{"ok":true,"data":{"id":3005,"slug":"jenkinson-s-beach-point-pleasant-beach","name":"Jenkinson’s Beach","country":"USA","state":"New Jersey","city":"Point Pleasant Beach","coords":{"lat":40.0943,"lng":-74.0478},"beachType":null,"tags":["hidden"],"article":{"hero":"Jenkinsons Beach feels like a postcard your grandparents might have sent in 1968—and that's precisely its appeal. The sand stretches wide and flat at low tide, giving young builders ample room to engineer moats and towers while parents stake out spots beneath rented umbrellas. The water temperature hovers in the upper sixties by July, cold enough to make you gasp on entry but warm enough that you'll stay in longer than planned.\n\nThe adjacent boardwalk delivers everything a family beach requires without veering into theme-park excess. You'll find a small aquarium where touch tanks let children prod horseshoe crabs, an arcade that still dispenses tickets, and pizza joints serving slices so large they fold under their own weight. The beach itself is meticulously groomed each morning, lifeguard stands positioned every few hundred feet.\n\nWhat sets this stretch apart is its refusal to oversell itself. There are no mega-resorts shadowing the sand, no beach clubs with velvet ropes. Instead, you get straightforward access, reasonable badge fees, and the kind of uncomplicated summer day where the biggest decision is whether to ride the Ferris wheel before or after dinner. The locals return year after year not because Jenkinsons dazzles, but because it delivers exactly what it promises.","teaser":"You'll smell funnel cake drifting from the weathered boardwalk before your toes meet the firm, tan sand at Jenkinsons Beach. The waves roll in with enough force to entertain kids without intimidating them, while the soundtrack alternates between seagull cries and distant carousel music.","uniqueAngle":"It's the rare Jersey Shore beach where boardwalk nostalgia and actual elbow room coexist without compromising either.","accessType":"Drive-up with paid parking","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"swim","title":"Surf Line Plunges","subtitle":"Gentle breaks perfect for floaties"},{"icon":"food","title":"Boardwalk Pizza Run","subtitle":"Grab a famous Jersey slice"},{"icon":"sun","title":"Sandcastle Engineering","subtitle":"Wide tidal flats hold structures"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Sunset Pier Shots","subtitle":"Capture fishing boats heading in"}],"audience":{"surfer":"The sandbars here produce mushy, forgiving peaks—ideal for longboarders and learners, frustrating for anyone chasing barrels. Summer swells from the southeast generate waist-high rollers; fall nor'easters occasionally deliver overhead sets with more punch. The crowd's mellow; most lineup regulars are teaching their kids to pop up. Wax tropical in July, cool by October. Respect the swim zones marked by flags—lifeguards will whistle you out fast if you drift into family territory.","couples":"Stake out the southern end near the inlet for quieter stretches and better sunset angles—the sky turns apricot behind the fishing fleet around eight o'clock in summer. Martell's Tiki Bar, a short walk up the boardwalk, pours frozen cocktails strong enough to justify splitting one. For lodging, skip the motels and book a Victorian B&B two blocks inland; you'll get front-porch swings and fewer screaming gulls at dawn. Evening strolls work best after nine, when day-trippers clear out and the boardwalk lights flicker on.","backpacker":"Beach badges run about eight dollars daily in peak season—buy a weekly pass if you're lingering. Free street parking exists six blocks west of the beach if you arrive before ten. Mancini's sells enormous breakfast sandwiches for under six dollars; pair it with boardwalk fries at JR's for lunch. The Amtrak stop in Point Pleasant puts you a mile inland—bike rentals near the station cost twelve dollars daily. Pitch a tent at Ocean County campgrounds fifteen minutes south; sites run twenty-five dollars and include showers.","local":"Hit the sand before eight in July and August—you'll have the waterline to yourself while the badge checkers are still setting up. The stretch between Forman and Trenton avenues stays emptiest even at noon; families cluster near the main pavilion. Low tide exposes sandbars perfect for wading fifty yards out. Park in the residential streets west of Ocean Avenue after six P.M. when meters go free. September weekdays deliver the best conditions: warm water, no crowds, and the pizza places still open.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Jenkinson's Beach is generally safe for families with children. The beach employs lifeguards during summer season, typically from late May through early September. The water is usually calm with gradual depth changes, making it suitable for younger swimmers. The beach is regularly maintained and monitored. Always swim near lifeguard stations, observe posted flags and warnings, and supervise children closely. Water conditions can vary with weather and tides, so check daily beach reports before visiting.","q":"Is Jenkinson's Beach safe for swimming with children?"