Day Trip to Point Pleasant Beach
From New York City • 1hr 30min drive
Point Pleasant Beach, in Ocean County, is about 1hr 30min by car from New York City without traffic; leave by 8:15 AM to reach the beach around 10 AM. The plan below is built around the beach and Jenkinson's Boardwalk.
Timing it: Leave New York City by 8:15 AM for a 10 AM arrival. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Getting to Point Pleasant Beach from New York City
car
1hr 30min
Take the NJ Turnpike or Route 440 to the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 98.
Tip: Parkway tolls — E-ZPass strongly recommended.
train
2hr typical
NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line to Point Pleasant Beach station from Penn Station New York. Some trains require a change at Long Branch.
$15-25 one way
Tip: Summer weekend schedules differ from weekday — check NJ Transit before you commit.
Doing Point Pleasant Beach without your own car?
The train and bus get you to town. A one-day rental from New York City gets you to the beaches the schedules skip.
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Your Point Pleasant Beach Day Trip Itinerary
Morning
Leave New York City
About 1hr 30min without traffic.
Arrive in Point Pleasant Beach
Park first, then get badges. Local intel: Limited free street parking. Metered lots near boardwalk with varying prices.
Beach time
2 hours
Afternoon
Lunch
For example, Spot Pizza Grill.
See Jenkinson's Boardwalk
Jenkinson's Boardwalk, then Jenkinson's Aquarium if there is time.
2 hours
Back to the beach
Evening
Early dinner
Head back to New York City
About 1hr 30min home.
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Top Things to Do in Point Pleasant Beach
Jenkinson's Boardwalk
Jenkinson's Aquarium
Hoffman's Ice Cream
Martell's Tiki Bar
Where to Eat in Point Pleasant Beach
Spot Pizza Grill
Spano's Ristorante Italiano
Sofia Grille
Sinners Steakhouse
Practical Information
Parking
Limited free street parking. Metered lots near boardwalk with varying prices.
Budget
Known costs: beach badges $13/day. Add gas, tolls and food.
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Day Trip Tips
- Daily beach badges in Point Pleasant Beach run $13 in season. Kids under 5 are free.
- Parking: Limited free street parking. Metered lots near boardwalk with varying prices.
- Parkway tolls — E-ZPass strongly recommended.
- No car? The North Jersey Coast Line stops at Point Pleasant Beach — slower than driving, but you skip parking entirely.
Turn Your Day Trip into a Weekend
At 1hr 30min each way from New York City, an overnight in Point Pleasant Beach turns one rushed day into two: Jenkinson's Aquarium on day two, and dinner at Spot Pizza Grill without watching the clock.
Popular hotels:
Choose your stay
Check Point Pleasant Beach staysCompare the full price and cancellation terms
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Point Pleasant Beach Day Trip FAQ
How long is the drive from New York City to Point Pleasant Beach?
About 1hr 30min without traffic. Take the NJ Turnpike or Route 440 to the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 98. Summer weekend traffic adds to that; leave by 8:15 AM to be on the beach by 10.
Do I need beach badges in Point Pleasant Beach?
Daily beach badges in Point Pleasant Beach run $13 in season. Kids under 5 are free.
Can I take the train from New York City to Point Pleasant Beach?
Yes — NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line stops at Point Pleasant Beach station, roughly 2hr from Penn Station. Some runs change at Long Branch.
Is Point Pleasant Beach a good day trip from New York City?
Yes. At 1hr 30min each way there is time for a beach morning and Jenkinson's Boardwalk.
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