Ocean County · Point Pleasant Borough · Visitor Guide
Point Pleasant Borough Visiting & Lodging
Point Pleasant Borough offers a quieter side of the Jersey Shore: two Manasquan River beaches, Riverfront Park, Slade Dale Sanctuary, neighborhood parks, two small museums, boating history, year-round restaurants and a compact local lodging base—all just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean attractions of neighboring Point Pleasant Beach.
This guide covers Point Pleasant Borough. The Atlantic Ocean beach, Jenkinson's Boardwalk, inlet attractions and most beachfront hotels belong to the separate Borough of Point Pleasant Beach.
Why Visit Point Pleasant Borough?
2 River BeachesMaxson Avenue and River Avenue on the Manasquan River
13 AcresSlade Dale Sanctuary preserves marsh, woodland and wildlife habitat
2 Local Museumsautomotive and New Jersey boating history at one Bay Avenue complex
Year-Roundrestaurants, parks, shopping and community life beyond the summer season
Best fit: Point Pleasant Borough works especially well for families, boaters, local-history fans and visitors who want a quieter riverfront base while remaining close to the oceanfront attractions next door.
Manasquan River Beaches & Riverfront Park
Point Pleasant Borough's waterfront experience centers on the Manasquan River rather than the Atlantic Ocean.
River BeachMaxson Avenue BeachMunicipal swimming beach beside Riverfront Park with a playground, fishing pier, accessible walkway, shaded viewing area and seasonal restrooms.
River BeachRiver Avenue BeachOne block west of Maxson Avenue with a larger designated swimming area, playground, picnic space, seasonal restrooms and substantial parking.
Waterfront ParkRiverfront ParkPavilion, picnic area, charcoal grills, walking pier, bocce court, large playground, open field and benches overlooking the Manasquan River.
Fishing & CrabbingRiver AccessFishing and crabbing are popular along Borough waterfront facilities where permitted; swimming is limited to designated guarded areas.
2026 SeasonLifeguardsThe Borough currently lists lifeguards from June 20 through August 30, with badges required during the guarded season.
Family FacilitiesPlaygrounds & Picnic AreasThe riverfront combines swimming with playgrounds, picnic space and scenic viewing, making it especially useful for families.
Beach planning: Point Pleasant Borough beaches operate under municipal rules. Swimming is permitted only in designated areas with lifeguards present; flotation devices, alcohol, animals and boat launching are prohibited from the beach properties.
Slade Dale Sanctuary
Slade Dale Sanctuary protects approximately 13 acres along Beaver Dam Creek and provides a rare pocket of tidal-marsh and woodland habitat inside a densely developed Shore community.
Easy Nature WalkFlat trails through upland woods and marsh-edge habitat make the sanctuary suitable for a short, low-key nature walk.
BirdingThe Borough identifies osprey, bald eagle, black-crowned night-heron, least tern and other wildlife among the species using the area.
Living ShorelineRestoration work has used natural-material breakwaters, including recycled Christmas trees, to reduce marsh erosion and strengthen coastal resilience.
Quiet AlternativeSlade Dale is a useful contrast to the busier Shore attractions nearby and can be paired with Riverfront Park or the local museums for a relaxed day.
Nature etiquette: stay on established trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, carry out trash and be prepared for mosquitoes/ticks in warmer months.
Two Museums at Johnson Brothers Boat Works
At 1800 Bay Avenue, Building 13, visitors can combine two small nonprofit museums in one stop—an especially useful rainy-day or off-beach activity.
Maritime HistoryNew Jersey Museum of BoatingPreserves and interprets New Jersey's boating heritage through maritime exhibits, historic material, educational programs and a nautical lending library.
Free AdmissionBoating Museum HoursThe museum currently lists free admission and seasonal hours beginning May 1, Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.; special tours can be arranged.
Automotive HistoryVintage Automobile Museum of New JerseySmall volunteer-run museum displaying rotating vintage and collectible automobiles, period memorabilia and automotive-history exhibits.
Rotating CollectionClassic Cars Change RegularlyThe automobile museum rotates vehicles periodically, so repeat visitors can encounter different cars and themes.
Family StopGood for a Short VisitBoth museums are compact, making them easy to pair with lunch, a riverfront walk or a Point Pleasant Beach visit.
