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Looking for some fun in Asbury Park, New Jersey?
Nestled on the Jersey Shore, this popular destination boasts a great mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
With its sandy shores stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, Asbury Park offers a picturesque setting for beach lovers and sun seekers alike.
The town also has an impressive arts and culture scene that’s sure to impress your creative side, with iconic music venues like The Stone Pony alongside local galleries and museums.
So check out our list of cool things to do in Asbury Park to plan your visit!
Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a fan of live music, a foodie looking for delicious bites, or an art enthusiast seeking inspiration, Asbury Park has got your back.
For more towns to visit on the Jersey Shore, check our guides to the best things to do in Atlantic City, Ocean City, Cape May, or Sea Isle City.
Cool Things to Do in Asbury Park NJ
Let’s dive right into the best attractions in Asbury Park.
Our list starts by exploring places in the heart of it all right near the beach and then ventures beyond town for more fun experiences.
Asbury Park Boardwalk
Take a stroll along the Asbury Park Boardwalk and explore all the fun activities it has to offer.
This lively stretch is packed with exciting things to do, like mini golf, live music, playgrounds, mouthwatering restaurants, quirky retail shops, and even a splash park (which will be featured in the next sections!).
And during your walk, treat yourself to delectable delights from local vendors along the way.
Asbury Park Beach
Enjoy the sunny weather, swim in the ocean, build sandcastles, or simply enjoy the views at Asbury Park Beach.
People come here to experience all the fun Asbury Park Beach activities like surfing, sunbathing, fishing, and more.
There are lifeguards watching over the swimming areas marked by ropes and buoys — be sure to check the beach hour schedules so you can plan accordingly.
Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall
The Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall (1300 Ocean Avenue) is a beautiful historical building as well as an active venue for music and large-scale events.
While home to the town’s biggest musical acts and conferences, this venue is also a day-to-day tourist attraction with gift shops and memorabilia.
One of the most popular local events of the year is the Asbury Park Bazaar, a seasonal pop-up marketplace featuring food, music, shopping, and interactive arts.
If you are searching for things to do in Asbury Park, NJ, then you should check the calendar for the Paramount Theater first.
SS Morro Castle Monument
History buffs will find the SS Morro Castle Monument endlessly interesting.
The SS Morro Castle was a popular cruise boat that transported travelers up and down the east coast in the early 20th Century until it tragically sank due to a fire in September 1934.
While the story is tragic, the monument immediately south of the Convention Hall is an important ode to a special time in American history, when Asbury Park — and the entire country — was an entirely different place than what it is today.
Eddie Confetti’s Ice Cream & Cafe
Grab some old-fashioned frozen treats at Eddie Confetti’s Ice Cream & Cafe (1100 Ocean Avenue).
Located right on the Asbury Park boardwalk in the center of town, this famous small-scale ice cream shop specializes in homemade ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes.
Try some of the more adventurous, beloved flavors like Peanut Butter Caramel Cookie Dough or the Cappuccino Crunch milkshake.
Asbury Eighteen Mini Golf
Asbury Eighteen (1050 Ocean Avenue) is an excellent 18-hole mini-golf course located right on the boardwalk.
Spend an hour working on your putt while you let your kids wear themselves out going back and forth along the green.
Silverball Museum Arcade
Looking for an arcade in Asbury Park?
While every beach town has an arcade (or should), Asbury Park has one that has held firmly onto the old-school history of the town.
Silverball Museum Arcade (1000 Ocean Avenue) is both a museum and an active arcade, and it’s a must-see Asbury Park attraction!
Browse the museum, then play some of the over 600 arcade games including pinball games dating back to the 1930s.
The Stone Pony
There are only a few old-school music venues left in Asbury Park, and The Stone Pony (913 Ocean Avenue) is proud of that fact.
Originally founded in 1974, this classic bar and music venue has hosted world-famous musical acts from around the world.
The bar is still in operation today and is both a living museum to an older time and a great place to come to see new acts and grab a couple of drinks once the sun goes down.
The Summer Stage
An outdoor extension of the famous Stone Pony bar, The Summer Stage (909 Ocean Avenue) is a musical venue large enough to draw in some of the most famous bands in the world.
While you are in town, check the schedule to see if your favorite act may be coming to Asbury Park.
Asbury Splash Park
When you’ve spent too much time on the beach with your kids and want another way to cool off, head over to the Asbury Splash Park (950 Ocean Avenue).
The perfect Asbury Park family activity, this water park has fountains for toddlers, as well as larger sprinkler systems and water games for older children.
Stephen Crane House
Walk through preserved American literature history at the Stephen Crane House (508 4th Avenue).
Stephen Crane was an important contributor to American literature throughout the late 1800s, his most famous work being The Red Badge of Courage and his artistic portfolio was truly astounding considering his unfortunately-short life.
Fully preserved as a museum, walking tour, and historical library, The Stephen Crane House is a loving ode to a man who had called Asbury Park his home for many years.
Asbury Park Roastery
If you’re looking for a hit of caffeine with an artisanal touch, make sure you stop at Asbury Park Roastery (803 2nd Avenue).
The Roastery has been brewing artisanal coffees for over 15 years, with specialties including Costa Rican Dark Roast and Cuban Espresso.
