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Day Trips in New Jersey

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.


A QUICK DAY 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 across the street from Pier 281 marina is The Windward Tavern. – a family friendly restaurant where you can enjoy a great meal. (open for lunch and dinner.)

JERSEY SHORE IN MOTION

A Local’s Guide to all of the BEST Jersey Shore Activities, Restaurants, and Towns

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.

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).

Located roughly a half hour south of Jersey Shore Pirates in Seaside Heights NJ is Breakwater Beach. A water park where you can cool down with the family after your Pirate Adventure. Filled with water slides, lazy rivers and more. Just a block from the Seaside Heights NJ boardwalk.

a group of people on a boat in the water

a group of people sitting in a boat on a body of water
a group of people standing next to a body of water

INLAND DAY TRIPS

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.

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 recommend 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.

POINT PLEASANT BEACH & BOARDWALK TRIPS

In town for a vacation? Looking for a place to Stay or other Ideas for Family Fun? Visit Jersey Shore Vacations to plan more great places to visit while in the Point Pleasant area.