Point Pleasant Beach
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Point Pleasant Beach sits just north of the Manasquan Inlet, fronted by a boardwalk built around Jenkinson's, the arcade, aquarium, and beach complex that most visitors associate with the whole town. A beach badge is required in season, sold at the entrance for a single day or through Jenkinson's business office for anything longer.
Jenkinson's gives it more to do than a typical stretch of sand, but the crowds and metered parking are the price of that, and locals often prefer the quieter beaches just north.
How we score beachesBuy a multi day badge at Jenkinson's office if you're staying more than a day. It saves a trip back to the entrance booth every morning.
Metered street spots run about two to two and a half dollars an hour, and a handful of private lots fill in the gaps. Both get tight on summer weekends.
The boardwalk is flat and paved for its full length, with several ramps down to the sand.
Dogs aren't permitted on the beach from mid May through September.
Water warms into the low to mid 70s by August, and the inlet keeps a steady breeze moving even on the hottest days. Fall brings quieter boardwalk crowds and still swimmable water into September.
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