Call AheadVolunteer-Run HoursMuseum schedules can vary with volunteer availability and season; confirm current hours before making a special trip.
Parks & Family Recreation
Sports & EventsCommunity ParkBridge Avenue park with two softball fields, full soccer field, playground, concession stand, seasonal restrooms, 1/3-mile walking path and wooded nature trail.
Indoor / OutdoorRecreation CenterLarge playground, indoor and outdoor basketball, outdoor tennis, picnic space and year-round recreation programming.
SportsMcKennan Lake FieldRoute 88 / Maplewood Avenue fields used by local soccer and Little League organizations.
SkateSkate ParkLocated at McKennan Lake Field with ramps designated for skateboards and inline skates under posted rules.
Neighborhood ParkHeritage ParkHowe Street park near the Loveland Town Bridge with basketball, playground and picnic area.
Seasonal ProgramsSummer RecreationThe Borough continues youth, adult, sports and family programming through its Recreation Department and Community Pass system.
Staying in Point Pleasant Borough
The Borough has a small conventional lodging inventory. That makes it quieter than Point Pleasant Beach, but also means visitors should reserve early for summer weekends, weddings and major Shore events.
Riverfront InnCrystal Point Inn3900 River Road · 732-899-3444 · lodging on the Manasquan River with recently renovated rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast. Especially convenient for events at the neighboring Crystal Point Yacht Club.
Borough MotelPoint Pleasant Inn1609 Bay Avenue · 732-892-1208 · current motel-style lodging with single- and double-bed rooms, free Wi-Fi and free parking, positioned between Borough neighborhoods and nearby Shore attractions.
NJTGO lodging listings: basic private lodging listings include property name, lodging type, address, phone number and concise factual description. Direct private booking or hotel website links are an enhanced paid feature.
Where to Stay if Borough Rooms Are Full
Point Pleasant Borough's two current conventional lodging properties can fill quickly. Nearby communities expand the choice without changing the character of a Borough-focused visit.
Point Pleasant BeachThe largest nearby lodging inventory, including beachfront motels, small hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and properties within walking distance of the boardwalk and ocean.
Bay HeadSmaller, quieter lodging environment with historic inn-style options and access to the oceanfront village.
ManasquanMonmouth County beach-town lodging and vacation-rental options north of the Manasquan River.
Brick TownshipUseful for visitors who prefer larger mainland hotels and easy road access rather than staying directly in the Shore resort district.
Municipal-boundary reminder: many travel sites use “Point Pleasant” loosely. Confirm whether a hotel is actually in Point Pleasant Borough or Point Pleasant Beach before booking if location, beach access or local rules matter to your trip.
A Full Day in Point Pleasant Borough
MorningBay Avenue MuseumsVisit the New Jersey Museum of Boating and Vintage Automobile Museum together when their schedules overlap.
LunchBridge Avenue / Route 88Choose from the Borough's year-round breakfast, seafood, pizza, Italian, barbecue, Chinese, pub and casual dining options.
AfternoonSlade Dale SanctuaryTake a short nature walk through marsh and wooded habitat along Beaver Dam Creek.
Late AfternoonRiverfront Park & Maxson AvenueEnjoy the Manasquan River, walking pier, playground and waterfront views; use the guarded beach when it is in season.
EveningLocal Dinner or Brewery StopFinish with a Borough restaurant or local taproom along Bridge Avenue or Route 88.
Events & Seasonal Traditions
Point Pleasant Borough uses Community Park and Riverfront Park for many of its signature public events.
SummerfestThe Chamber's annual early-summer festival fills Community Park with live music, food vendors, crafts, local businesses and family activities.
National Night OutThe Borough Police Department and community partners hold a summer National Night Out event at Community Park.
Movie NightsCommunity Park hosts movie nights and other special programs during spring, summer and fall.
Fall FireworksRiverfront Park is the traditional setting for the Borough's autumn fireworks festival with food, entertainment and family activities.
Event planning: specific dates, weather plans and parking procedures can change from year to year. Check the Borough or Point Pleasant Borough Chamber calendar before traveling for an event.
Dining, Shopping & Evening Options
Bridge AvenueThe deepest Borough corridor for restaurants, specialty shops, services and the local brewery.
