A three year study has been conducted of the shoreline dynamics along the Manasquan, New Jersey oceanfront. This area is greatly influenced by Manasquan Inlet, which forms the southern border of the town. The study was initiated with the aim of understanding the longterm trends in the shoreline evolution, with particular attention to an erosion "hot spot" located approximately 1,000 ft. north of the inlet.This was accomplished with highresolution beach profile surveys and a comprehensive examination of the wave transformation pattern and tidal current structure at the mouth of the inlet and across the ebb tidal shoal. The study included directional wave measurements at three locations near the inlet mouth and Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler measurements of the flood and ebb tidal current pattems in the region seaward of the inlet. These measurements, along with an examination of aerial photographs and inlet dredging records, indicate that the inlet acts as an almost complete barrier to the (net northward) along shore transport. Furthermore, the erosion hot spot is related to a persistent inletdirected circulation cell, and to wave refraction and focusing that is likely due to the ebb shoal bottom topography and wave current interaction.