Asbury Park Travel Guide

Explore the beauty and culture of Asbury Park with our comprehensive tour guide. Discover the top things to do, places to visit, and where to stay and eat.


Introduction to Asbury Park

Asbury Park is a vibrant city situated in Monmouth County, in Jersey Shore, New Jersey, United States of America. Known for its gorgeous beaches, lively boardwalk, and exquisite architecture, Asbury Park is an ideal holiday spot filled with breathtaking attractions, delicious eateries, and rich cultural experiences. From adventurous outdoor activities to calm and historical museums, Asbury Park offers something for every type of tourist. If you’re planning to visit Asbury Park, this comprehensive tour guide will make your trip memorable and exciting.

List of Places to Visit in Asbury Park

  • Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
  • Natural Attractions of Asbury Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
  • Hiking/Biking Routes of Asbury Park
  • Best Things to Do in Asbury Park: Activities and Tours
  • Week-Long Itinerary for Asbury Park
  • Food and Drink Scene of Asbury Park
  • Where to Stay in Asbury Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
  • What to Buy in Asbury Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
  • Local Culture and Customs of Asbury Park
  • Best Time to Visit Asbury Park
  • Do’s and Don’ts of Asbury Park
  • Safety and Health
  • Getting to Asbury Park: Transportation Options and Logistics
  • How to Get Around in Asbury Park
  • Where to Go Next from Asbury Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Asbury Park has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The city has several museums and historical places that will take you back in time and help you understand the evolution of Asbury Park. Some of the top attractions include:

  • Asbury Park Historical Society Museum: A fascinating museum that showcases the heritage and history of Asbury Park. The museum features photographs, artifacts, and exhibits that depict the evolution of the city from a sleepy beach town to a bustling urban center.
  • Paranormal Museum: A unique museum that explores the supernatural and paranormal phenomena. The museum features exhibits related to UFOs, ghosts, and other supernatural occurrences.
  • Silverball Museum: A classic arcade museum that’s a must-visit for vintage game lovers. The museum features hundreds of vintage pinball and video games from the 1930s to the 1990s.

Natural Attractions of Asbury Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Asbury Park is a city of natural beauty, with several parks, beaches, and gardens that offer picturesque views and exciting adventures. Some of the top natural attractions include:

  • Asbury Park Beach: A stunning beach that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is lined with palm trees, and the boardwalk features various eateries and shops.
  • Ocean Grove Beach: A serene and quiet beach that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. The beach features beautiful Victorian-era architecture, and the surroundings are tranquil and peaceful.
  • Shark River Park: An expansive park that’s perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The park features several well-marked trails and meandering streams that offer breathtaking vistas and a chance to spot wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Asbury Park

Asbury Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with several hiking and biking routes that offer a chance to explore the natural beauty of the city. Some of the top routes include:

  • Asbury Park Boardwalk: A paved trail that offers stunning views of the ocean and the city skyline. The boardwalk is perfect for leisurely strolls, jogging, and cycling.
  • Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway: A scenic 5.9-mile trail that’s perfect for hiking and biking. The trail winds through several parks, wetlands, and neighborhoods, and offers a chance to explore some of the city’s most beautiful sights.

Best Things to Do in Asbury Park: Activities and Tours

Asbury Park offers a wide range of activities and tours that will make your trip exciting and adventurous. Some of the top things to do include:

  • Asbury Park Ghost Tour: A spooky and fascinating tour that explores the supernatural and paranormal phenomena in the city. The tour includes visits to haunted locations, ghost sightings, and supernatural stories.
  • Asbury Park Food Tour: A delicious tour that explores the city’s food scene and cultural heritage. The tour includes visits to several eateries and shops, where you can taste local cuisine and buy souvenirs.
  • Asbury Park Surf School: A fun and exciting activity that teaches you how to surf in the beautiful waters of Asbury Park. The school offers lessons for all levels, and the instructors are friendly and experienced.

Week-Long Itinerary for Asbury Park

If you’re planning to spend a week in Asbury Park, you can follow this itinerary that covers all the top attractions and activities:

Day 1: Visit the Paranormal museum and take the Asbury Park Ghost Tour.

Day 2: Explore the Silverball Museum and the Asbury Park Historical Society Museum.

Day 3: Relax at the Asbury Park Beach and boardwalk and enjoy some surfing and sunbathing.

Day 4: Go on an Asbury Park Food Tour and taste local cuisine and buy souvenirs.

Day 5: Hike or bike the Edgar Felix Memorial Bikeway and explore the beautiful natural scenery of the city.

Day 6: Learn how to surf at the Asbury Park Surf School and enjoy some water sports adventures.

Day 7: Indulge in some shopping and buy souvenirs at some of the local shops and vendor stalls.

Food and Drink Scene of Asbury Park

Asbury Park is known for its delicious cuisine and vibrant food scene. Some of the top must-try dishes include:

  • Pork Roll: A classic breakfast dish that features pork sausage and cheese on a roll. The dish is a Jersey Shore staple and is available at most local eateries and diners.
  • Pizza: Asbury Park has several pizzerias that make delicious thin-crust pies with a variety of toppings. Some of the top ones include Talula’s and Porta.
  • Seafood: Asbury Park is a coastal town, and seafood is a local specialty. Try some of the seafood dishes at Asbury Oyster Bar or Langosta Lounge.

