Point Pleasant, New Jersey: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Are you ready to explore the Jersey Shore's hidden gem? Welcome to Point Pleasant, New Jersey. This vibrant coastal town offers a mix of family-friendly fun, beautiful beaches, and historical sites. Whether you're looking for sun, culture, or a place to relax, Point Pleasant has it all.

Key Takeaways

• Explore the iconic Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Aquarium for a day of fun and marine life education.
• Indulge in delicious seafood, sweet treats, and local shopping in the charming downtown area.
• Discover the town's rich history at museums and historic sites like the New Jersey Museum of Boating.
• Enjoy water activities and cruises on the Manasquan River and Atlantic Ocean.
• Escape the crowds and discover the town's hidden gems, from bike rentals to seasonal festivals.

Introduction to Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant is a beautiful shore town along the Jersey Shore. It's loved for its family-friendly vibe and many attractions. Just an hour from New York City and Philadelphia, it's a charming place with sandy beaches, lively boardwalks, and a vibrant downtown.

Overview of Point Pleasant Beach and its attractions

The heart of Point Pleasant is its iconic beachfront, Point Pleasant Beach. It has clean, soft-sand beaches, making it a top choice for a day trip or vacation. Visitors can walk the Jenkinson's Boardwalk, with shops, restaurants, and the Jenkinson's Aquarium, showcasing marine life.

Highlights of the town's family-friendly atmosphere

• Numerous parks and playgrounds with stunning waterfront views
• A range of kid-friendly attractions, from the aquarium to the amusement park
• Welcoming and safe environment for families to explore and create lasting memories

Point Pleasant's natural beauty, family-friendly amenities, and activities make it perfect for a Jersey Shore visit. Its charming downtown, scenic beaches, and attractions offer something for everyone.

Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Amusement Park

The iconic Jenkinson's Boardwalk is the heart of Point Pleasant Beach. It stretches for 1 mile along the shore. This classic Jersey Shore boardwalk is filled with souvenir shops, arcades, mini-golf courses, a fun house, and a thrilling ropes course.

Visitors can also explore the Jenkinson's Aquarium. It features sharks, penguins, alligators, and interactive touch tanks.

Jenkinson's Aquarium

The Jenkinson's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's located right on the boardwalk. The aquarium showcases a variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, alligators, seals, and fish.

Guests can get hands-on with sea stars and stingrays in the interactive touch tanks. They can also observe daily feedings of the aquarium's residents. Admission costs $10 for kids 3 and up and $16 for adults.

Jenkinson's Amusement Park

The Jenkinson's Amusement Park is at the north end of the boardwalk. It's the main attraction for thrill-seekers. The park offers a range of rides, from classic carousels and flying elephants to a new roller coaster called Shark Escape.

Many rides are geared towards younger children, with a focus on toddler-friendly attractions. Older kids will enjoy the bumper cars, Tilt-A-Whirl, and other classic amusement park rides.

Rides at Jenkinson's Amusement Park open at noon. Credits are loaded onto a reusable card. The cost for mini-golf at Castaway Cove is $9 per child and $12.50 for adults.

Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Point Pleasant Beach are about an hour's drive from New York City and Philadelphia. It's a popular destination for families and visitors.

Beaches and Parks in Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant, New Jersey, boasts beautiful beaches and parks. The Point Pleasant beaches have soft sand, great for sandcastles or sunbathing. Lifeguards watch over the beaches from 9:30am to 5:30pm, making it safe to swim.

Point Pleasant also has playgrounds and parks with waterfront views. Riverfront Park, just across the bridge, has a playground. It has swings and slides with views of the Manasquan River, perfect for playing and enjoying the scenery.

Looking for a day of relaxation on the Point Pleasant beaches? Or maybe you want to play in the parks or enjoy the waterfront views? Point Pleasant has something for everyone to enjoy.

Museums and Historic Attractions

Point Pleasant is a treasure trove of museums and historic sites. They offer a glimpse into New Jersey's rich maritime and automotive heritage. The New Jersey Museum of Boating is a must-visit. It preserves and showcases the state's storied boating history.

The museum has captivating exhibits on shipwrecks along the New Jersey coast. It also covers the construction and design of racing boats. Plus, it highlights the U.S. Coast Guard's role in maritime activities. Visitors can explore the stories behind these nautical adventures and appreciate the state's seafaring legacy.

