Voted NJ's #1 Day Trip (parenting.com and msn.com)
Voted Top 3 Family Venue on all the Jersey Shore (nj.com)
If you're visiting Jersey Shore Pirates from far away lands (North Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, for example) and want to extend your trip beyond your high seas adventure, here are a few ideas of what to do, where to stay, and where to eat.
Suggested itineraries:
Quick Trip
If you're here for only a few hours and don't want to travel much further, then you're in luck. Jersey Shore Pirates is located next to Windward Beach Park where you and your family will find a swimming beach with lifeguards, a fishing dock, and a playground. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in one of the numerous picnic areas scattered throughout the park or sit on the beach and watch the boats go by. In addition, located just upstairs from our office at the Riverfront Marina is Ryan Michael's Riverfront Grille - a family friendly restaurant where you can enjoy your lunch inside or out on the patio.
Day Trips - The Beach and Boardwalk
Should you have more time and want to continue your day of piratey fun, you can head over to the famous Point Pleasant Boardwalk where you'll find Castaway Cove mini-golf. You'll find two pirate themed courses for your enjoyment. After mini-golf, you can enjoy all that the boardwalk has to offer - arcades, amusements, a large variety of restaurants, and the Jenkinson's Aquarium. Please note though that the boardwalk area does get extremely crowded during the summer season and parking can be difficult.
In addition to the beach and boardwalk, Point Pleasant has other attractions. If you enjoyed your time on the water and want to continue that trend, we suggest Point Pleasant Parasail and / or a trip aboard the Norma K III. Point Pleasant Parasail offers an hour ride excursion on the Atlantic Ocean where you get to experience the sensation of flying. Norma K Fishing Charters offers half day fishing excursions and fireworks cruises every Thursday night. Both Point Pleasant Parasail and Norma K Fishing Charters leave from Ken's Landing near the north end of Point Pleasant Beach (Manasquan River / Manasquan Inlet).
Day Trips - Inland
If the only battle you want to have on your trip to the shore is with Pirate Pete and you'd rather avoid the traffic and crowds, there are plenty of things to do that are not at the beach.
In the adjacent town of Lakewood, NJ, you'll find the Lakewood Blueclaws at their home in FirstEnergy Park. This minor league baseball team is now in their 11th season at the Jersey Shore. In addition to watching a great game, you'll find affordable ticket prices, a variety of activities beyond the game itself, and a large assortment of concessions. Truly something for everyone!
Heading south from Jersey Shore Pirates, you'll find several other family friendly activities. In nearby Toms River, you'll find 2 - The Novins Planetarium located at Ocean County College and Insectropolis, the "Bugseum of New Jersey". Both are perfect activities should the weather turn sour.
Located roughly a half hour south of Jersey Shore Pirates in Forked River, NJ is the Popcorn Park Zoo. A branch of the Associated Humane Society, Popcorn Park " is a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, ill, exploited, abused or elderly wildlife, exotic and farm animals, and birds." You'll see everything from monkeys and tigers to horses and pigs.
Need a history lesson? A walk in the woods? Maybe a ride on a working steam train? You'll find all that 20 minutes or so to the north of us at the historic Village of Allaire. Here you'll find a preserved 19th century village that was known for it's iron making capabilities. Explore the row houses, sample some cookies from the bakery (we highly reccommend the sugar cookies!) or see the blacksmith working around the forge. In addition to the town, you can take a ride on the Pine Creek Railroad with functioning steam locomotives or explore the nature trails which skirt the banks of the upper Manasquan River.
Finally, if you really want excitement beyond finding hidden treasure, there's always Six Flags Great Adventure, which is located app. 45 minutes northwest of Jersey Shore Pirates. Great Adventure is home to rides and excitement to all age groups from heart stopping, state of the art roller coasters to an ornate carousel. You'll also find the Wild Animal Safari and Hurricane Harbor waterpark.
With all that there is to do near Jersey Shore Pirates, you might want to consider extending your trip overnight or making a long weekend of it. If so, we recommend the following establishments:
Located only 5 minutes from us, you'll find the Hilton Garden Inn Lakewood. This hotel is conveniently located just off the Garden State Parkway, has free parking, and is close to numerous restaurants.
Located at the beach, we suggest the Surfside Motel. Both can be found in Point Pleasant Beach.
In order to have enough energy to find the sunken treasure and battle Pirate Pete, all pirates need to eat. Here are some of Captain Scurvy's favorite places:
Located just upstairs from our office is Ryan Michael's Riverfront Grille and the newest addition to Riverfront Marina. Opening in May of 2011, Ryan Michael's offers an array of family favorites.
Also located close-by is Federico's Pizza which offers subs, cheesesteaks, salads, sandwiches, pastas, and of course, pizza.732-701-9903.
If you're craving something a bit more exotic, try Fins Tropicali Cuisine. Fins offers burritos, salads, tacos, and enchiladas.
If you have a sweet tooth that needs to be satisfied, you might try these:
Strollo’s Lighthouse (Point Pleasant Beach) - Known for their Italian ice
Sundaes (Point Pleasant)
The Music Man (Lavallette) - The Singing Ice Cream Shoppe
