Day Trip to Asbury Park
From New York City • 1hr 15min drive
Asbury Park, in Monmouth County, is about 1hr 15min by car from New York City without traffic; leave by 8:30 AM to reach the beach around 10 AM. The plan below is built around the beach and The Stone Pony.
Timing it: Leave New York City by 8:30 AM for a 10 AM arrival. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Getting to Asbury Park from New York City
car
1hr 15min
Take the NJ Turnpike or Route 440 to the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 102.
Tip: Parkway tolls — E-ZPass strongly recommended.
train
1hr 45min typical
NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line to Asbury Park station from Penn Station New York. Some trains require a change at Long Branch.
$15-25 one way
Tip: Summer weekend schedules differ from weekday — check NJ Transit before you commit.
Doing Asbury Park without your own car?
The train and bus get you to town. A one-day rental from New York City gets you to the beaches the schedules skip.
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Your Asbury Park Day Trip Itinerary
Morning
Leave New York City
About 1hr 15min without traffic.
Arrive in Asbury Park
Park first, then get badges. Local intel: Free parking available on residential streets 4+ blocks from beach. Metered parking near boardwalk.
Beach time
2 hours
Afternoon
Lunch
For example, Johnny Mac's House of Spirits.
Explore downtown
Downtown murals and shops
2 hours
Back to the beach
Evening
Early dinner
Head back to New York City
About 1hr 15min home.
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Top Things to Do in Asbury Park
The Stone Pony
Silverball Retro Arcade
Asbury Park Boardwalk
Wonder Bar
Paradise Nightclub
Where to Eat in Asbury Park
Johnny Mac's House of Spirits
Speakeatery
Soon C Deli
Salvation Rooftop Bar
Practical Information
Parking
Free parking available on residential streets 4+ blocks from beach. Metered parking near boardwalk.
Budget
Known costs: beach badges $7/day, ~$10 parking. Add gas, tolls and food.
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Day Trip Tips
- Daily beach badges in Asbury Park run $7 in season. Kids under 12 are free.
- Budget about $10 for a day of parking.
- Parkway tolls — E-ZPass strongly recommended.
- No car? The North Jersey Coast Line stops at Asbury Park — slower than driving, but you skip parking entirely.
Turn Your Day Trip into a Weekend
At 1hr 15min each way from New York City, an overnight in Asbury Park turns one rushed day into two: Silverball Retro Arcade on day two, and dinner at Johnny Mac's House of Spirits without watching the clock.
Popular hotels:
Choose your stay
Check Asbury Park staysCompare the full price and cancellation terms
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Asbury Park Day Trip FAQ
How long is the drive from New York City to Asbury Park?
About 1hr 15min without traffic. Take the NJ Turnpike or Route 440 to the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 102. Summer weekend traffic adds to that; leave by 8:30 AM to be on the beach by 10.
Do I need beach badges in Asbury Park?
Daily beach badges in Asbury Park run $7 in season. Kids under 12 are free.
Can I take the train from New York City to Asbury Park?
Yes — NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line stops at Asbury Park station, roughly 1hr 45min from Penn Station. Some runs change at Long Branch.
Is Asbury Park a good day trip from New York City?
Yes. At 1hr 15min each way there is time for a beach morning and The Stone Pony.
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