildlife, with sunset tours providing a breathtaking end to the day.

Booking Tip: All boat tours are incredibly popular, especially from June through August. To avoid disappointment, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online well in advance of your trip to Point Pleasant Beach.

Things to do around Point Pleasant Beach

Historic Allaire Village & Park (15-min drive): Step back in time at this 19th-century iron-making town, ride a vintage steam train, and hike scenic trails, making it a wonderful educational side trip for the whole family.

Charming Downtown Bay Head (5-min drive): Escape the boardwalk crowds by exploring the quaint, tree-lined streets of Bay Head, home to upscale boutiques, antique shops, and cozy cafes—a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon.

Manasquan Inlet (Adjacent to the beach): Watch the fishing boats navigate the channel, cast a line from the jetty, or observe local surfers catching waves. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's maritime culture.

Asbury Park Boardwalk (25-min drive): Discover a world-famous music scene, eclectic shops, vibrant murals, and diverse dining options at this revitalized and iconic Jersey Shore destination, offering a completely different vibe from Point Pleasant.

Point Pleasant Attractions & Things To Do

The Festival of the Sea
One of Point Pleasant Beach's top festivals. Held Downtown in September as an end of summer gathering. Local restaurants and vendors provide the large crowds with delicacies such as crab cakes, shrimp skewers, paella, soups and bisques, lobster, and other seafood items.

Fishing
The waters off Pt Pleasant beach are a prime location for salt water fishing. Here you can find the opportunity to catch some big tuna, bluefish and fluke. For those who just want to kick back, tours offer the use of all their equipment, leaving you with nothing to worry about. Party and charter boats go offshore from the Broadway Basin or Ken's Landing.

Kayaking
In summer, at Point Pleasant Beach, the north end is a kayak zone with nice 3- to 6-foot curlers at high tide when winds are from the east. During the off season, on the north side of the Manasquan Inlet, Manasquan Beach has an off-shore break that's great after the crowds leave for the season.

Point Pleasant Food and Dining

Places to Stay in Point Pleasant

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