Vintage Automobile Museum of NJ

Next to the New Jersey Museum of Boating is the Vintage Automobile Museum of NJ. It's a dream come true for classic car enthusiasts. The museum's rotating display features a captivating collection of vintage vehicles from the last century.

Visitors can admire the sleek lines, chrome accents, and iconic designs of these cars. The museum also has kitschy signs, racing memorabilia, and a vintage gas pump. It takes visitors back in time, offering an immersive experience for anyone interested in automotive history and culture.

"The New Jersey Museum of Boating and Vintage Automobile Museum of NJ offer a unique opportunity to explore the state's rich maritime and automotive heritage. These museums are true gems for history buffs and enthusiasts alike."

Water Activities and Cruises

Point Pleasant, New Jersey, is a great place for water adventures and sightseeing. You can take a cruise on the classic River Queen. This boat gives you a unique view of the Manasquan River, Point Pleasant Canal, and Barnegat Bay.

River Queen Boat Cruises

The River Queen offers different cruises. You can go on sightseeing tours, brunch and lunch cruises, or sunset dinner voyages. These cruises let you see the area's natural beauty, from lush riverbanks to calm bays.

While sailing, you might see turtles, egrets, and bald eagles. It's a great way to learn about local wildlife.

Point Pleasant Parasail

For a thrilling experience, try Point Pleasant Parasail. It takes you high above the ocean. You'll see amazing views of the shoreline and surrounding areas.

Soar over the waves and feel the wind. It's a unique way to see Point Pleasant.

Point Pleasant has water activities for everyone. Whether you like a calm river cruise or an exciting parasail ride, you'll have a great time. Explore the town's waterways and enjoy its nautical heritage.

Shopping and Dining in Downtown

The downtown area of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, is a shopper's dream. You can wander the streets and find unique boutiques and shops. Visit Canvas House Antiques and Design Center for vintage finds or Big Fun Toys for the latest toys.

Boutiques and Shops in Downtown

Downtown boutiques offer gifts and apparel that celebrate local pride. Del Mar East is a Bohemian-inspired boutique opened by Wendy Dinneen in 2015. It features global fashion finds. Noon Design Shop by Maie Vaga offers American jewelry, home goods, and artwork.

Source and Tradition is a gallery and production shop by ceramicist Alexandra Vaga Fallon. It has three kilns for on-site pottery creation.

Restaurants and Seafood Spots with Water Views

After shopping, enjoy seafood and other dishes at the area's restaurants. Many offer beautiful water views. Favorites include The Patio Bar, The Shrimp Box, The Wharfside, B2 Bistro, and Spano's.

Mueller's famous crumb cake sells out fast on weekends. Playa Bowls offers healthy smoothies and bowls. Charlie's bar has 20 craft beers on tap for beer lovers.

Sweets and Desserts

No visit to Point Pleasant is complete without stopping at Hoffman's Ice Cream. This local gem has been serving homemade ice cream since 1976. They offer a wide variety of flavors, including seasonal favorites like Jersey Monkey, Toasted Coconut, and Fudge Mint Cookie.

The Jersey Shore is also known for its dessert scene. Bakeries, creameries, and specialty shops offer a wide range of sweet treats. Places like Whipped Creperie in Red Bank and Broad Street Dough Co. in Oakhurst have something for everyone.

Chocolate lovers will adore Suzi's Sweet Shoppe in Middletown for its chocolate-covered pretzels. Confections of a Rockstar in Asbury Park is famous for their birthday cake cupcakes. And don't miss the traditional Pignoli cookies from Joe Leone's Italian Specialties in Point Pleasant Beach.

Looking for alcohol-infused cupcakes, the "best jelly doughnut on the planet," or vegan and gluten-free treats? The Jersey Shore has it all. Indulge in the local flavors and enjoy a sweet journey through the region's dessert scene.

Explore More Delectable Desserts

• The Dessert Bar in Toms River specializes in alcohol-infused cupcakes, with their Margarita cupcake being a customer favorite.
• Ferrara's Italian Bakery in Ship Bottom, NJ boasts a reputation for serving the "best jelly doughnut on the planet," a title appreciated by loyal patrons.
• La Scala Italian Pastry Shop in Toms River, NJ is renowned for its cannolis, reminiscent of those made by grandmothers in Italian households.
• Papa Ganache in Matawan, NJ earned recognition from winning The Food Network's Cupcake Wars, offering a unique Crème Brûlée Cupcake that is vegan and gluten-free.
• Simona's Bakery in Sea Girt, NJ presents an innovative dessert, the Apple Pie Macaron, blending American and French dessert traditions.

