Point Pleasant Borough, New Jersey

Riverside roots, neighborhood pride, and a true small-town center.

A distinct community in Ocean County set along the Manasquan River — where walkable streets, local shops, and year-round civic energy come together.

  • Riverfront Parks, marinas, and quiet overlooks along the Manasquan
  • Downtown Arnold Avenue shops, cafes, and everyday services
  • Community Schools, sports fields, and neighborhood traditions

Borough snapshot

Walkable center

Local businesses, services, and community gatherings in the heart of town.

River access

Manasquan River views, boating culture, and green spaces on the water.

Year-round energy

Sports, civic groups, and neighbor-led events keep the borough connected.

Point Pleasant Borough sits just inland from the shore, with quick access to nearby beaches while keeping a calmer, residential feel.

About the borough

Small-town energy, year-round.

Point Pleasant Borough blends historic streets with a modern downtown. The pace is friendly and familiar — neighbors know each other, the town center serves everyday life, and the river is always close by.

Easy to navigate and rooted in community, the borough is a place where seasonal visitors feel welcome and long-time residents feel at home. Parks, schools, and local services are all close at hand.

An Ocean County community with quick access to the shore and a strong residential identity of its own.

Quick facts

  • Ocean County community along the Manasquan River
  • Easy access to Route 88 and the Garden State Parkway
  • Walkable downtown centered on Arnold Avenue
  • Parks, fields, and waterfront green space
  • Local government, schools, and library services

Borough history

Roots along the river.

Long before European settlement, the Lenape people gathered in this area they called the "Land of Tall Timber," using it as a meeting place along the waterways of what is now Ocean County. Dense pine, oak, and cedar forests shaped the region's earliest economies — from logging operations that shipped timber down Beaver Dam Creek to the boat-building trades along the Manasquan River.

The modern borough took shape on April 21, 1920, when Point Pleasant was incorporated by an act of the New Jersey Legislature, carved from portions of Brick Township and confirmed by a public referendum held on May 19 of that year. Early settlers were largely farmers and boat builders, and the community grew around river access and rail connections that brought visitors from northern New Jersey and New York.

Through the twentieth century, Point Pleasant Borough evolved from a rural outpost into a year-round residential community, distinguished from its beachfront neighbor by a quieter, neighborhood-centered identity. Today the borough is home to roughly 18,900 residents across 3.5 square miles of tree-lined streets, local schools, and civic institutions that reflect more than a century of community building.

Pre-1600s

Lenape gather in the "Land of Tall Timber" along local waterways.

1850

Ocean County splits from Monmouth County; area falls under Brick Township.

1920

Point Pleasant Borough incorporated by the NJ Legislature on April 21.

1928

Borough reincorporated on March 12, solidifying its municipal charter.

2004

Community Park opens on Bridge Avenue with softball and soccer fields.

Today

A community of roughly 18,900 residents with a walkable downtown and strong civic life.

Neighborhood highlights

Places that give the borough its character.

Arnold Avenue

The borough's main street — independent shops, cafes, and everyday services anchor a walkable downtown that locals depend on year-round.

Downtown

Riverfront parks

Green space, shade trees, and views along the Manasquan River.

Outdoors

Neighborhood blocks

Tree-lined streets with a mix of historic homes and newer residences.

Community

Sports and play

Fields, courts, and recreation areas that keep families active through every season of the year.

Recreation

Borough life

Built on neighbors who show up.

From youth sports to volunteer groups, the borough runs on community energy. Local traditions and civic pride keep the town connected across generations — and there is always something happening around the corner.

  • Local schools, library programs, and youth leagues
  • Civic groups, faith communities, and service clubs
  • Seasonal events and neighborhood traditions

Public services

Day-to-day services keep the borough running smoothly and safely.

Borough Hall and public works
Police, fire, and first aid
Recreation programs and sports fields
Permits, boards, and community notices

Throughout the year

Every season brings something to the borough.

Summer

Riverfront Park fills with families and the borough's marinas buzz with boating activity on the Manasquan. Evenings bring live music, food vendors, and fireworks at the riverfront. The nearby beaches are minutes away for a full shore day.

June – August

Autumn

The borough's Halloween Parade on Bridge Avenue is a beloved tradition, with costume contests for all ages. Fall weekends bring yard sales, youth football on community fields, and warm colors along the tree-lined streets.

September – November

Winter

The annual Christmas tree lighting kicks off the holiday season downtown. Indoor recreation programs, library events, and school performances keep the community connected through the colder months.

December – February

Spring

Youth sports leagues return to Community Park and borough fields. Community clean-up days signal the start of warmer weather, and the river draws anglers and kayakers back to the water.

March – May

Plan a visit

Easy to reach, easy to love.

Sample day

  • Morning Coffee downtown and a riverfront stroll.
  • Afternoon Park time, local shopping, and neighborhood views.
  • Evening Dinner with friends and a calm walk home.

Getting here

  • By car Route 88, Route 35, and nearby Parkway exits.
  • By bus Regional connections through neighboring towns.
  • By bike Easy cross-town routes and river views.

Local tips

  • Downtown Park once and explore on foot.
  • Riverfront Bring a camera for sunset light.
  • Community Check local notices for events.

Local resources

Useful links and contacts.

Borough Hall

Municipal government, permits, public works, and community notices.

2233 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
(732) 892-3434 ptboro.com →

Police Department

Community-oriented policing, non-emergency reports, and public safety.

2233 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
(732) 892-0060 Police department →

School District

Two elementary schools, a middle school, and Point Pleasant Borough High School.

(732) 701-1900 pointpleasant.k12.nj.us →

Public Library

Point Pleasant Borough Branch of the Ocean County Library system.

834 Beaver Dam Road, Point Pleasant, NJ
(732) 295-1555 Ocean County Library →

Recreation Dept.

Youth sports, family programs, field permits, and seasonal events.

(732) 892-5813 Recreation programs →

Find the borough

Where we are.