Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

Asbury Park travel guide

Asbury Park Tourism | Asbury Park Guide

You're Going to Love Asbury Park

Made famous by Bruce Springsteen, Asbury Park, New Jersey, is a coastal resort on the rise. In the past 15 years, the city has come into its own, making the most of beautiful 19th-century architecture, a booming arts scene and, of course, the Atlantic Coast.

Article

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Asbury Park

1. Take a Springsteen Tour

If you love the Boss, Asbury Park is the place to go. Take guided tours with fellow fans to the Boardwalk, Frank's Deli, and more locations associated with one of America's greatest musicians.

2. Step Back in History at Allaire

Just outside Asbury Park you'll find Allaire, a preserved 19th-century village where volunteers maintain the illusion with period costumes and you can explore a 3,000 acre state park.

3. Discover the Town's Thriving Art Scene

Cheap rents have drawn hundreds of artists to Asbury Park recently, filling galleries like Art629 and the Parlor Gallery with exciting works.

4. See the Victorian Architecture of Ocean Grove

Bordering Asbury Park to the south, Ocean Grove is a beautiful Victorian resort, boasting a fine beach and cultural attractions like the Great Auditorium.

5. Visit the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival

ASPMFF is one of the Eastern Seaboard's premier cultural events, attracting hip-hop, jazz, and rock artists and featuring a busy schedule of screenings.

1. Take a Springsteen Tour

If you love the Boss, Asbury Park is the place to go. Take guided tours with fellow fans to the Boardwalk, Frank's Deli, and more locations associated with one of America's greatest musicians.

2. Step Back in History at Allaire

Just outside Asbury Park you'll find Allaire, a preserved 19th-century village where volunteers maintain the illusion with period costumes and you can explore a 3,000 acre state park.

3. Discover the Town's Thriving Art Scene

Cheap rents have drawn hundreds of artists to Asbury Park recently, filling galleries like Art629 and the Parlor Gallery with exciting works.

4. See the Victorian Architecture of Ocean Grove

Bordering Asbury Park to the south, Ocean Grove is a beautiful Victorian resort, boasting a fine beach and cultural attractions like the Great Auditorium.

5. Visit the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival

ASPMFF is one of the Eastern Seaboard's premier cultural events, attracting hip-hop, jazz, and rock artists and featuring a busy schedule of screenings.

What to do in Asbury Park

1. Asbury Park Beach: A Vibrant Coastal Vacation Hotspot

Asbury Park's beach remains a prime bit of Atlantic Ocean coastline, drawing huge crowds when the New Jersey sun shines. You can swim, sunbathe, or surf along miles and miles of sandy beach, but it's what lies along the shore that really attracts people to Asbury Park. From its 20th century heyday as one huge amusement park, Asbury Park has diversified. Dubbed by some as "Brooklyn by the Beach" due to its music scene and bars, the beach allows visitors to perfect their tan, swim, and check out some culture on the side.

2. Silverball Museum: The Perfect Attraction for Paddlers

Another beachfront attraction, the Silverball Museum is one huge homage to the Asbury Park's favorite game: pinball. The museum houses a massive collection of more than 600 machines (available on rotation) dating from the 1950s to today. Play classics like Attack from Mars or Surf Side, along with tables themed around movie franchises, video games, and pop musicians. DJ nights on Friday and a small arcade cabinet collection round off one of the most entertaining museums on the Eastern Seaboard.

3. Asbury Park Boardwalk: The Real Heart of the Resort

An icon of the city, Asbury Park Boardwalk was immortalized in the songs of Bruce Springsteen and is the heart of the city. First added in the 1870s by a local entrepreneur, the Boardwalk attracted concert venues and casinos, and became the setting for millions of romantic trysts. These days, it's been renovated as a dining hub with Korean, vegan and Cuban options, hosts thriving music venues like the Stone Pony or the Paramount Theater, and has added some stunning street art, making it a great place to visit.

4. The Stone Pony: A Legendary Boardwalk Venue

Asbury Park's premier live music venue first opened its doors in 1974 and is reckoned to be among the finest rock and roll clubs in the world. Situated on the historic Boardwalk, the Stone Pony continues to act as a launching pad for up-and-coming New Jersey musicians who want to follow in the footsteps of the Boss and Bon Jovi. Recently renovated after a tough period in the 1990s, the venue offers well known acts every week as well as all-night DJ sets and guaranteed good times. It's a must-visit for any rock music fan.

5. Asbury Splash Park: A Child-Friendly Sprayground

Another Boardwalk legend, Asbury Splash Park is the resort's leading family attraction. This Ocean Avenue institution markets itself as a "sprayground", which sums it up neatly. When they are caked in sand from the beach or salt from the waves, kids can get soaked at the Splash Park by imaginative water features like giant watering cans and spray jets shooting water out from the ground. And, once you've dried off, there's an 18-hole mini golf course on site too.

