City of Asbury Park
Asbury Park is an oceanfront city that James A. Bradley, a New York brush manufacturer, began developing as a resort in 1871. He built the boardwalk and named the place for Francis Asbury, the first Methodist bishop in America. Convention Hall and the Paramount Theatre, both dating to the 1920s, still anchor the beachfront.
Downtown centers on the historic Steinbach-Cookman Building, while Springwood Avenue on the West Side carries a long Black music history. The Stone Pony, founded in 1974, ties the city to the Jersey Shore rock sound associated with Bruce Springsteen.
Beaches & Boardwalks · Asbury Park
Asbury Park's oceanfront boardwalk and beach, with a seasonal badge system, a dog beach and a short list of boardwalk rules worth reading first.
Arts & Live Music · Asbury Park
Two linked oceanfront venues on the Asbury Park Boardwalk: a 3,600-capacity hall over the beach and the adjacent Paramount Theatre.
Family Days Out · Asbury Park
Pinball museum and arcade on Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park where every machine is free play with admission, so nobody needs a pocketful of quarters.
Arts & Live Music · Asbury Park
Rock club on Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, open since 1974, with indoor shows year-round and an outdoor Summer Stage beside the Boardwalk.
Shops & Markets · Asbury Park
Member-run, volunteer-staffed bookstore on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park with book clubs, author events, a used book exchange and online ordering.
Nightlife & Venues · Asbury Park
Asbury Park distillery on Lake Avenue with a tasting room, 30-minute distillery tours and cocktail classes. Visitors must be 21.
Outdoors & Rentals · Asbury Park
Pedal boat rentals on Wesley Lake in Asbury Park, half-hour rides at $25 per boat, with swan boats, vests provided and no reservation needed.
Eat & Drink · Asbury Park
Downtown Asbury Park restaurant and bar serving sourdough bread and pizza, with brunch, lunch and dinner, a full bar and a bread club.
Nightlife & Venues · Asbury Park
Asbury Park beach bar with live music, a tiki bar and outdoor space, a weekly dog-friendly Yappy Hour, and a food menu of burgers and wings.
