Point Pleasant Beach - New Jersey's Traditional Seaside Playground for Kids of All Ages

Just south of New York City on the Atlantic Ocean coast is the beach-based playground of Point Pleasant Beach. Only an hour's drive from Newark International Airport is this New Jersey oasis of dunes and sandy beaches, fun and fairs. It's a small and traditional seaside town with under 5,000 residents that is perfect for all the family - whether you're a child or a child at heart.

If you're looking for deserted beaches and country clubs, look away now. No - this is the place for fun for kids of all ages on the Barnegat peninsular. On the length if its one mile boardwalk you'll find amusement arcades, rides, pizza and ice cream stands and miniature golf. Picture your ideal, traditional resort that the whole family can enjoy, with a grin on their faces and cotton candy from ear to ear: and you picture Point Pleasant Beach. Escape the pressures of modern city life and indulge in a vacation that brings back memories of your childhood. Leave pretension aside and simply enjoy.

But don't start thinking this is a tacky resort. Far from it. It simply embraces all that gives pleasure: hence the name. What can be better than strolling down the boardwalk on a Saturday night amidst the fairground neon, with happy kids?  Nor is this a littered or tourist-infested place. The white sand beaches are kept immaculate by the authorities and residents, and state parks and wilderness are just a short drive down the barrier island towards Barnegat Light.

Kids are going to have a whale of a time here. Jenkinson's Aquarium is just ten feet from the sea! Here you can have a close encounter with sharks, penguins, alligators and seals. The younger members of the family can learn much and get really hands on with a number of interactive programs and touch tanks.

Jenkinson lend their name to the boardwalk itself and also have an entertainment complex here that is the talk of the New Jersey shore. 'Jenks' is open year round featuring a fully serviced bar and live entertainment. Its family friendly again during the day and, every Sunday afternoon through the summer season, the Flying Mueller Brothers will delight the crowd. Dancing goes on late into the nights and, for those warm summer nights, there is a beachside bar. It can be quite a wild party scene in the small hours! The evening and night-time entertainment continues along Arnold Avenue with restaurants for casual dining and Uncle Vinnie's Comedy Club guaranteed to raise a smile.

From the boardwalk, which really is the hub of the community, you can take to the water and waves to go surfing, bodyboarding, fishing or parasailing. Lifeguards are always on hand in season to ensure everyone's safety.

There is a nominal fee to use the beach which is accessed opposite the Dunes Motel on Ocean Avenue. There is more of the abundant, clean sand surrounding Martell's Tiki Bar - another Point favourite. To the north you can find Bradshaw Beach, which is also patrolled and carries a small entrance fee.

If the pace gets too much, you could retreat inland. When you want to sniff out bargains and if you love antiques, Point Pleasure Beach could be a great place to discover some real gems. Head along Arnold Avenue and Bay Avenue to rummage through a great number of stores. The Antique Emporium has over a hundred dealers conveniently under one roof.

So, it's out with the new and in with the old when it comes to vacations. Head to Point Pleasure Beach for a playground in a traditional, family friendly and relaxed resort for fun under the sun.