Everyone Always Goes to Wildwood in New Jersey: Go Here Instead

Summer in New Jersey always means one thing for most of us — spending a lot of time on the beach! It's no surprise that the Jersey Shore gets packed as soon as the weather gets warm, and the bulk of those crowds head to the southern tip of the state for some of the best waterfront destinations in the country. Of course, there's world-famous Atlantic City and its historic boardwalk and sprawling casinos, or pastoral Cape May with its gorgeous views — and then there's over-the-top Wildwood, with its massive amusement parks and perfect tourist energy. But if those destinations are a little too far or a little too crowded for you this summer, there's a hidden beach in New Jersey that offers the best of all worlds.

Point Pleasant Beach is my favorite beach town in New Jersey, featuring over a mile of wide-open beachfront surrounded by some of the most unique, quirky, and Garden State original attractions and dining you can find in the whole state. While it certainly won't be empty in the summer, its smaller scale always makes it a little bit more welcoming when the crowds are high, and I make sure to visit this little slice of Jersey Shore heaven every year.

Why Wildwood Gets So Crowded

Wildwood is one of my favorite spots in New Jersey, but it might as well be the Disney World of the Jersey Shore. Between its massive water parks and amusement parks and its unique Doo-Wop vibe, it's a bucket-list location that everyone should visit at least once. But it only really hits full swing in the summer — and oh boy, does it hit full swing! It can be an overwhelming experience during peak season.

The Beach You Should Visit Instead

Point Pleasant Beach, meanwhile, is one of the more relaxed beach towns in the state. It's located in central New Jersey's stretch of the Jersey Shore, and is accessible via the regular NJ Coast Line train straight from New York or Newark. You'll get off the train, arrive at a charming downtown, and you'll be less than a mile from the beach and boardwalk on foot.

Point Pleasant Beach features a mile-long boardwalk and a proprietary beach around the same length. The beach is managed by Jenkinson's Boardwalk, an amusement company that runs a collection of attractions on the boardwalk. It's a pay beach, but a day pass is only $14, and a season pass is $130 for adults. During the off-season, access is free.

What to Expect When You Visit Point Pleasant Beach

However, that's just the start of the fun you'll have here. This is my favorite boardwalk in the state thanks to its quirky old-school vibe. The boardwalk is full of arcades (I sadly did not win an adorable capybara plushie on my attempt), as well as a small amusement park that just added the new Patriot's Run roller coaster. You'll also find a mini-golf course, as well as my favorite spot on the boardwalk — a surreal funhouse full of bizarre sights.

The signature attraction on the boardwalk is Jenkinson's Aquarium, a two-level tribute to all things sea life. The aquarium features huge habitats that simulate the natural environment of the animals, and is acclaimed for its efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea life. Don't miss the penguin-feeding and seal-feeding shows!

Of course, it wouldn't be a visit to the shore without some food! The boardwalk is full of classic treats, but if you dig a little deeper, you'll find some real hidden gems in the town. The Shrimp Box and Point Lobster Co. are both popular spots for seafood dinners, and downtown you'll find The Poached Pear, a high-end fine-dining restaurant often called one of the state's best.

Tips for Visiting This Hidden Gem

Point Pleasant Beach's boardwalk is open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but weekend operations continue through Halloween. The town is also great for nightlife — not only are the water views stunning, but the hottest spot in town is Martell's Tiki Bar. This is the largest tiki bar in New Jersey, and hosts live music acts several days a week, including top talent — I'm seeing Mitchell Tenpenny there at the end of July!

Have you visited Point Pleasant Beach before? If not, this perfect hidden beach in New Jersey is waiting for you to visit, so make sure to tell a friend about this article and plan the perfect beach getaway! You can find out more information about the town on the Point Pleasant Beach town website, and the Jenkinson's Boardwalk website has all the information you need about the wide array of attractions here! If you want a more peaceful beach experience without the tourist attractions, Sea Girt is an amazing place to spend a day relaxing by the water.

If you'd like more hidden gems to explore this summer, make sure to check out Only in Your State's list of the best small towns in New Jersey for your next Garden State escape.