Asbury Park

Asbury Park, on the central New Jersey coast, is nestled along the Atlantic Ocean—an hour’s drive from Manhattan. For generations, people have been flocking to the shore to enjoy the views, beaches and music scene. The same place where Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi cut their teeth and gained fans, remains a wonderful place to catch live music and catch some rays.

At the end of the nineteenth century, entrepreneurs worked to turn this little town along the shore into a year-round destination. Soon, there was a boardwalk, followed by resort hotels and shopping. While the Asbury Park boardwalk may not be as famous as the one in nearby Atlantic City, but it’s an exciting place to shop and stroll.

Stepping off the boardwalk to the Asbury Park beaches, you will find a wide stretch of sandy beaches where you soak in the rays and enjoy some fun in the sun. Like many New Jersey beaches, badges are required in the summertime for any visitors older than the age of 12. The fees go to the city and help pay for the upkeep of Asbury Park’s biggest draw next to live music.

Asbury Park visitors have a wide range of activities to enjoy along the shore. Some visitors enjoy a good book and a beach chair, while others enjoy strolling along the beach, feeling the white sand beneath their toes. Surfing is allowed at the Eighth Avenue Beach, where the waves and sparser crowds make conditions favorable.