For local beverages, Asbury Park offers several craft beers, wines, and spirits. Some of the top local beverages include:

  • Dark City Brewing Company: A craft brewery that offers delicious and unique beers that are perfect for hopheads and beer lovers.
  • Asbury Park Distilling Company: A local distillery that makes artisanal spirits and cocktails that are perfect for a nightcap.

Where to Stay in Asbury Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Asbury Park offers several accommodation options that cater to all types of tourists and budgets. Some of the top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses include:

  • Asbury Ocean Club: A luxurious hotel that offers gorgeous views of the ocean and top-notch amenities.
  • The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel: A historic hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a prime location on the boardwalk.
  • The Asbury Hotel: A funky and stylish hotel that features colorful and playful design elements and modern amenities.

For budget-conscious travelers, there are several hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable accommodation options. Some of the top ones include:

  • The Hotel Tides: A stylish and chic guesthouse that offers comfortable and affordable rooms.
  • Asbury Park Inn: A cozy and friendly hostel that offers dormitory-style accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

What to Buy in Asbury Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Asbury Park has several shops and vendor stalls that sell unique and interesting souvenirs and local products. Some of the top items to buy include:

  • Local Artwork: Asbury Park is home to several talented artists, and you can find their work at local galleries and vendor stalls.
  • T-Shirts and Merchandise: The boardwalk features several shops that sell Asbury Park-themed t-shirts, hats, and merchandise that make great souvenirs and gifts.
  • Vintage Vinyl: Asbury Park is also known for its vibrant music scene, and you can find some great vintage vinyl records and CDs at local record stores like Holdfast Records.

Local Culture and Customs of Asbury Park

Asbury Park is a diverse and inclusive city that welcomes tourists from all over the world. The locals are friendly and hospitable, and the city is known for its vibrant music, art, and culinary scene. The city also has a rich LGBTQ+ history and culture, and LGBTQ+ travelers can find a safe and welcoming environment. When visiting Asbury Park, it’s important to respect local customs and traditions and be mindful of the environment.

Best Time to Visit Asbury Park

The best time to visit Asbury Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the beach and boardwalk are lively and bustling. However, the city also has several events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival, which takes place in April, and the Asbury Park Oysterfest in September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Asbury Park

Do:

  • Respect the environment and dispose of trash responsibly.
  • Support local businesses and buy locally-made products.
  • Explore the city’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
  • Be respectful and courteous to locals and other tourists.

Don’t:

  • Engage in excessive drinking and partying on the beach or boardwalk.
  • Litter or damage public property.
  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Engage in any illegal activities or behaviors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Asbury Park

Asbury Park is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling alone or at night. Avoid walking alone in secluded areas, and keep your valuables safe. Make sure to lock your car and hotel room and keep your belongings out of sight.

Health in Asbury Park

Asbury Park has several medical facilities and hospitals that offer excellent healthcare services. It’s important to take precautions and practice good hygiene when traveling, such as washing your hands regularly and wearing sunscreen.

Getting to Asbury Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Asbury Park is easily accessible by car, bus, and train. Some of the top transportation options include:

Airports Near Asbury Park

  • Newark Liberty International Airport: Located about 60 miles from Asbury Park.
  • Philadelphia International Airport: Located about 80 miles from Asbury Park.

Bus Stations Near Asbury Park

  • Asbury Park Transportation Center: Located in the heart of the city and offers several bus routes to neighboring towns and cities.
  • Academy Bus: Offers daily bus routes to and from New York City.

Other Options

  • Car: Asbury Park is easily accessible by car, and there are several parking options available throughout the city.
  • Train: Asbury Park is served by the NJ Transit train station, which offers several daily trains to and from destinations such as New York City and Philadelphia.

How to Get Around in Asbury Park

Asbury Park is a walkable city, and most attractions and amenities are within walking distance. However, if you prefer to use public transportation, there are several options available, including:

  • Asbury Park Trolley: A free shuttle service that operates during the summer months and connects the boardwalk, downtown, and other areas of the city.
  • NJ Transit Bus: The NJ Transit bus service offers several routes to neighboring towns and cities.
  • Taxi and Car Services: There are several taxi and car services available throughout the city.

Where to Go Next from Asbury Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time, there are several nearby destinations and excursions that you can explore:

  • Ocean City: A vibrant and family-friendly town that’s located about an hour’s drive from Asbury Park. Ocean City offers several attractions, such as the boardwalk, waterparks, and amusement parks.
  • Atlantic City: A bustling and lively city that’s known for its luxurious casinos, shopping, and entertainment. Atlantic City is located about an hour’s drive from Asbury Park.
  • Long Beach Island: A serene and picturesque island that’s located about 35 miles from Asbury Park. Long Beach Island offers beautiful beaches, fishing, and water sports activities.

Conclusion

Asbury Park is a city of natural beauty, exciting adventures, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a food lover, Asbury Park offers something for everyone. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’re sure to have a memorable and exciting trip to this gorgeous city.

Paramount Theatre Paramount Theatre Asbury Park's boardwalk Asbury Park's boardwalk