Manasquan

Manasquan is a coastal community with a one mile stretch of beach on the Atlantic Ocean bordering the Manasquan Inlet and the Manasquan River. It takes its name “Man-A-Squaw-Han” (stream of the island of Squaws) from the Lenni Lenape Indians who fished and hunted along these tributaries for hundreds of years. Early 19th century commerce was largely boat building and shipping to New York and southern ports. The increase in trade and the numerous ships traveling along the Jersey Shore, consequently, led to many shipwrecks between Sandy Hook and Squan Beach. Nowadays, offshore wrecks and artificial reefs are popular points to fish and dive for lobsters. Resting near Sea Watch Beach is the historic Squan Beach Life-Saving Station from 1902, a true testament to the town’s maritime heritage and heroism.

A variety of homes are located on or near the seashore including classic beach bungalows to upscale oceanfront dwellings. Surfers flock to Inlet Beach to catch the finest waves rising from the jetty’s protrusion into the Atlantic Ocean. At the base of the Inlet is Fisherman’s Cove, a 55-acre conservation that attracts kayakers, fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts. A portion of this beach is designated for dogs and their owners. From here, the Manasquan River flows into Watson Creek and The Glimmer Glass where homes are situated along Perrine Blvd and the Fireman’s Fair is held annually at Mallard Park. The Glimmer Glass weaves its way north to Stockton Lake which borders the town of Sea Girt. There are waterfront homes on these waterways and adjoining lagoons.

Main Street begins at Beachfront where legendary bars and eateries are found, then continues to the train station where a bustling downtown is alive with diverse shops, art galleries, music, and restaurants. Center stage is the Algonquin Arts Theatre, hosting high-quality performances and programs all year long in theatre, music, dance, and film. The Edgar Felix Bicycle Path can be entered at Main Street and is a scenic trail of woods, wildflowers and farmland that runs all the way to Allaire State Park. North of Main, local businesses flourish on Broad Street, and residents can walk to the nearby schools, public library, and Mac’s Pond to land a trout. Between South Street and Union Avenue, the streets are filled with exquisite Victorian homes, many dating back to the mid-1800s.