THINGS TO DO

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If taking a NJ Transit train, you'll be let off at Arnold Avenue and Route 35 in the north part of Point Pleasant Beach. A canal splits Point Pleasant the town from Point Pleasant Beach where most tourist attractions are. The beach and boardwalk will be about a six-block walk to the east. Walk a few blocks in the other direction and you'll also hit water--the Manasqaun River.

The biggest draw in Point Pleasant Beach is Jenkinson's Boardwalk, where you can enjoy their beautiful beach, sample the rides at the amusement park, see marine life at the aquarium, try your luck at the game booths, listen to live music and entertainment and much, much more. During the summer they also have fireworks and laser light shows.

There are both public and private beaches in Point Pleasant. A public access beach can be found at the southern end of town with an entrance on Ocean Avenue across from the Dunes Motel. It's free, but be aware there are no lifeguards, so use common sense if swimming.

Bradshaw Beach, to the north, is private, which means paying to play. Both season and day beach badges are available. Prices vary, but an adult weekend admission will set you back $6 (children under five are free). Amenities such as beach chairs, umbrellas and use of the bathhouse are on site for rental. Everything's open from Memorial Day to Labor Day with lifeguards on duty from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Jenkinson's Aquarium, also located on the boardwalk, is open year-round. There are scheduled feeding times throughout the week so you can plan your viewing of choice. Come see the American alligators, African black-footed penguins, Atlantic and Pacific sharks, harbor seals and tropical birds. They also have a coral exhibit, as well as a reproduction of the famous H.M.S. Bounty.

If you'd rather catch fish than look at them, Point Pleasant Beach is the place to be. Experienced fisherman can head straight to the Manasqaun Inlet, at the tip of town where the Atlantic and Manasqaun meet. It's the most popular fishing area in the region. Pick up supplies at Alex's Bait and Tackle on Inlet Drive. But if you'd like a little help in your quest for sea bounty, take a trip on the Norma K III. The fishing excursions run all year-round, and launch from the Inlet. Or contact Windward Charters for a unique spa-and-sail package!

Looking for a thrill? Point Pleasant Parasail combines the excitement of parachuting, ballooning and sailing into one fun-filled experience. Boats leave from Point Pleasant Beach.

If treasure hunting in antique shops is what gets your blood pumping, visit the Antique Emporium, which contains dealers on two floors. Peck's Primitives is just one of the stores you'll find inside. Lovers of timepieces will have a heyday at the Clock and Antique Shop on Arnold Avenue.

LODGING

Since it's such a popular destination, there are numerous lodging options in Point Pleasant Beach. Located next to the boardwalk, Amethyst's Beach Motel is a great place to stay, whether you're interested in a short weekend visit, or a longer stay in one of their apartments or suites.

Situated on a stretch of private beach, and home to a full service spa, the White Sands Oceanfront Resort is made for getting away--but not too far away--all the local attractions are within walking distance. Summer rates begin at $210/night.

Looking for something more homey? The conveniently located Steepleview B&B Cottage may be what you're after. Rates range from $95 to $175 per night, and include continental breakfast and use of beach tags and chairs.

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DINING

There is a wide range of eating options on the boardwalk, including four restaurants. Enjoy everything from hot dogs and funnel cakes to sushi and gourmet cuisine.

For Spanish elegance try Europa South on the corner of Arnold Avenue and Route 35. Southern Bar-B-Q Ribs serves up just that, and Ocean Bay Diner is the place for a late night snack—they're open 'round the clock.

Scenic dining and dancing can be found on the River Belle, a Mississippi riverboat replica. Starlight Dinner Buffet Cruises sail from Broadway Basin (at the north point of the beach) on summer Saturdays. Holiday special cruises are also available.

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NIGHTLIFE

Jenk's Club on the boardwalk is a happening joint all year-round. It's the place to go for drinks and live music. Pretend you're in a tropical paradise at Martell's Tiki Bar, also located on the boardwalk. Sip colorful cocktails under palm trees, and listen to live bands every night during the summer.

Clark's Landing Bar and Grill, dockside on the marina, is a fun place to enjoy delicious food and drink on the Manasqaun River.

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TRANSPORTATION

TRAIN:

Take NJ Transit from Penn Station in Manhattan to Long Branch, then transfer and continue the trip to Point Pleasant. The Point Pleasant station is at Arnold Avenue and Route 35.

Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours.

Call 973-762-5100 for details.

CAR:

Cross into New Jersey, then take the Garden State Parkway south to exit 98. Take Route 34 to the second traffic circle, then take Route 35 south to the town of Point Pleasant. To get to the boardwalk and the beach, take a left on Arnold Avenue. Take it to the end, and take a right on Ocean Avenue. You can't miss the boardwalk.

CAR RENTAL:

Avis Rent A Car is located where Route 35 intersects Broadway. 732-892-7788.

TAXI:

Brigg's Taxi can help you get around town. 732-892-1313.

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TRAVEL TIPS

The private beaches use flags to designate surf conditions. Green flags mean a safe surf, yellow signals rough or dangerous currents, and red means no swimming at all. Keep in mind that the public beaches don't post these warnings.

LINKS

New Jersey Tourism

MAP

For a detailed map of Point Pleasant, please click here.