Asbury Park is a quaint seaside town on the sunny New Jersey coast. It’s known for its sandy shores and beautiful beachfront boardwalk lined with trendy shops, crowded arcades, and hip cafes. Stone Pony is the heart and soul of the city’s vibrant music scene, as the live music venue has hosted a wide range of famous musicians, from native New Jerseyan Bruce Springsteen to the world renowned Jon Bon Jovi. If you are planning your next trip to this fascinating town, below is a comprehensive guide on the best things to do in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Be sure to check it out before your next trip there.
1. Have a go at the vintage pinball machines at Silverball Museum Arcade
Silverball Museum Arcade is an arcade located on the New Jersey coast boardwalk. It boasts many pinball machines ranging from vintage ones from the 1930s to more recent ones made in the present. If you happen to be taking an evening stroll along the boardwalk and want to try your hand at some of the fascinating games inside an arcade, while learning more about New Jersey’s arcade culture, this is the place to go.
Silverball Museum Arcade
Address: 1000 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: Silverball Museum Arcade
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am – 12am; Fri - Sat: 10am – 1am
2. Take a leisurely stroll on the iconic Asbury Park Boardwalk
Congratulations to the Jonas Brothers for Best Pop VMA win! Loved having you here on the Asbury Park Boardwalk and The Stone Pony! Photo by Blur Revision Media Design
Posted by Asbury Park Boardwalk on Tuesday, 27 August 2019
Asbury Park Boardwalk is the perfect place to take your evening stroll along the beach. With the wind in your hair and gentle lighting coming from nearby restaurants, pubs and arcades, you will love Asbury Park’s unique atmosphere on this boardwalk. See the restored establishments and choose from unique retail offerings and places to grab a bite at this iconic and bustling boardwalk.
Asbury Park Boardwalk
Address: 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am – 12am (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: Free
3. Learn more about the tragic shipwreck at SS Morro Castle Monument
SS Morro Castle Monument is a simple but meaningful tribute to the tragic deaths of 137 people on board the SS Morro Castle ship on the morning of September 8, 1934. The captain of the ship had mysteriously died the day before, leaving the rest of the crew disorganised and scrambling after the discovery of the fire, creating disastrous outcomes for all the guests aboard the ship. Visitors to the Asbury Park Boardwalk should definitely drop by this monument, which is located along the boardwalk for all to visit.
SS Morro Castle Monument
Address: South of the Convention Hall on the Boardwalk, Asbury Park, New Jersey, 07712, United States
Website: SS Morro Castle Monument
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4. Go on a scenic boat ride on Wesley Lake
Much of the buzz in Asbury Park surrounds water activities and bodies of water. Boating or pedal boating on Wesley Lake is yet another amazing and fun activity to engage in in Asbury Park. You can rent a pedal boat from one of the many boating and water activity shops lining the lake for a day of fun in the sun. This is a great way to see one of Asbury Park’s most scenic locations.
Wesley Lake
Address: Wesley Lake, Asbury Park, New Jersey
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Get spooked at Paranormal Museum
Paranormal Museum a relatively small museum housed at Paranormal Books and Curiosities focused on retelling some of the spookiest stories around town, on topics from apparitions to zombies. You can take a 60-minute tour around the museum with an experienced local guide, or even book the venue as a party venue or event space. Other than the museum tours, you can also get your fill of chills and thrills from the bookstore and its wide collection of curiosities at the storefront.
Paranormal Museum
Address: 621 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
Website: Paranormal Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on weekdays)
Price: 11 USD
6. Make a splash at Asbury Splash Park with the kids
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Asbury Splash Park will be open 7 days a week starting this Saturday June 21st!! Come stop be and stay cool!!
Posted by Asbury Park Boardwalk Amusements on Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Asbury Splash Park is a small kids playground by the beach. While the adults are suntanning by the ocean, the kids can have fun in a safe and contained environment in a small, gated area. The different multi-coloured fountains and padded play areas will definitely appeal to your kids. If you are looking for a family day out to the beach, Asbury Splash Park is definitely a place to check out.
Asbury Splash Park
Address: 915 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: Asbury Splash Park
Opening hours: Sat - Mon: 10am -7pm (closed from Tue - Fri)
Price: From 5 USD
7. Grab a delicious beer at Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten is a hip little restaurant and bar serving up a wide range of delicious German food. One of the key highlights of Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten is its rooftop patio, where you can lounge about with a beer while enjoying some live music and looking out to an amazing view of the city. Their wide array of beer is definitely worth coming here for. Many flavours are imported directly from Germany, giving you an authentic German experience. Make sure not to miss a satisfying meal of their delicious German dishes and an ice cold beer to cap off your day.
