Looking for a shore town that’s loaded with charm and a laidback beach vibe? Head to Manasquan, the 2.5 square mile coastal town that’s got something to do for all ages and brings back fond memories of summer days on the sand. While other shore exits are tempting (we see you at Point Pleasant Boardwalk), you’ll find plenty of things to do in Manasquan, tinged with a laid-back and beachy vibe. Whether you’re building sandcastles on the beach, exploring nature trails, or discovering a restaurant downtown, Manasquan is one of our family’s favorites for summer days at the shore. Scroll down for our top things to do in Manasquan and what to know if you want to spend the day or a weekend here. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
7 things to do in Manasquan
Manasquan beaches stretch from the Manasquan Inlet in the south to Sea Girt in the north. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Make it a Manasquan beach day
We love to soak up the sun at the Manasquan beaches from the northern end (Beachfront and Ocean Ave) for the beach playground, public restrooms, and easy access to The Breeze Cafe. Sometimes, we’ll stop at the southern end at the Manasquan Inlet for the views and seashell collecting. The Manasquan Inlet is open all year round, but if you want a more scenic spot with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and picturesque picnic areas, then the Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area is the place for you (there’s a dog beach if you bring your fur babies). Not far from Fisherman’s Cove is the Intercoastal Waterway (which runs from Manasquan to Florida), and in that area, you can paddleboard or kayak on your own or in tandem with Paddle Out. Into surfing? Manasquan beaches are known as some of the best for catching waves, with a bunch of surfing schools set up along the sand from Inlet Beach to Whiting II Beach. 
The playgrounds in Manasquan are great for a variety of ages. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Skate, picnic, and play
With the shoreline nearby, the large playground at Seawatch Beach at the north end is a place to catch an ocean breeze while playing on the sand. Two streets over at Stockton Beach Park, on Second and Stockton Avenues, are three baseball fields, park benches, picnic tables, a lighted hockey rink, a boat launch into Watson’s Creek (non-motorized), and my kid’s favorite part—the large skatepark where they can use the ramps and try out new skateboarding moves in the expansive area. Near downtown is the newer Curtis Park playground, where littles can comfortably and independently climb, slide, and swing. This newly renovated, inclusive playground is fenced in, and we found it easy to climb the towers and handle the slides at any age. There are swings, picnic tables, benches, bike racks, and even a water station.
Biking down the Edgar Felix Bike Path is an ideal family activity to do in Manasquan. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Bike from the coast to the capital
Seeing the town from two wheels is easy, thanks to Edgar Felix Bike Path, a paved trail between Manasquan and Allaire State Park. The bikeway is part of the Capitol to Coast trail, running from the state capitol in Trenton to the New Jersey Coast. My kids really love this trail because it goes through the woods, past Orchard Park, and ends up going over the Garden State Parkway, which is pretty exciting to see while biking over one of New Jersey’s busiest roads.
The Manasquan Fireman’s Fair is one of the many events that Manasquan hosts annually. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Attend local events and festivals or see a show
Keep an eye out for special events and festivals in Manasquan throughout the year. From summer concerts on the beach to holiday celebrations and craft fairs, there’s always something exciting in this vibrant community. We love to head to The Fireman’s Fair, Manasquan Turkey Run, and the Manasquan Inlet Tug of War. It’s a blast to see participants from Manasquan and Point Pleasant Beach hold friendly matches of tug of war over the waterway. If you are looking for entertainment year-round, check out the schedule at the Algonquin Theater. Opened in 1938, Algonquin (as the locals call it) offers educational programs, workshops, and a variety of performances. Currently, they have Cats, Spring Awakening, and several tribute shows scheduled this season.
Starting your day at Batch on Main is one of the best morning things to do in Manasquan. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Eat, drink, and get coffee
Start your day with a caffeine boost at the popular Batch on Main with coffee drinks, smoothies, and light bites for breakfast and lunch. Or eat on the rooftop of the Committed Pig and indulge in the Mac & Cheese Burger, Burgernut served on a glazed donut, or the Pig Mac while you watch over the Manasquan downtown below. If you are looking for a quick meal that can’t go wrong, the sesame pizza at Esposito’s or the Roman-style pizza at Qua are no-brainers for the whole family.
Visiting the toy store in Manasquan is a kid favorite. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Shop for books, bouquets, and baubles
If there’s one place where Manasquan shows off its small-town charm, it’s along Main Street. Shopping there is one of the best things to do in Manasquan, and we always make a point of stopping there after a day on the beach. From Booktowne to Bouquets To Remember, there is something for everybody. Some of our favorite spots include Brave New World with its surf apparel and surf and ski equipment, Gems by Wish for the cutest things for little girls, and Quinnderella’s Toys with the best gifts and fun toys for kids. The Main Scoop Creamery is also a must-stop shop, and my kids are fans of their unique flavors like Cotton Candy, Key Lime Pie, and Creamsicle, all made in small batches on-site.
Atlantic Farms is not far from downtown Manasquan, and visiting it makes you feel like you are out in the country. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Farm to shore
Down the road in Wall is the Atlantic Farm Market, and it has a country feel even though it’s minutes from the beach. This farm has a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and hayrides in the fall, as well as trees, wreaths, and decor in the winter. But my family’s favorite part is the petting zoo with sheep, pigs, turkeys, and alpacas. The attached market is filled with fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, and eggs, so you can bring a part of the farm home to enjoy.
Ice cream at Main Scoop Creamery is a top thing to do in Manasquan. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
What to know before you go
Parking is typically available for free, whether you are heading to Manasquan for the beach, a show, or the downtown. The Manasquan Beach area has free on-street parking, and five municipal lots are available; they require either a fee or a seasonal parking pass. Parking fees vary on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. If you want to make it a beach day, week, or season, there is a fee to enter the beach during the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Adult badges are $90 (ages 17-64) for the season, senior badges (65+) are $35, handicap badges are half price, and junior badges (ages 12-16) are $45. Daily and weekly badges are also available for purchase.
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