"Hoffman's Ice Cream is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Jersey Shore. Their homemade flavors, like the Jersey Monkey and Toasted Coconut, are simply divine."

Point Pleasant, New Jersey: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Point Pleasant, New Jersey, is a lively coastal town. It has lots of attractions and activities for all ages. You can enjoy the famous Jenkinson's Boardwalk, beautiful beaches, and parks.

Explore Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Aquarium

A visit to Point Pleasant isn't complete without the Jenkinson's Boardwalk. This place has an amusement park with exciting rides and the Jenkinson's Aquarium. The aquarium shows off marine life and has interactive exhibits.

Enjoy the Beaches and Parks

Point Pleasant has many beautiful beaches and parks. They're great for relaxing, playing, and having fun outside. You can sunbathe, build sandcastles, or explore the trails and playgrounds.

Discover the Town's Museums and Historic Attractions

Learn about Point Pleasant's history and culture at the New Jersey Museum of Boating and the Vintage Automobile Museum of NJ. These museums give a peek into the region's maritime and automotive past.

Experience Water-Based Activities and Cruises

See Point Pleasant from a different view with a River Queen boat cruise on the Manasquan River. Or try parasailing for amazing views of the coastline.

Explore the Charming Downtown

Walk through Point Pleasant's downtown area. You'll find boutiques, shops, and seafood restaurants with beautiful views of the water.

Point Pleasant is great for a fun day or a longer vacation. It's a beautiful spot on the Jersey Shore.

"Point Pleasant offers a diverse array of attractions and activities that cater to families, couples, and solo travelers alike. It's a true gem of the Jersey Shore."

Exploring the Town by Bike

Exploring Point Pleasant, New Jersey by bike is a great idea. You can rent bikes from Shore Riders and ride around the town and Jenkinson's Boardwalk (when it's open). Biking lets you see more and go at your own speed. It's a fun and easy way to see what Point Pleasant has to offer.

Bike Rental Options and Routes

Shore Riders, right on the boardwalk, has many bikes to rent. You can pick from regular bikes, tandem bikes, or even surrey bikes for families. There are several routes to choose from, depending on how far you want to go and what you want to see.

• Ride along the boardwalk and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean views
• Check out the quiet streets and find cute neighborhoods
• Take the trails at Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Aquarium for a pretty ride
• Go to nearby parks and beaches like Riverfront Park and Jenkinson's Beach

Point Pleasant is great for biking because it's flat and has good paths. No matter if you want a easy ride or a workout, you'll find the right route here.

"Biking is the perfect way to explore Point Pleasant at your own pace and discover hidden gems along the way."

So, get a bike, start riding, and see Point Pleasant from a new angle!

Festivals and Events

Point Pleasant Beach is alive with festivals and events all year. There's something for everyone, from the Festival of the Sea to holiday fun and water sports. It's always exciting in this lively coastal town.

Annual Festival of the Sea

The Festival of the Sea in September is a highlight. It's filled with live music, a wine garden, seafood, and activities for all. You can try crab cakes, shrimp skewers, and paella, all while enjoying the fun.

Holiday Celebrations and Seasonal Events

• The Jenkinson's Aquarium has special holiday events. It's a great place to see marine life, even in winter.
• The Antrim Cooks Tour lets you see local homes and taste Point Pleasant's best food.
• The Point Pleasant Beach Grand Prix is a thrilling event. It features high-speed powerboat races right by the ocean.

From the Festival of the Sea to holiday and seasonal events, Point Pleasant Beach is full of life. It's just an hour from New York City. This Jersey Shore town has something for everyone, making it a great place to visit.

Conclusion

Point Pleasant, New Jersey, is a wonderful spot along the Jersey Shore. It has lots of attractions and activities for all ages. You can enjoy the famous Jenkinson's Boardwalk, beautiful beaches, parks, museums, and more.

Looking for a quick day trip or a longer vacation? Point Pleasant has it all. It's a family-friendly town with a rich history and vibrant culture. It's a top choice for anyone exploring New Jersey.

Point Pleasant offers stunning natural views and exciting local events. Whether you love the beaches, boardwalk, or attractions, it's a memorable place. It's sure to inspire you to visit again soon.