Walk onto the sand at Jenkinson’s or the public access points near Maryland Avenue and you'll see them immediately. Big, rolling mounds of sand held together by thin, wiry grass. Most people just see a barrier blocking their view of the surf from the street. But honestly, the dunes by the ocean Point Pleasant Beach are basically the only reason the town still has a boardwalk to walk on.
They’re huge. They’re fragile. And if you step on them, you’re likely to get a whistle blown at you by a lifeguard or a hefty fine from a local officer. It isn't just about "nature" in some abstract way; it’s about preventing the Atlantic Ocean from reclaiming several blocks of prime real estate every time a Nor’easter rolls through.
The Engineering Behind the Scenery
It’s easy to think these dunes are just "there." Natural. Permanent. That’s actually a bit of a misconception. While Point Pleasant Beach has always had some semblance of a dune system, the current state of the dunes by the ocean Point Pleasant Beach is a heavily engineered feat of coastal management.
Following the absolute devastation of Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the conversation changed. You’ve probably heard the stories. Entire houses floating down the Barnegat Bay. The boardwalk splintered like toothpicks. After that, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stepped in with a massive beach replenishment project. They pumped millions of cubic yards of sand from offshore back onto the beach.
Why the Grass Matters More Than the Sand
If you look closely at the dunes, you’ll see American Beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata). It looks like ordinary weeds. It’s not. This specific plant is a biological miracle for the Jersey Shore. Its roots don't just go down; they spread out horizontally, creating a massive, underground web that anchors the sand in place. When the wind blows—which it does, constantly—the blades of grass trap the flying sand, causing the dune to grow taller over time.
Without that grass, the dunes by the ocean Point Pleasant Beach would just be a flat pile of dust that would vanish in a single weekend of high winds. This is why local ordinances are so strict about staying off the dunes. A few footsteps can crush the beachgrass, kill the root system, and create a "blowout." Once a blowout starts, the wind carves a hole in the dune, and the whole defense system begins to fail.
📖 Related: Seminole Hard Rock Tampa: What Most People Get Wrong
The Great Dune Debate: Views vs. Safety
Not everyone was happy when the dunes were built up to their current heights. If you talk to some of the long-time homeowners along Ocean Avenue, you’ll hear the "other" side of the story. For decades, these residents had unobstructed, multi-million-dollar views of the Atlantic. Then, the Army Corps of Engineers built a wall of sand that, in some places, is 22 feet high.
Suddenly, the first-floor view was a wall of grass.
It led to massive legal battles. Some property owners in nearby towns even tried to sue to stop the dune construction, claiming "easement" violations and loss of property value. But then the storms kept coming. The 2016 and 2017 winter seasons proved the point. Towns with robust dunes by the ocean Point Pleasant Beach saw significantly less infrastructure damage than those that fought the replenishment.
It’s a trade-off. Do you want to see the waves from your kitchen window, or do you want to ensure your kitchen doesn't end up under three feet of saltwater? Most people have come around to the latter, even if they miss the old view.
Wildlife in the Shadows of the Boardwalk
It’s surprisingly busy in those dunes. If you’re quiet—and if you’re looking at the right time—you’ll spot more than just seagulls. The dunes are a critical habitat for the Piping Plover.
👉 See also: Sani Club Kassandra Halkidiki: Why This Resort Is Actually Different From the Rest
These tiny, sandy-colored birds are federally protected. They are also incredibly difficult to see because they blend in perfectly with the debris. When they nest, the local authorities often have to rope off entire sections of the beach. This sometimes frustrates tourists who just want a spot to put their umbrella, but the plovers are an "indicator species." If they are thriving, the coastal ecosystem is healthy.
You’ll also find:
- Ghost Crabs: They hide in deep burrows during the day and come out at night. If you’ve ever seen a small, pale shape darting across the sand under your flashlight, that’s them.
- Monarch Butterflies: During the fall migration, the dunes are a pit stop. The seaside goldenrod that grows on the back-slope of the dunes provides essential nectar.
- Diamondback Terrapins: While they prefer the bay side, they often wander near the dune edges looking for nesting spots.
Living With the Dunes: A Visitor's Guide
If you're heading down to Point Pleasant Beach this weekend, you need to understand the "Dune Code." It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a matter of local pride and legal enforcement.
First, use the designated walkovers. Whether it's the wooden ramps or the fenced-in sand paths, stay on them. These are strategically placed to allow human traffic without compromising the integrity of the dune line. Second, don't pick the flowers. The goldenrod and beach plums might look pretty, but they are part of the stabilization team.
The Seasonal Shift
The dunes by the ocean Point Pleasant Beach look different depending on when you visit. In the summer, they are vibrant and green, buzzing with life. In the winter, they turn a ghostly tan. The wind whips off the ocean, and you can actually see the dunes doing their job—catching the spray and the salt.
✨ Don't miss: Redondo Beach California Directions: How to Actually Get There Without Losing Your Mind
During the winter months, the beach often looks "scarped." This is when the waves eat away at the front of the dune, creating a mini-cliff. It looks scary, but it's actually part of the design. The dune "sacrifices" its front edge to absorb the wave energy, protecting the boardwalk behind it. Usually, the spring winds and natural tides help push that sand back, or the town brings in bulldozers to smooth it out before Memorial Day.
The Future of the Point Pleasant Coastline
Climate change and rising sea levels aren't just talking points here; they are daily realities. The dunes by the ocean Point Pleasant Beach are currently the best defense the town has, but they require constant maintenance. Every few years, more sand has to be pumped in. It’s an expensive, ongoing cycle.
There is a lot of talk about "living shorelines" and more permanent sea walls, but for now, the sand is king. The dunes are a living, breathing part of the Jersey Shore experience. They represent the fine line between the bustling tourism of the boardwalk and the raw, untamable power of the Atlantic Ocean.
How to Help Protect the Dunes
- Keep your distance. Don't let kids or pets run up the slopes.
- Dispose of trash properly. Plastic trapped in the beachgrass can kill the plants and entice animals into dangerous areas.
- Support local conservation. Groups like the American Littoral Society often hold dune grass planting events in the off-season.
- Respect the fences. They aren't there to ruin your path; they are there to keep the sand where it belongs.
When you're sitting on the beach, take a second to look back at the dunes. They aren't just a backdrop. They are the guardians of the shore. Without them, the Point Pleasant Beach we know—the rides, the pizza, the arcade—would have been washed away years ago.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Tide Charts: If you’re planning to walk near the dunes, check the local tide tables. High tides can often push you right up against the dune fence, leaving very little room to walk without trespassing on the protected area.
- Visit the Maryland Avenue Beach: For a more "natural" look at the dunes away from the heavy commercial vibe of the central boardwalk, head to the southern end of the town. The dunes here are often more established and provide better birdwatching opportunities.
- Report Damage: If you see a major "blowout" or a section of the dune fence that has been destroyed, notify the Point Pleasant Beach Borough Hall. Timely repairs prevent small holes from becoming major breaches during a storm.