The Wooden Walls Project
The Wooden Walls Project (700 Ocean Avenue) is a collective artistic statement that combines work from many local and globally-known artists in one collaborative space.
Originating from the Parlor Gallery (more on this below), The Wooden Walls has garnered respect and attention from the national art scene and draws a stream of locals, tourists, and art lovers alike.
Asbury Park Pedal Boats
While all beach towns obviously have the ocean, Asbury Park is unique in its collection of multiple large residential lakes.
If you are looking for an activity in one of these rare freshwater beachfront lakes, head to Asbury Park Pedal Boats (Lake Avenue).
Take a swan of any color out onto the waters of Wesley Lake and soak in a beautiful summer day in an entirely unique way.
Hot Sand
For an interactive artistic experience unlike anything else in Asbury Park, try out Hot Sand (500 Cookman Avenue).
This glass-blowing studio offers a gallery of artistic works, as well as glass-blowing classes that anyone can join.
If you are looking for things to do in Asbury Park when it rains, head over to Hot Sand and try your hand at designing vases, drinking glasses, or dishes with an artistic flair.
Confections of a Rock$tar
For a sweet tooth and a rockstar edge, visit Confections of a Rock$tar (550 Cookman Avenue).
All baked goods, baked fresh every day, are named after iconic rock-and-roll references.
Try the O-REO Speedwagon cupcakes, Brownie-Eyed Girl or Comfortably Nutella croissant.
Festhalle and Biergarten Rooftop Bar
Asbury Festhalle + Biergarten (527 Lake Avenue) is a massive German bar and eatery with both a large interior and an extensive rooftop seating area.
Try a large selection of authentic European beers, paired with German favorites including Bratwurst, Bavarian Pretzels, and other European dishes such as Kielbasa and Fish and Chips.
Asbury Park Distilling
Asbury Park Distilling (527 Lake Avenue) prides itself on being the town’s one-and-only distillery since Prohibition.
Taste some classic drinks and famous cocktails, including the Old Fashioned, Summer Breeze and Key Lime.
MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos
Fulfill your hankering for tacos at a truly unique Asbury Park restaurant.
MOGO (632 Cookman Avenue) combines traditional Korean dishes such as Baki and Kimchi Pork with Mexican taco cuisine.
When you come in, make sure to try the Tofu Taco, Pork Kimchi Taco, or Bibimbap Burger.
Antique Emporium of Asbury Park
Shop an eclectic selection of antique goods and nostalgic items that collectively tell the story of an older time in Asbury Park.
The Antique Emporium of Asbury Park (646 Cookman Avenue) has a 20,000-square-foot space that hosts a fascinating collection of antique goods, from furniture to art and everything in between.
The Paranormal Museum
Not for the kids or the scaredy-cats among us, The Paranormal Museum (621 Cookman Avenue) is the perfect place for those interested in all things strange.
Originally founded in 2008, this museum has steadily grown its collection of books and interactive experiences related to the paranormal.
In addition to a robust library of books, there are also guided tours, seasonal exhibits, and interactive ghost tours.
Pascal and Sabine
For fine dining and authentic French cuisine, schedule a reservation at Pascal and Sabine (601 Bangs Avenue).
Try some of their popular dishes, with crowd favorites being their French Onion Soup, Pot de Crema, and Coq Au Vin.
Kur Wellness Studios
Picture this: The kids are hyper on candy, there’s sand in all of your clothing, and there is not a single quiet space in the whole house.
Or how about this: Working at a computer all week has you hunched over and feeling the stress in every muscle.
Whatever your need, it’s time to escape for an afternoon at Kur Wellness Studios (412 Bond Street).
With spa treatments ranging from massages to facials, as well as a professionally run yoga studio, Kur has everything you need for complete relaxation and decompression.
The Showroom
Movie theaters in beach towns have slowly begun to fade out of style, but The ShowRoom Cinema (707 Cookman Avenue) still proudly showcases independent films year-round.
Originally a single-screen theater, The ShowRoom eventually expanded to host three screens and more seating.
If you are looking for things to do in Asbury Park at night or on a rainy day, check out what’s playing at the ShowRoom.
Parlor Gallery
Asbury Park is well-known for its beautifully diverse art scene and its many local art galleries.
Parlor Gallery (717 Cookman Avenue) has become the go-to destination for adventurous modern artists both locally and from around the world.
Spend an afternoon strolling the gallery and taking in original pieces from globally-renowned artists.
The Great Auditorium
If you are looking for astounding local architecture, make sure you stop at The Great Auditorium (21 Pilgrim Pathway, Ocean Grove).
This 6,000-person-capacity venue is still a functioning church after 150 years but is also home to a varied assortment of events all year round.
It’s located just on the other side of Wesley Lake in Ocean Grove.
Whether you are looking for massive worship events, children’s camps, or just want to marvel in awe at the truly stunning architecture, The Great Auditorium is a nice addition to your list of things to do near Asbury Park.
Final Thoughts
We hope you had fun with our list of cool attractions and activities in Asbury Park and we hope this has inspired you to start planning your adventure.
Let us know in the comments below what activities you’re most excited about trying out!
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