Point Pleasant Beach 2012

The five most popular beaches in Point Pleasant Beach are Jenkinson's, Risden's, Martell's, Bradshaw's and the Maryland Avenue beach, which are all staffed with lifeguards.

Parking, in most cases, consists of paid parking lots and metered spots, with free spots on some streets on the other side of Ocean Avenue, for those who don't mind walking a bit further with their umbrellas and beach bags.

Jenkinson's

This is the big beach in town, with amusement rides, arcade games and a number of stands hawking everything from frozen yogurt and hot dogs to souvenir T-shirts and caged hermit crabs.

• Beach badge prices: Free for kids younger than 5; 5 to 11 years old, $2 weekdays and weekends; 12 and older: $7 weekdays; $8 weekends. It's $45 for a season pass and $35 for a half-season for ages 5 to 11; $85 for a season and $60 for a half-season for ages 12 and older; and $60 for a season pass for seniors 62 and older. There is no half-season badge for seniors.
• Food and drink: Coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages allowed on beach; Alcohol and glass prohibited.
• Bathrooms:  In first aid building and arcade
• Lifeguard hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For more information, visit Jenkinson's website or call 732-892-0600.

Martell's

• Beach badge prices: Free for kids 11 and younger; $6 weekdays, $7.50 weekends, $70 per season for those 12 and older.
• No food, coolers, glass, frisbees, balls, boogie boards or thong swimwear allowed according to the company's web site. Food and beverages can be bought at Martell's restaurants and bars.
• Lifeguard hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Bathrooms: inside restaurants.

For more information, call 732-892-0131 or email info@tikibar.com.

Risden's

• Beach badge prices: Ages 4 to 11, $2 daily and weekend; ages 12 and older, $8 daily and weekend; and for $13 per day, visitors get a beach badge and access to the showers in the bath house. For seasonal passes, it's $85; for first half of the season, which is Memorial Day through July 31, $65; and for Aug. 1 through Labor Day, $50.
• Food and drink: Coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages permitted. Food also can be purchased at eateries in the bath houses on New Jersey Avenue and the one between Forman and Trenton avenues.
• Bathrooms: Inside bath houses
• Lifeguard hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 732-892-8412.

Maryland Avenue Beach

The last remaining public piece of the former Beacon Beach is on Maryland Avenue; to get there, take Ocean Avenue heading north, turn right on Michelle Lane, right on Beacon Lane, find a parking spot, and then, on foot, turn left on Maryland.

The Maryland Avenue beach is the only beach in town that's owned by the municipality, which contracts with Aqua-Serve to run it. It's at the southern end, next to Bay Head.

• Beach badge prices: free for those 12 and younger; $8 daily for 13 and older; $90 for a seasonal pass for 13 and older; a combination season pass for the beach and pool (at the end of West Lake Avenue, Bay Head) is $320 while a pool pass alone is $280.
• Food and drink: Coolers allowed. Food can be purchased at a few establishments, including 7-11 and Marlin's Cafe, on the other side of Ocean Avenue.
• Parking: Free on Beacon and Michelle lanes, but those spots are snatched up fast by residents who live on those streets and their guests on weekends and holidays. Metered spots on Ocean Avenue, free spots on the other side of Ocean Avenue.
• Bathrooms: Two portable toilets provided by Aqua-Serve.
• Lifeguard hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bradshaw's Beach

• Beach badge prices: free for ages 3 and younger; $8 daily for ages 4 and older; $90 for a season pass; a combination season pass for the beach and pool (at the end of West Lake Avenue, Bay Head) is $320 while a pool pass alone is $280.
• Food and drink: Coolers allowed. Food can be purchased at a few establishments, including 7-11 and Marlin's Cafe, on the other side of Ocean Avenue.
• Parking: Metered spots in front of beach on Washington Avenue to Ocean Avenue and along Ocean. Free street spots across Ocean.
• Bathrooms: Portable toilet
• Lifeguard hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on Maryland and Bradshaw's, call Aqua-Serve at 732-295-2091.