Within the armpit of the United States lies the bustling beach town of Asbury Park. Both local and global visitors flock to Asbury Beaches each year, with its most recent summer harboring over a million visitors. The city is known for being one of the most progressive areas in the United States, where there are common sightings of Danny Devito and Bruce Springsteen, while the late Anthony Bourdain has praised the food at the local diner (yes, there are many excellent restaurants in New Jersey on the Anthony Bourdain Food Trail).
Asbury Park was founded in 1871 by a broom manufacturer named James A. Bradley from New York City. Bradley was known for being a progressive thinker and used this knowledge to build electrical systems, an artesian well, a trolley system, and a boardwalk. During the formative years of Asbury Park, over 600,00 people visited Asbury Park. In 1880, the famous “Tillie” face of Asbury Park was created and became the trademark of Asbury Park. The iconic buildings of Asbury, Convention Hall, and the Casino were opened in 1929 and became the main points of both jazz and rock history.
During the 1970s, Asbury took a turn for the worst and became run down and desolate; however, over the years, the locals have been able to turn the city around, and it is one of the most well-known beach towns in New Jersey and on the east coast. Below is a list of activities to do when visiting Asbury Park, especially during its peak season from June to September.
Get Surfing Lessons In Asbury Park
Surf Lesson
New Jersey is a hidden gem when it comes to surfing. At some of the best New Jersey beaches for surfing, waves can get up to fifteen feet during winter swells, while the summer is perfect for longboarding. On the north side of the Asbury Park beach on eighth ave beach, otherwise known as a dog beach, lies one of the top surf camps in New Jersey called Summertime Surf. They provide weekly surf camps, group surf lessons, and private surf lessons. Each instructor has years of experience and will teach students step-by-step how to ride the waves. The camp provides both wetsuits and surfboards for each lesson. People can book lessons here.
- Hours: Can choose in between times from 9:00am-5:00pm
- Prices:
- Beginner Surf Class: $50-$75 per person
- Kids Surf Club Sessions: $45-75 per person
- Adult Surf Club Sessions: $45-75 per person
- Address: 8th Ave Beach Asbury Park, New Jersey 07712
Visit One Of The Top Attractions In New Jersey: The Asbury Park Convention Hall
The Convention Hall was created by the same architects of the Grand Central Terminal. It was built from 1928-1930 and includes an exhibition hall, shops, and a theater. Paramount Theater is known for its concerts, surf film premiers, and for being haunted. One each side of the hall are two beach bars that allow patrons to enjoy the views of the boardwalk and beach while drinking a rum bucket. Overall, this attraction is one of the things that first-time visitors to New Jersey will enjoy.
- Hours: Open anytime
- Entry Price: Free (visitors can spend money inside)
- Address: 1300 Ocean Ave N unit c-4, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Visit One Of The Most Famous Shops In New Jersey: Madame Marie’s
When Bruce Springsteen was walking around on the boardwalk as a teenager, he stopped by Madam Marie’s and got a reading. She told him he was going to become famous one day, and truth beholds; he became one of the most well-known singers in American history. Springsteen returned the favor and made her and her fortune-telling business through his music. The shop is run by Marie’s granddaughter, Danzie. Madame Marie’s always tells a spot on fortunes, and it is a must-see if visitors ever want to get a glimpse of their future.
- Hours: 10:00 am-9:00 pm. Hours may vary
- Prices:
- $20 for a palm reading
- $100 for a full life energy reading
- Address: 1150 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Check Out Asbury Park’s Stone Pony Summer Stage
An aerial view of the city, beach, and ocean in Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA
The Stone Pony opened in 1974 and originally housed a deserted disco called The Magic Touch. Founders Jack Roig and Robert Pielka utilize their construction and managerial talent to cultivate a booming music scene. The Pony began playing many “house bands” that brought large crowds to the club. By the 1980s, there were both national and local artists performing rock, reggae, and jazz, among other genres. Jersey Shore locals like Steve Van Zandt, Southside Johnny, and Bruce Springsteen got the Pony’s name out there.
Today, all different crowds flock to the Pony to see their concerts on their Summer Stage. The Summer Stage is a giant outdoor venue that is open during the summer. Both locals and tourists come to the venue that sits across from the boardwalk so that they can listen to some of their favorite bands while watching the sunset. Find information about upcoming shows here.
- Prices: Varies on the event
- Hours: Box office hours are 12:00 pm-5:00 pm from Thursdays-Sundays and during show hours
- Address: 913 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park. NJ 07712
Shop, Dine, And Enjoy Paddleboating At Cookman Ave And Wesley Lake
Sunset on a beach in Asbury Park, NJ, USA
Cookman Ave is one of the main streets in downtown Asbury. It is full of a variety of cuisine and shops that are unique to the area. Here, some of the best restaurants in Asbury Park include Homesick, Black Swan, and Cardinal Provisions. Shops include specialties such as antiques, thrift stores, black magic shops, and crystal shops. To the left of Cookman Ave is Wesley Lake, where visitors can rent peddle boats that are shaped like swans and flamingos that people can lounge around in.
- Hours: Open whenever
- Prices: depends on the shop and restaurant
- Peddle boats are $20 per half hour
- Address: Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Asbury Park is one of the best towns in New Jersey, hands down. The combination of bustling nightlife and culture attracts both tourists and locals to the Jersey Shore. The tiny city has put the beach scenery in New Jersey on the global map.