},{"a":"Peak season runs from June through August, offering warmest water temperatures (68-74°F) and full amenities, though crowds are heaviest. For fewer crowds with pleasant weather, visit during shoulder seasons: late May, early June, or September. The beach is accessible year-round for walking and off-season activities. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends during summer. Weather is typically humid and warm in summer, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures but beautiful beach walking conditions.","q":"When is the best time to visit Jenkinson's Beach?"},{"a":"Jenkinson's Beach offers metered street parking along Ocean Avenue and surrounding streets. Municipal parking lots are available within walking distance of the beach, with rates varying by season. Summer parking typically costs more, with daily rates ranging from approximately $15-30 depending on location and day of week. Arrive early during peak season as parking fills quickly, especially on weekends. Some lots offer hourly options. The Jenkinson's Boardwalk area has additional paid parking lots. Check Point Pleasant Beach's official parking information for current rates.","q":"Where can I park at Jenkinson's Beach and how much does it cost?"},{"a":"Jenkinson's Boardwalk, adjacent to the beach, features numerous restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and snack stands offering pizza, seafood, burgers, and boardwalk favorites. The beach has restrooms, outdoor showers, and changing facilities. The boardwalk includes Jenkinson's Aquarium, arcade games, and rides. Nearby Ocean Avenue has additional dining options and shops. Beach badge checkers are present during summer. Several hotels and motels are within walking distance along Ocean Avenue. Beach equipment rentals may be available seasonally through local vendors.","q":"What food and amenities are available at Jenkinson's Beach?"},{"a":"Yes, Jenkinson's Beach requires beach badges from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Daily badges and seasonal passes are available for purchase. Beach badge checkers patrol regularly during summer months. Badges can typically be purchased at beach entrances, the municipal building, or online through Point Pleasant Beach's official website. Children under a certain age (often 12 or under) may enter free. Prices vary by season type and age, with seasonal passes offering better value for extended stays. Keep your badge visible while on the beach.","q":"Does Jenkinson's Beach require beach badges and how much do they cost?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Jenkinsons Beach: Point Pleasant's Family Boardwalk Shore","description":"Carnival rides meet soft sand at this Jersey Shore classic where kids chase waves between arcade games and saltwater taffy. Your nostalgia-fueled family escape awaits.","ogImage":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/30792490/pexels-photo-30792490.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940"},"images":[{"id":"205039","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50745088611_6e36aabb16_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50745088611_6e36aabb16_n.jpg","alt":"Jenkinson’s Beach — photo by PMillera4"},{"id":"205040","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4706/40050899172_be6be275d2_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/4706/40050899172_be6be275d2_n.jpg","alt":"Jenkinson’s Beach — photo by James Loesch"},{"id":"205041","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50895465101_308358b25b_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50895465101_308358b25b_n.jpg","alt":"Jenkinson’s Beach — photo by PMillera4"},{"id":"205042","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51736605644_ff17098bde_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51736605644_ff17098bde_n.jpg","alt":"Jenkinson’s Beach — photo by PMillera4"},{"id":"77151","url":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/2763968/pexels-photo-2763968.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","thumbnail":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/2763968/pexels-photo-2763968.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=350","alt":"Scenic view of a lifeguard tower on the sandy beach of Santa Monica, Los Angeles."},{"id":"205043","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51695142307_49d2613a77_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51695142307_49d2613a77_n.jpg","alt":"Jenkinson’s Beach — photo by James Loesch"},{"id":"205044","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51689689264_f9b5e6de9f_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51689689264_f9b5e6de9f_n.jpg","alt":"Jenkinson’s Beach — photo by PMillera4"}]}}