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten
Address: 527 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten
Opening hours: 12pm - 2am (daily)
8. Take a beautiful photo or two at Asbury Park Casino
Asbury Park Casino is a vintage building that no longer serves its purpose as a hub for card games and poker. Today, it is a historical monument that sits on Ocean Avenue, right next to the beach, making this a perfect stop for you while on your evening stroll on the boardwalk. You can take a beautiful snapshot of one of their stained glass windows for the ‘gram, or simply to admire the vintage architecture of the place.
Asbury Park Casino
Address: 700 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Have some fun at the dog-friendly Wonder Bar
TOMORROW! Pink Talking Fish plays after Umphrey’s McGee show at the Summer Stage. Tickets will sell out soon. Get...
Posted by Wonder Bar on Thursday, 29 August 2019
Wonder Bar prides itself for being the “Home of the Yappy Hour”. It is a fun and quirky bar with live entertainment and great food. Plus, for just a 5 USD entrance fee, you get to bring your dog to the bar, where dog-friendly outdoor spaces packed with fun for your furry friends awaits. And even better, all proceeds from the Yappy Hour go towards benefiting the Asbury Boardwalk Rescue and other local rescue shelters.
The Wonder Bar
Address: 1213 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: The Wonder Bar
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 12pm – 2am; Sun - Thu: 12pm – 12am
10. Enjoy a concert at The Stone Pony
The Stone Pony is a performance and event venue known for making national headlines for hosting some amazing rock, jazz, and pop idols, from Springsteen to Bon Jovi. It was one of the first venues performed in by Bon Jovi. Upcoming performances include ones by famous local bands and performers such as Illegally Blind, Jake Clemons and the E Street Shuffle
The Stone Pony
Address: 913 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: The Stone Pony
Opening hours: Vary depending on event
Price: Around 20 USD per ticket
11. Watch a performance at Asbury Park Convention Hall
Asbury Park Convention Hall is a mega indoor exhibition arena located by the Asbury Park boardwalk. It is widely considered a historical monument today, and was built between 1928 and 1930. Today, it is used as a venue for sports events, musical concerts, and other special events. If you want to watch a game of beach volleyball, attend a fall wellness workshop, or jam to some great tunes at a concert, this is the place to go.
Asbury Park Convention Hall
Address: 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: Asbury Park Convention Hall
12. Discover the art of glass-blowing at Hot Sand
You blow glass with everyday this week 12/26-12/31 2017 from 10am-6pm! Bring your family and friends for an...
Posted by Hot Sand AP on Tuesday, 26 December 2017
Hot Sand is a glassblowing studio where you can try your hand at creating your very own glass bowl, vase, or pot. You can join in on one of their workshops or book the studio for an event or party. After a great day of letting your creative juices flow, you can choose to purchase one of their many glass items made by experts, including decorative items, souvenirs, and drinking glasses and pitcher sets.
Hot Sand
Address: 550 Cookman Ave #103, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: Hot Sand
Opening hours: 12pm – 6pm (daily)
13. Sample great wines at Asbury Park Distilling Co.
Posted by Asbury Park Distilling on Wednesday, 20 September 2017
Asbury Park Distilling Co. is Asbury Park’s first and only distillery. Asbury Park Distilling Co. focuses on making spirits and cocktails, which you can purchase at the distillery. You will get the chance to taste some of the bar staff’s own unique inventions at Asbury Park Distilling Co. Tasting Room. Some highlights you can look forward to include the Asbury Park Double Barrel Bourbon and the Asbury Park Barrel Finished Gin.
Asbury Park Distilling Co
Address: 527 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: Asbury Park Distilling
Opening hours: Sat: 3pm – 12am; Sun: 3pm – 10pm; Thu: 5pm – 10pm; Fri: 5 pm – 12am (closed from Mon - Wed)
14. Immerse yourself in the life and works of the author at Stephen Crane House
Posted by The Stephen Crane House on Saturday, 27 April 2013
Stephen Crane is the renowned author of “The Red Badge of Courage” and half a dozen other novels. If you are a fan of his work, Stephen Crane House is a must-see when you head down to Asbury Park, New Jersey. He has also written two volumes of poetry, many short stories and hundreds of newspaper articles. His modest home at 508 Fourth Avenue in Asbury Park has now been converted into a museum peppered with artefacts that you can see and enjoy, making for a unique but interesting thing activity to try in Asbury Park.