1. Asbury Park Beach: A Vibrant Coastal Vacation Hotspot

Asbury Park's beach remains a prime bit of Atlantic Ocean coastline, drawing huge crowds when the New Jersey sun shines. You can swim, sunbathe, or surf along miles and miles of sandy beach, but it's what lies along the shore that really attracts people to Asbury Park. From its 20th century heyday as one huge amusement park, Asbury Park has diversified. Dubbed by some as "Brooklyn by the Beach" due to its music scene and bars, the beach allows visitors to perfect their tan, swim, and check out some culture on the side.

2. Silverball Museum: The Perfect Attraction for Paddlers

Another beachfront attraction, the Silverball Museum is one huge homage to the Asbury Park's favorite game: pinball. The museum houses a massive collection of more than 600 machines (available on rotation) dating from the 1950s to today. Play classics like Attack from Mars or Surf Side, along with tables themed around movie franchises, video games, and pop musicians. DJ nights on Friday and a small arcade cabinet collection round off one of the most entertaining museums on the Eastern Seaboard.

3. Asbury Park Boardwalk: The Real Heart of the Resort

An icon of the city, Asbury Park Boardwalk was immortalized in the songs of Bruce Springsteen and is the heart of the city. First added in the 1870s by a local entrepreneur, the Boardwalk attracted concert venues and casinos, and became the setting for millions of romantic trysts. These days, it's been renovated as a dining hub with Korean, vegan and Cuban options, hosts thriving music venues like the Stone Pony or the Paramount Theater, and has added some stunning street art, making it a great place to visit.

4. The Stone Pony: A Legendary Boardwalk Venue

Asbury Park's premier live music venue first opened its doors in 1974 and is reckoned to be among the finest rock and roll clubs in the world. Situated on the historic Boardwalk, the Stone Pony continues to act as a launching pad for up-and-coming New Jersey musicians who want to follow in the footsteps of the Boss and Bon Jovi. Recently renovated after a tough period in the 1990s, the venue offers well known acts every week as well as all-night DJ sets and guaranteed good times. It's a must-visit for any rock music fan.

5. Asbury Splash Park: A Child-Friendly Sprayground

Another Boardwalk legend, Asbury Splash Park is the resort's leading family attraction. This Ocean Avenue institution markets itself as a "sprayground", which sums it up neatly. When they are caked in sand from the beach or salt from the waves, kids can get soaked at the Splash Park by imaginative water features like giant watering cans and spray jets shooting water out from the ground. And, once you've dried off, there's an 18-hole mini golf course on site too.

1. Asbury Park Beach: A Vibrant Coastal Vacation Hotspot

Asbury Park's beach remains a prime bit of Atlantic Ocean coastline, drawing huge crowds when the New Jersey sun shines. You can swim, sunbathe, or surf along miles and miles of sandy beach, but it's what lies along the shore that really attracts people to Asbury Park. From its 20th century heyday as one huge amusement park, Asbury Park has diversified. Dubbed by some as "Brooklyn by the Beach" due to its music scene and bars, the beach allows visitors to perfect their tan, swim, and check out some culture on the side.

2. Silverball Museum: The Perfect Attraction for Paddlers

Another beachfront attraction, the Silverball Museum is one huge homage to the Asbury Park's favorite game: pinball. The museum houses a massive collection of more than 600 machines (available on rotation) dating from the 1950s to today. Play classics like Attack from Mars or Surf Side, along with tables themed around movie franchises, video games, and pop musicians. DJ nights on Friday and a small arcade cabinet collection round off one of the most entertaining museums on the Eastern Seaboard.

3. Asbury Park Boardwalk: The Real Heart of the Resort

An icon of the city, Asbury Park Boardwalk was immortalized in the songs of Bruce Springsteen and is the heart of the city. First added in the 1870s by a local entrepreneur, the Boardwalk attracted concert venues and casinos, and became the setting for millions of romantic trysts. These days, it's been renovated as a dining hub with Korean, vegan and Cuban options, hosts thriving music venues like the Stone Pony or the Paramount Theater, and has added some stunning street art, making it a great place to visit.

4. The Stone Pony: A Legendary Boardwalk Venue

Asbury Park's premier live music venue first opened its doors in 1974 and is reckoned to be among the finest rock and roll clubs in the world. Situated on the historic Boardwalk, the Stone Pony continues to act as a launching pad for up-and-coming New Jersey musicians who want to follow in the footsteps of the Boss and Bon Jovi. Recently renovated after a tough period in the 1990s, the venue offers well known acts every week as well as all-night DJ sets and guaranteed good times. It's a must-visit for any rock music fan.

