Amazing Things to See and Do in Asbury Park, New Jersey

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There is nothing more delightfully cheesy and fun than pedaling your way up and down Asbury’s beautiful Wesley Lake in a giant swan thanks to Asbury Park Pedal Boats. Although the waterway is fairly small, it’s an enjoyable and budget-friendly way to spend some time on the lake with friends and get a unique perspective of Asbury by boat—swan boat.

Perfect for children of all ages, the Silverball Museum Arcade is just that: a museum and an arcade all in one. They pride themselves on offering over 600 games in their rotation and describe the spot as a “living, breathing and blinking tribute to our pinball and video gaming past.” Plus, the arcade sits right on the boardwalk, so it offers a truly old-school Jersey Shore experience.

Calling all dog lovers! When you stop by Asbury’s famous Wonder Bar in the spring and summer, make sure to bring your furry, four-legged friends with you. The beachside bar and music venue opens up their sand-covered outdoor area to owners and their pooches. Just, er, watch where you step.

Although it went through a period of hard times from the 1970s–2000s, Asbury Park was once a glamorous destination for wealthy out-of-towners, which is visible in many of its remaining structures that are still in use today, most notably, the Convention Hall. Standing tall and proud on the boardwalk, at the shores of the Atlantic, it is home to the Paramount Theater, various shops, popular restaurants, and other major events throughout the year. Today, Asbury’s Convention Hall is a reminder of days gone by as well as the town’s promising future that lies ahead.

You can’t pass through Asbury Park without swinging by the rooftop bar at the Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten. This authentic German biergarten has 41 beers on tap, live music, and a large rooftop bar that overlooks Wesley Lake, the Casino, and some impressive ocean views.

Ocean Avenue’s The Stone Pony has earned the reputation of being one of the greatest music venues of all time thanks to the legendary musicians (Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi) and bands (Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes) it launched in the ’70s and ’80s. It continues to be an important part of Asbury’s music scene, hosting countless nightly shows and drawing huge crowds with its popular Summer Stage series.

Discover Asbury’s Northside and visit the North Eats Food Trucks to grab a quick bite as you stroll up and down the boardwalk. From Playa Bowls to the Sand Box and farm-fresh eats at the Green Wagon Market, North Eats has plenty of options that you can enjoy at one of the picnic tables on their outdoor patio under the string lights.

Asbury’s famously abandoned casino is a haunting reminder of what the town looked like in its heyday. The Beaux-Arts structure sits at the south end of the boardwalk at the edge of its neighboring town, the historic Ocean Grove. Visitors can still walk through the crumbling building and imagine what it used to be; however, it’s still a favorite attraction as it stands.

Walk down Asbury’s main drag, Cookman Ave, and you’re likely to notice the beautiful glass pieces in the windows of Hot Sand. Inside, the storefront is split up into both a retail and working studio space where visitors can take glassblowing classes. It’s a unique experience that gives you a feel for the creative scene of Asbury Park.

With its colorful characters, unique shops, and beautiful ocean backdrop, the spirit of the Asbury Park Boardwalk is what draws people back time and again.