Stephen Crane House
Address: 508 4th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: Stephen Crane House
Price: Free admission
15. Catch an indie film at Show Room Cinema
Posted by Showroom Cinema on Tuesday, 17 April 2018
Show Room Cinema is a cinema focused on screening indie films and hosting private events. You can book the venue for a corporate event or birthday party. If films such as The Peanut Butter Falco, Brittany Runs A Marathon, or other independent titles interest you, you can simply book your tickets online before your trip to Asbury Park. The Show Room Cinema also has another outlet at Bradley Beach.
The Show Room Cinema
Address: 707 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: The Show Room Cinema
Opening hours: Vary depending on showtimes
16. Browse through Parlor Art Gallery's contemporary art
Posted by Parlor Gallery on Friday, 6 September 2019
Parlor Art Gallery was set up with the goal of providing a venue for both enthusiastic young artists who have never had the chance to debut a first exhibition, as well as internationally acclaimed and established artists looking to further their reach among the art community. The gallery is known for its provocative and fresh contemporary art. There are a few permanent, as well as a few pop-up exhibitions at Parlor Art Gallery. Sunkissed is one such permanent exhibition, featuring technicolour works of art and a wide range of portraits done up in unique and unexpected colours.
Parlor Art Gallery
Address: 717 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: Parlor Art Gallery
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm – 6pm; Mon, Thu: 12pm – 5pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm – 9pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
17. Relish French cuisine at Pascal & Sabine
Posted by Pascal & Sabine on Friday, 5 January 2018
Feeling ravenous after a long day of sightseeing and outdoor activity? Well, look no further than Pascal & Sabine restaurant to satisfy your growling stomach and appease your cravings for amazing French fare. The restaurant serves up a wide range of local food with a unique twist, such as the seared and braised suckling pig with paprika roasted red bliss potatoes, pickled red pearl onions, smoked pineapple and herb pistou. You can also treat yourself to some wine and cocktails at the bar to complete your fantastic meal.
Pascal & Sabine
Address: 601 Bangs Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: Pascal & Sabine
Opening hours: 11am – 12am (daily)
18. Stop by Asbury Park Steam Plant and take a photo
Asbury Park Steam Plant is one of the architectural icons of Asbury Park, known for its majestic Beaux-Arts front. It was built in 1930 to heat up the various tourist attractions on the Ocean Avenue Boardwalk. While taking a stroll on the boardwalk and visiting the many other attractions there, you might want to snap a photo with this iconic historical landmark to remember your trip to Asbury Park by.
Asbury Park Steam Plant
Address: Boardwalk, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Price: Free
19. Step back in time at Asbury Park National Guard Armory
In 1915, the New Jersey National Guard built an armory to house Company H on Lake Avenue in Asbury Park. The armory was...
Posted by Love Asbury Park on Monday, 2 November 2015
Asbury Park National Guard Armory dates back to the 1910s and used to house troops heading out for both the World Wars I and II. The large and spacious hall inside provided space for lavish and upbeat dances, featuring some of the country’s pioneering African American music entertainers and R&B bands. Today, you can enter the space to immerse yourself in the times of the past. If you are a history buff or are simply looking to add a dash of culture and history into your itinerary at Asbury Park, New Jersey, this is the place for you to go.
Asbury Park National Guard Armory
Address: 701 Lake Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Website: Asbury Park National Guard Armory
Price: Free
20. Marvel at the beautiful Asbury Park Carousel Building and take a snapshot
Asbury Park Carousel Building was constructed back in 1932 when Asbury Park was gaining relevance as a key entertainment and cultural hub in New Jersey by the sea. Several structures were designed by New York Beaux-Arts architects Whitney Warren and Charles Wetmore with the intention of drawing more tourists to the region: a large casino, an accompanying mega arcade, and this building, Asbury Park’s Carousel Building. Today, Asbury Park Carousel Building serves no functional purpose, but still stands tall as a reminder of its former glory. You can appreciate its stunning structure and take a beautiful snapshot with the building to commemorate your trip to the boardwalk.
Carousel Building
Address: 104-108 Asbury Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Many amazing things to do in Asbury Park, New Jersey
There are so many great things to do in this quaint but interesting seaside town. If you are planning to take a trip there, be sure to check out the above most amazing things to do in Asbury Park, New Jersey and have the most splendid time.
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