Point Pleasant Beach Information
This charming town epitomizes life at the Jersey Shore. With a bustling downtown area, a large-scale antiquing district, distinctive restaurants, and the lure of the oceanfront, it’s no wonder that many people head here year-round for an enjoyable experience. Again and again, Point Pleasant Beach delivers.
The top destination here is, of course, the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk. Compared to the Seaside Heights boardwalk, this is more of a family-friendly destination. Although there aren’t as many rides, this quaint boardwalk offers a long stretch of boards to take a walk. You’ll notice the aquarium, which is a fun stop especially with children. If you head all the way north, there is a stretch of boards that run along houses and then lead up to the inlet. During the summer, one weeknight is transformed as an orchestra plays along the beach. The free shows—fireworks are weekly, too—are a great family activity.
For shoppers, a trip downtown is always exciting. There are plenty of distinctive boutiques and cafes that make window shopping and dining go hand in hand. Stop into Green Planet Coffee Co. for decadent desserts and delicious coffee and tea. The Beanery is a great place to enjoy a casual meal. Styles in Silver is a hub for all things in the realm of gorgeous jewelry. The downtown area is also home to several antique stores, which has given the municipality a stellar reputation in the antiques market.
The history of the town is rich, and dates back to September 2, 1609, when Henry Hudson and the crew of his ship, Half Moon, noticed Point Pleasant Beach on their way north to explore the Hudson River. Crewmember Robert Juet wrote in his journal, “This is a very good Land to fall with and a pleasant Land to see.” And 277 years later, The Borough of Point Pleasant Beach was established on June 2, 1886.
The first permanent boardwalk, which spanned Philadelphia and Central Avenues, came in 1915. It was eventually expanded to run the entire length of Point Pleasant Beach; but shortened to its present length by the hurricane of September 1938, which destroyed the southern portion of the boardwalk. It was slowly transformed from a place to stroll to an active amusement area. In the late 1920s, Orlo Jenkinson built Jenkinson’s Pavilion. Ever since then, the boardwalk became the place to go for a night out and other special events. With delicious food and fun games, it continues to be a huge attraction and is one of the state’s premier boardwalks.
