About Point Pleasant Beach NJ

Boardwalk enthusiasm came relatively late. In the earliest years, visitors focused their attention on the Manasquan River, cedar groves and farmhouses; but eventually, wanted to be near the ocean. The first beachfront pavilion was constructed on Atlantic Avenue in 1880. Ten years later, the first boardwalk was built - a flimsy, portable structure. It washed away within two years.

Around 1892, visitors flocked to Clark's Landing, the original amusement area, on the Manasquan River in Point Pleasant. It featured a merry-go-round with a steam organ and ice cream making machine. In 1896, a small snack shack on the Manasquan Inlet served coffee, sandwiches, ice cream and pie. In 1897, the decision for privately owned beaches in Point Pleasant Beach was made when, as noted in the August 16th Council minutes, "Ownership of the Beach turned down by the Council because of the extreme cost to the Borough for maintenance."

The first permanent boardwalk, which ran between Philadelphia and Central Avenues, came in 1915. It would eventually be expanded to run the entire length of Point Pleasant Beach; but was shortened to its present length by the hurricane of September 1938, which destroyed the southern portion. The boardwalk was slowly transformed from a place to stroll to an active amusement area. It was already the long-time home of a merry-go-round and several other amusements when, in the late 1920's, Orlo Jenkinson built Jenkinson's Pavilion and Swimming Pool. The boardwalk pavilion became the place to go for a night of sophisticated dancing to well-known big bands. Sometimes, a live nationally broadcast radio hookup added to the excitement.

Nowadays, Point Pleasant Beach has a thriving downtown business district, hosting diverse shopping experiences, as well as premiere antique establishments. It is famous for its annual Seafood Festival in September. The Boardwalk is home to a first class aquarium, as well as rides, arcades and diverse dining experiences, ranging from the traditional sausage sandwich to sushi.