Follow summer’s siren song of sandy beaches, alfresco dining and outdoor concerts to Asbury Park, New Jersey. This hip-and-happening beach town boasts a music scene you won’t want to miss. See what Asbury Park’s allure is all about with seasonal tips from New Jersey Travel & Tourism. And for the latest updates on boardwalk events, shopping and dining, visit the AP Boardwalk’s website.
Music Mecca
Live music is Asbury Park’s secret sauce, and the summer of 2019 promises a must-go lineup of performers at AP’s growing list of venues. Good news: now it’s even easier to get concert tickets. The iconic Stone Pony, celebrating 45 years of music, and the flagship boutique of event producer Blackbird Presents have partnered to create a downtown box office at 651 Cookman Avenue, just steps from the NJ Transit train station. Pick up tickets here for The Stone Pony, Stone Pony Summer Stage, Wonder Bar, Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre, as well as gig posters, concert merchandise and more.
New and familiar faces will be appearing on Stone Pony’s Summer Stage, including the godfather of “the New Jersey Sound,” Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (July 6), as well as Ben Folds and Violent Femmes (August 2) and Squeeze (August 22). At the Convention Hall, NJPAC presents the Summer Freestyle Jam on August 17, featuring Judy Torres, TKA/K7, the Cover Girls and more. And if you’re “in the mood” for throwback sounds, don’t miss the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, playing July 31 and August 1 at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club. Plus, see who’s on the smaller stages at The Saint, Asbury Lanes, House of Independents and the Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten. Fun tip: Enjoy a draft and a breeze on the 9,000-square-foot outdoor rooftop Biergarten.
Surprising Finds
Has Asbury Park gone to the dogs? If the Wonder Bar’s Yappy Hour is any indication, absolutely! Pooches and their human companions can chill out on the Yappy Deck, enjoying swimming pools, an agility course, live acoustic music on Sunday (unplugged to protect your pup’s ears) and specials on food and drinks. Take a break from surf, sand and songs to pay tribute to your pinball and video gaming past at the Silverball Museum, featuring 600 games in rotation. Or hear your fortune told at Psychic Madam Marie’s Temple of Knowledge. Fun fact: a young Bruce Springsteen used to busk in front of Madam Marie’s bright-blue boardwalk booth.
Otherworldly Outings
It’s not just fun in the sun here in Asbury Park. Discover its eerie side at the quirky Paranormal Museum on Cookman Avenue. For more otherworldly outings, the Asbury Park Tour Company offers the Downtown Haunted Pub Tour, Boardwalk Haunted Pub Tour AND Ghosts of the Boardwalk Walking Tour. For more divine inspiration, plus oodles of Victorian charm, stroll south on the boardwalk to Asbury Park’s neighbor: Ocean Grove. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Ocean Grove was founded as a Methodist summer camp meeting site and is celebrating its 150th anniversary this summer. Planning tip: Check out the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association for details on Victorian Days and other events.
Taste Trends
Count on Asbury Park to be on top of culinary trends. Try TripAdvisor favorites Brando’s Citi Cucina, Moonstruck, Talula’s Pizza, and Taka and see what the buzz is about. For rooftop views and sophisticated drinks, stop by Salvation, located at The Asbury Hotel, or Watermark. Or enjoy the heavenly union of tacos and Korean flavors at MOGO, with two locations, a stand on the boardwalk and a casual eatery on Cookman Avenue. Then cool off with artisanal ice cream in surprising flavors (including vegan) at the nearby Cookman Creamery.
On the Cheap
Bring a blanket or beach chair to bonfires on the beach, one of AP’s beloved summer events. Held weekly (Fridays at 7 p.m. in June and September, Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in July and August), the bonfires are open to all and shift locations throughout the summer, so be sure to check the AP Boardwalk site for details. Discover the fascinating histories of Asbury Park and Ocean Grove on free 90-minute walking tours hosted by Asbury Park Tours & Adventures. Tours are available May-September and start at the Convention Hall. And for cheap eats, pick up an overstuffed sandwich at Frank’s Deli on your way to the beach. Another saving tip: Visit AP’s beach on weekdays when badges are $5.
In New Jersey, every new day brings a brand-new destination…like Asbury Park! Plan a beach day or getaway at visitnj.org, where you can find places to stay, download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism.
