Asbury Park
Visitors to Asbury Park New Jersey will not find the same entertainment area that the city once was.
During its glory days, from the late 19th century through the 1960’s, Asbury Park was often one of the
most popular summer vacation spots on the east coast.
Happily, even though many of the original building and attractions are gone, Asbury Park is making quite
a comeback. There is a new boardwalk that often features live music and is home to a number of
popular night clubs and other attractions.
This New Jersey shore up and coming hot spot, located in Monmouth County on the state’s Central
Coast, is where a rock legend was born. Bruce Springsteen’s long and wildly successful musical career
started with an album titled Greetings from Asbury Park.
While much has changed about Asbury Park, one important feature has stayed the same: the beach. The
beach at Asbury Park has often landed on lists of the best beaches in New Jersey. In 2009, it ranked fifth.
Those who do want a glimpse into the past can choose to stay at the The Berkley Hotel or The Tides.
Both of these hotels have been restored in a way that pays homage to their long history in Asbury Park.
Other options for those who want to wax nostalgic include The Empress Hotel and a number of bed and
breakfasts.
While the population during the off-season is under 18,000, that number swells during the summer
months. During the warm months, visitors once again descend on Asbury Park to enjoy the beach, the
great restaurants, the quirky and unique shops and the active nightlife. There are also a number of
special events that take place in Asbury Park throughout the year.
These events include Taste of Asbury Park, the wonderful fireworks display that takes place each
Memorial Day, September’s Oysterfest and the Garden State Film Festival. During the busy summer
months, it is difficult to find a night when a special event is not taking place. From a tattoo festival to
comedians to throwback films being shown on jumbo screens, there is always something going on.
If you plan your visit to include the first Saturday of any moth throughout the year, you can be treated to
First Saturday Asbury Park. During this monthly celebration, businesses stay open extra late and live
entertainers line the street. It’s a once a month party that you won’t want to miss.
When it comes to dining, even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something that they like among
Asbury Park’s many offerings. Clam bars, Italian food, seafood and burgers…no matter what you are
hungry for its available in Asbury Park.
The nightlife is another feature that draws visitors and keeps them coming back. The Stone Pony, The
Beach Bar and Wonder Bar are just a few examples of places that you can party late into the night. Some
consider the restored Paramount Theater and Convention Hall to be the glue that holds all of Asbury
Park together. Perhaps as a nod to its musical past, this building is home to numerous concerts of all
types throughout the year.
Of course, Asbury Park is also family friendly and there is plenty to do with the kids. Rent some bikes and
cruise along the boardwalk. Give them a handful of quarters and let them dry off while they play pinball
and other arcade games. Then stop for an ice cream cone on the way back to your vacation rental.
It is difficult to argue that at the center of it all, as mentioned earlier, is the beach. The kids can busy
themselves building a sandcastle while you catch up on your reading. Cool off in the water in between
working on your tan and then walk up to the boardwalk to grab a slice of pizza or a hot dog.
For many people, Asbury Park contains wonderful memories of their childhood. The same is sure to be
true of the next generation as new memories are made in the new birth of this historic area.
While different from its past glory days, many visitors find that Asbury Park is better than ever. As
improvements continue, it can only get better!