Route 88Italian, barbecue, pubs, bagels, Chinese food, ice cream, shopping and everyday services.
Beaver Dam RoadNeighborhood dining, marina-side breakfast and services close to many residential and waterfront sections.
Point Pleasant Beach AfterwardVisitors seeking boardwalk entertainment, oceanfront nightlife or a larger evening tourism district can cross into the separate beach borough.
Nearby Shore Attractions
Point Pleasant BeachImmediate eastern neighbor with Atlantic Ocean beaches, Jenkinson's Boardwalk, aquarium, amusement rides, inlet and downtown shopping.
Bay HeadSmall oceanfront borough south of Point Pleasant Beach with beaches, historic homes and village shopping.
ManasquanBeach town across the river with downtown shops, restaurants, ocean access and NJ Transit rail service.
BrielleWaterfront Monmouth County community across the Manasquan River with marinas and restaurants.
Allaire State ParkRegional historic and outdoor destination in Wall Township with trails, historic village and Pine Creek Railroad.
Brick TownshipLarge neighboring municipality with parks, shopping, marinas, healthcare and additional dining.
Getting Here & Getting Around
Garden State ParkwayExit 98 is the principal Shore-area Parkway connection for Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, Manasquan and nearby coastal communities.
Route 88Main east-west commercial route through the Borough connecting toward Brick and the Point Pleasant Beach boundary.
Bridge AvenueMajor local corridor for Borough Hall, Community Park, businesses, restaurants and residential neighborhoods.
Car RecommendedThe Borough is compact, but attractions are spread from Bay Avenue museums to Slade Dale and the Manasquan River, making a car useful for a full-day itinerary.
Rail NearbyNJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line stations are available in neighboring Point Pleasant Beach and Manasquan.
Summer TrafficBeach-season traffic can affect Route 88, Bridge Avenue and roads toward Point Pleasant Beach even when your destination is inside the Borough.
Visitor Planning Checklist
Confirm Beach SeasonCheck current lifeguard dates, badge requirements and weather conditions before planning a swim.
Check Museum HoursBoth local museums are volunteer/nonprofit operations with limited schedules; confirm before a special trip.
Book Lodging EarlyOnly two conventional lodging properties are currently substantiated inside the Borough, so summer and wedding dates can tighten quickly.
Use the Correct MunicipalityBeaches, parking, events and hotel locations differ between Point Pleasant Borough and Point Pleasant Beach.
Prepare for NatureUse sun protection and insect/tick protection for Slade Dale and outdoor recreation.
Check Event ParkingLarge Community Park and Riverfront Park events can use special parking, shuttle or traffic arrangements.
Official & Public Visitor Resources
Borough of Point PleasantOfficial local government, public notices, events and community information.
Point Pleasant RecreationCurrent recreation programs and Community Pass information.
Parks & FacilitiesOfficial current park, beach, Riverfront Park, Community Park and facility information.
Point Pleasant Borough BeachesCurrent Maxson Avenue and River Avenue Beach information, badges and rules.
Riverfront ParkOfficial park amenities, pavilion information and visitor rules.
Slade Dale SanctuaryBorough environmental information on habitat and shoreline restoration.
New Jersey Museum of BoatingNonprofit maritime museum, current hours, tours and boating-history programs.
Vintage Automobile Museum of New JerseyNonprofit vintage-car museum information and current visitor planning.
Point Pleasant Borough ChamberCommunity events, business information and local “shop, dine, discover” resources.
NJ TransitCurrent rail schedules for nearby Point Pleasant Beach and Manasquan stations.
NJTGO Visiting & Lodging Listing Policy
Basic/free private listing: a hotel, motel, marina, charter or private attraction may be shown with its name, category, address, phone number and a concise factual description. Basic listings do not include an outside private website or booking link.
Enhanced paid placement: advertisers can add a direct website or booking link, logo, photographs, expanded description, packages, featured positioning or broader Townwide Placement.
Public/nonprofit-resource exception: NJTGO may link directly to municipal, transportation and nonprofit museum/cultural resources when those links provide useful visitor information.
Reach Visitors to Point Pleasant Borough
Hotels, marinas, museums, recreation providers, restaurants and visitor-focused businesses can contact NJTGO about enhanced placement across the Point Pleasant Borough page set.
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