7 Best Things to Do in Asbury Park, New Jersey

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The Asbury Park Boardwalk is Asbury’s most popular meeting place. The historic ocean-front boardwalk was originally built shortly after the town was founded in 1871 and now, almost 150 years later, the boardwalk still attracts crowds of locals and visitors. Besides enjoying the fresh ocean breeze, visitors come to explore a variety of up-scale boutiques, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment venues like the famous Stone Pony music club and the recently restored 1920’s Paramount Theatre. A few of the family highlights of the boardwalk include the beach, the Asbury Splashpark, the Silverball Museum and the Asbury Eighteen mini-golf course.

Asbury Park Boardwalk, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury, NJ 07712-5782, Phone: 732-897-6500

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History and architecture enthusiasts should not miss a visit to the Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall while visiting the Asbury Park Boardwalk. The Theatre and Convention Hall complex was built in 1927 in an effort to attract more visitors to the already-popular sea-side resort of Asbury. Perfectly positioned adjacent to the Asbury Park Boardwalk, the Paramount Theatre can accommodate 1600 guests. While it is nearly 100 years old, the superior acoustics of the theatre has ensured that it is still a leading venue for live performances. The Paramount Theater is connected to the Convention Hall (which can accommodate up to 3200 delegates), by the Asbury Park Grand Arcade, where you will find restaurants, cafes and craft outlets.

Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall, 1300 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, Phone: 732-897-6500

© Parlor Gallery

Providing an outlet for the artistic talents of both established and emerging artists from around the world, Parlor Gallery is a must-visit attraction for all admirers of modern contemporary art. There is always something happening at Parlor Gallery, which hosts 11 -12 exhibitions and arty events annually. All the innovative works on display are for sale and the expert artists at the gallery will be happy to assist and advise you is you are starting your art collection or would like to add to it. If you prefer a more intimate viewing you can make an appointment for a private tour of the gallery.

Parlor Gallery, 717 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, Phone: 732-869-0606

© The Stephen Crane House

The Stephen Crane House (also known as Arbutus Cottage) was built in 1878 and later became the home of the famed author Stephen Crane. Since those days house has had numerous owners and purposes, including a period when it was a summer guest house for visitors coming to Asbury Park for a seaside holiday. In 1995 local good Samaritans saved it from the wrecker’s ball and today the house is entered in the National Register of Historic Places. These days the house is used for various literary events; if you are interested in visiting the house (which is rumored to be haunted), you can make an appointment for a private tour

The Stephen Crane House, 508 4th Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, Phone: 732-361-0189

© Moonstruck

Moonstruck Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge is housed in a lovely three-story Victorian-style building on Lake Avenue. The light-filled restaurant offers wrap-around verandahs for summertime alfresco dining overlooking Wesley Lake and every month guests are treated to wonderful full-moon views to enhance the romantic atmosphere. You can start your night out by enjoying cocktails in the first-floor bar and lounge before moving upstairs to the main dining rooms for your meal. The menu offers a great mix of American favorites and popular Mediterranean influences including specialties like Fillet Mignon, Grilled Seafood and a simple but delicious Linguine Pesto. A private dining room on the third floor is ideal for special celebrations for up to 70 guests.

Moonstruck, 517 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, Phone: 732-988-0123

© Confections of a RockStar

If you happen to have a sweet tooth, Confections of a RockStar Bakery is the place to get your fix in Asbury Park. Rumored to make the best cupcakes ever baked, Confections of a RockStar are constantly changing and adding to their entertainment-themed delights – this means that every time you visit you can try something new. All the delicious cakes, cookies, tarts and specialty cakes (for weddings, special occasions or kid’s birthdays) are made from scratch each day and the shop stays open until everything is sold out. Vegans, nut allergy and gluten free customers are also catered for, so there is no excuse not to stop by for a treat.

Confections of a RockStar, 550 Cookman Ave, ste 104, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, Phone: 732-455-3510

© Booskerdoo Coffee and Bakery

Booskerdoo Coffee was officially established in 2011 when New York City coffee enthusiasts James and Amelia decided to move to the beach and start a coffee roastery. The aim was to provide the best and freshest coffee, made from bean s roasted on the premises and to show customers what a great cup of coffee should taste like. The bakery side of the business owes its success of Amelia’s obsession with baking, quality and flavor. In 2016 Booskerdoo Coffee and Bakery opened in a great location in Asbury Park where James and Amelia offer their loyal customers excellent coffee and treats to enjoy on site or take home with you.

Booskerdoo Coffee and Bakery, 1321A Memorial Dr, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, Phone: 732-361-5261

508 Fourth Ave, Asbury Park 07712, Phone: 732-775-5682