10 Things to Do in Asbury Park, NJ This Summer

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1. Dig into the culinary scene– Savor a kaleidoscope of flavors in this trendy beach town. From the hip, cheery flair and authentic Mexican fare of Pop’s Garage to caviar and steak tartare served in the European-style brasserie of Pascal & Sabine featuring the artwork of Paolo Ventura. For more places to wine and dine this summer, check out our essential NJ outdoor dining guide featuring 35 alfresco hotspots that are simply divine.  


2. Be Beachy Keen – Part of Asbury Park’s beauty is its clean stunning shoreline and sunny energy felt by all those who pull up a chair or sink their toes in the sand. Bring the dog to the Asbury Park Dog Beach, and Fido will have a paw-some time too. Love the beach? Check out more spectacular beaches along the famous Jersey Shore here.
   
   
    
3. Get on Board with Art– Step onto Asbury Park’s historic boardwalk to be greeted by eye-catching, positively post-worthy murals from local and internationally recognized artists, fantastic food, cool seaside boutiques and events packed with so much personality you’ll never want to leave. If you love walking the boards as much as we do, add these amazing boardwalks in NJ to your summer must-step itinerary.


4. Bounce This Idea Around– The Silverball Museum Arcade – is part retro arcade, part museum, part eatery and 100% entertaining. Have a ball playing pinball on a rotated collection of 600 vintage and modern-day machines, so no two visits are exactly the same. Immerse yourself in the dazzling lights and sounds at this thrilling tribute to pinball. You’ll be a big fan, like us. And when it comes to fan-tastic spectator sports in NJ, we’ve got you covered too.
   
   
    
5. Be Blown Away – Create your own blown glass masterpiece or decorate your space with handmade glass treasures from the gallery at Hot Sand. This studio has brought the hot glass art experience to thousands of visitors for over 15 years – it’s your time to give it a try. Reserve your one-of-a-kind glassmaking experience here. It’s the perfect way to spend a day. For more dynamic day trips in Jersey, click here and smile.
   
   
    
6. Get Into the Spirit – Ghostly greetings, paranormal books and supernatural curiosities await you at the Paranormal Museum. Dive into Asbury Park history, from rum runners and legendary shipwrecks to crimes of the century, and take part in seances, psychic readings, guided tours and more. For more eerily cool things to see and do, check out these weirdly wonderful and unusual sites along the Jersey Shore.


7. Page Through History– Tour this historical gem and explore the upstairs library full of articles and books at the Stephen Crane House, the one-time home of famed 19th-century novelist, poet, journalist, short story writer and author of the Red Badge of Courage. One of the oldest standing houses in Asbury Park, the property also serves as the headquarters of the Asbury Park Historical Society. And history buffs – you won’t want to miss these off-the-beaten-path historic sites in NJ.


8. Stay at The Asbury– The social scene at this vintage-meets-modern-meets rock ‘n roll hotel is a hotspot for creativity, diversity and inclusivity. Mingle at a poolside party, listen to vinyl in the lobby bar, note Art Deco touches throughout, soak up the sun or take in a movie on the roof under a starry sky. In 2024, travel magazine Fifty Grande named The Asbury as One of the 50 Greatest Hotels Ever, so how’s that for wow? For more wow things to do in Jersey, sneak a peek here.
   
   
    
9. Strike up Some Fun– Just two blocks from the beach, you’ll find the iconic Asbury Lanes, a vintage bowling alley and a legendary concert venue and diner rolled into one. Eat, drink and bowl to the sounds of live music from some of the world’s most outstanding bands. See what’s playing at these amazing outdoor concert venues throughout New Jersey too.


10. Jam Out at The Stone Pony–Since opening its doors 50 years ago in 1974, renowned artists like Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny and Steve Vann Zandt have rocked the mic at this legendary venue. The fun here shows no signs of ever slowing down. Check the calendar to see the headliners and uprising stars taking the stage this summer. Six Flags Great Adventure is celebrating 50 years in 2024 too – take our list of thrilling things to do for a spin.
    
    

Summer is what you make of it – so make it wow in New Jersey. Be sure to check with your destination’s website and social media pages before you go for the latest updates and information. Find more ways to wow up summer days (and every day!) with the official NJ travel guide. Sign up for our e-newsletter too!