Summary
The Jersey Shore may have suffered a few major blows in the past, including 2012’s devastating Hurricane Sandy and a not-so-glamorous portrayal on the eponymous MTV series. However, the seaside town of Asbury Park has truly revitalized itself in recent years, rising from the ashes of the storm (and its own tumultuous history) so successfully that it was named one of the Top 10 Vacation Destinations in the U.S. in 2017. Whether you want to catch some rays in the sand or follow the footsteps of your favorite rock stars, here’s what to do in Asbury Park.
Walk the Boardwalk
Address: 1300 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Phone: +1 732-897-6500
It’s not a true trip to a Jersey beach town without a walk on the boardwalk, and the newly refurbished Asbury Park Boardwalk is one of the “Big Jersey Six”, the state’s most prominent seaside promenades. Unlike the more famous boardwalks, there are no piers or rides, and few food stands or shops, but it still offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Attend a Concert
Address: 1300 Ocean Ave N unit c-4, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Phone: +1 732-897-6500
Whether you choose to see a show on the boardwalk at Convention Hall or one of the local favorites like Wonder Bar, you can’t go wrong with any of the shows within Asbury Park’s vibrant music scene. Nevertheless, an absolute must-see is The Stone Pony, a legendary concert venue that has served as a launching pad for some of New Jersey’s greatest musical legends, including Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, and Jon Bon Jovi.
Catch a Film
Address: 707 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Phone: +1 732-502-0472
Rainy days at the beach can be disappointing; however, Asbury Park’s lone movie theater, The Showroom, screens both summer blockbusters and indie films alongside cult classics. Enjoy their popular dinner-and-a-movie series on Wednesday nights, where you receive a ticket for the movie and a choice of two tacos or an entree plus a non-alcoholic beverage from MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos.
If the weather permits, catch a drive-in style movie at the Baronet on the rooftop of the Asbury Hotel, named after the long-closed Baronet Theater, which now houses the hotel. Classic films like Jaws and crowd favorites such as La La Land are shown nightly while summer lasts, with weekend screenings continuing until the end of September. Beer, wine, and popcorn are available for purchase.
Become a Pinball Wizard
Address: 1000 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park, NJ 07712-6286, USA
Phone: +1 732-774-4994
Experience a little slice of Americana at the Silverball Pinball Arcade Museum. Located directly on the boardwalk, this living museum features boardwalk classics like pinball, skee-ball, air hockey, and modern video games. With over 600 active games available, you will never run out of exciting gaming options.
Smile With Tillie
Reminiscent of Coney Island’s Funny Face, “Tillie” is the nickname of a slightly creepy grinning figure that emerged in the 1950s. The twin murals, originally painted on the side of a building that once housed Palace Amusements, served as a tribute to George C. Tilyou, the former owner of Steeplechase Park in Coney Island, where similar smiling faces gained popularity around the same time. Local residents have a fondness for Tillie, and after rumors of her demise, they organized a campaign to preserve her legacy through the Save Tillie website.
Visit the Beach
Whether you’ve traveled from near or far, you’ve come to the Jersey Shore to see the ocean, so do not miss the stunning white sandy beaches that this area is known for. Whether you choose to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy the tranquility of the night sky, there’s something for everyone. Beach passes are required during the day throughout the summer season; however, the weekly bonfires are open to the public at no cost.
Get Your Skate On
The Fourth Union skate park is located in the Carousel building right on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. Catering to the town’s large skating community, this indoor park features a skateboard bowl with obstacles, hosts revolving art exhibitions, a retail store, and a variety of rotating food trucks. This initiative, backed by Madison Marquette—responsible for Asbury Park’s Hurricane Sandy restoration—along with Red Bull, reflects the town’s commitment to evolving amenities in the Asbury Park Boardwalk.