5. Asbury Splash Park: A Child-Friendly Sprayground

Another Boardwalk legend, Asbury Splash Park is the resort's leading family attraction. This Ocean Avenue institution markets itself as a "sprayground", which sums it up neatly. When they are caked in sand from the beach or salt from the waves, kids can get soaked at the Splash Park by imaginative water features like giant watering cans and spray jets shooting water out from the ground. And, once you've dried off, there's an 18-hole mini golf course on site too.

Where to Eat in Asbury Park

Italian food is (unsurprisingly) king in Asbury Park. You'll find fantastic pasta and fish options at Moonstruck, great pizza at Porta, and great food by the sea at Stella Marina Bar and Restaurant. Meals usually cost no more than $20 - $25.

When to visit Asbury Park

Asbury Park in April
Estimated hotel price
S$ 220
1 night at 3-star hotel
Asbury Park in April
Estimated hotel price
S$ 220
1 night at 3-star hotel

Asbury Park is at its best between July and late September, when the temperatures are warm enough to swim, and the town's cultural calendar is at its busiest.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Asbury Park

Plane

Asbury Park is only 30 miles from New York's JFK, Newark, or La Guardia airports, so getting there is easy.

Train

You can take the NJ Transit train from Penn Station, New York, towards Bay Head or South Amboy and get off at Asbury Park. It takes around 1 hour 40 minutes and costs $12 - $18.

Car

From New York, take I-95 then the Garden State Parkway, while I-195 runs from Trenton and Philadelphia.

Bus

NJ Transit bus 317 runs from Philadelphia (3 hours 45 mins, $23) while Academy Bus run services from the New York Port Authority (1 hour 58 mins, $17 - $19).

Plane

Asbury Park is only 30 miles from New York's JFK, Newark, or La Guardia airports, so getting there is easy.

Train

You can take the NJ Transit train from Penn Station, New York, towards Bay Head or South Amboy and get off at Asbury Park. It takes around 1 hour 40 minutes and costs $12 - $18.

Car

From New York, take I-95 then the Garden State Parkway, while I-195 runs from Trenton and Philadelphia.

Bus

NJ Transit bus 317 runs from Philadelphia (3 hours 45 mins, $23) while Academy Bus run services from the New York Port Authority (1 hour 58 mins, $17 - $19).

Airports near Asbury Park

NYSNew York Skyports SPB
TTNTrenton-Mercer

Airlines serving Asbury Park

Lufthansa
Good (7,207 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,366 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,091 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,982 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,654 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,894 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,819 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,861 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,472 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (809 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,286 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,594 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,679 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,416 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,092 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (352 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,351 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,306 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,224 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,912 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Asbury Park

Asbury Park Boardwalk - built in the 1870s, Asbury Park's boardwalk has seen countless people come and go, and played a prominent role in Springsteen's 1972 album "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.".

Popular Neighborhoods in Asbury Park

Ocean Grove - just south of Asbury Park, Ocean Grove is full of character thanks to its well-preserved Victorian houses and wonderful beach.

West Grove - just inland from the boardwalk, West Grove is home to the William F. Larkin Golf Course as well as Italian eateries like Jimmy's Italian Restaurant.

Ocean Grove - just south of Asbury Park, Ocean Grove is full of character thanks to its well-preserved Victorian houses and wonderful beach.
West Grove - just inland from the boardwalk, West Grove is home to the William F. Larkin Golf Course as well as Italian eateries like Jimmy's Italian Restaurant.

Where to stay in popular areas of Asbury Park

How to Get Around Asbury Park

Public Transportation

NJ Transit runs bus services all over the New Jersey coast. Single fares start at $1.60.

Taxi

Taxis tend to charge a flag drop of around $3, followed by $2 per mile.

Car

Rental options in Asbury Park include Budget and Enterprise. You should find packages for $15 per day.

Public Transportation

NJ Transit runs bus services all over the New Jersey coast. Single fares start at $1.60.

Taxi

Taxis tend to charge a flag drop of around $3, followed by $2 per mile.

Car

Rental options in Asbury Park include Budget and Enterprise. You should find packages for $15 per day.

The Cost of Living in Asbury Park

Shopping Streets

If you want to pick up souvenirs, head down to the Boardwalk, specifically stores like the Asbury Galleria (with its memorabilia collection) and jewelry boutiques like Carla Gizzi.

Groceries and Other

Local supermarkets include QuickChek, Costco, and Wegmans, where 12 eggs will cost around $1.90.

Everything you need to know for your stay in Asbury Park

Asbury Park Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Asbury Park city guide for the best Asbury Park travel tips. To help you organise your Asbury Park trip ideas, this Asbury Park visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.