For a family beach weekend filled with charm, fine dining, surf, sand and fun nightlife, Asbury Park should be on your list this summer. This New Jersey mainstay has been a local favorite since it was founded in 1871 in Monmouth County. The beach town boasts a long history of fanfare and family fun through the roaring 1920s, with a mix of upgrades and modern touches along the way. The history is still alive and well through preserved buildings, restored architecture and a swath of retro attractions and touches.
Home to the famous Stone Pony live music venue, retro arcades, quirky shops, colorful Victorian homes along Ocean Grove and classic beach boardwalks, you’ll have your summer fun cut out for you with all-ages fun and activities.
Hit the Beach
Check out Asbury Park Beach’s wide sandy beaches for some sun, sand and surf. Dry off on the boardwalk, complete with the stunning 1920s Asbury Park Convention Hall, shops, eateries and a pinball arcade. The pinball arcade is the most please-touch museum of all time — just pay by the hour, or $16 for unlimited time, and wander around playing pinball machines from the 1950s to now and some old-fashioned skee-ball.
The museum aspect is also a fun way to learn a bit more about the games and machines and walk away with more than bragging rights. Grab some candy from the counter to bring along to the pinball machines, or place your order up front and pick up hot-and-ready snacks to fuel your arcade play.
Wonder Bar. Photo: Littleny | Dreamstime.com
Visit the Historical Society of Ocean Grove and check out the rows of pastel-colored Victorian homes. Walk the quaint and scenic small town to get away from the busy boardwalk and beach and take in the peace and quiet of the historic locale.
Nightlife
While new restaurants and bars are constantly popping up a short walk from the beach and along the boardwalk, one venue that will never change: The Stone Pony. This legendary live music venue is home to the greats, including the most well-known of all, Bruce Springsteen. During event nights, expect the streets to be filled with live music fans at the open-air Summer Stage.
Check out live shows and events going on this summer before planning your stay, or head to Asbury on a quieter weekend when your family can enjoy dinner with the ocean as the night’s soundtrack.
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