Day Trip to Asbury Park
From New York City • 1hr 15min drive
Asbury Park is about as fast as a New Yorker can trade pavement for sand — 1hr 15min door to beach, with The Stone Pony waiting when you dry off.
Timing it: Leave by 8:30 AM to beat both traffic and the parking crunch. Weekdays are noticeably quieter, and September keeps warm water without the crowds.
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.
💡 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
💡 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.
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Your Asbury Park Day Trip Itinerary
☀️ Morning
Leave New York City
The drive runs about 1hr 15min — leaving by 8:30 AM puts you on the sand by mid-morning, ahead of the lot-fills-up crowd.
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
Claim your spot while the good stretches are still open
⏱️ 2 hours
🏖️ Afternoon
Lunch
Grab a casual lunch at a local spot
Explore downtown
Check out the murals, vintage shops, and craft cocktail bars
⏱️ 2 hours
Late beach or activity
Another swim or one more stop before dinner
🌅 Evening
Early dinner
Eat before the drive home to avoid rush
Head back to New York City
Depart after dinner and the drive home stays easy.
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
Stella Marina Bar & Restaurant
Speakeatery
Soon C Deli
Practical Information
Parking
Free parking available on residential streets 4+ blocks from beach. Metered parking near boardwalk.
Budget
Plan on $50-100 per person all-in. Known costs: $7 beach badge, ~$25 parking; the rest is gas, tolls, and food.
Day Trip Tips
- Daily beach badges in Asbury Park run $7 in season. Kids under 12 are free. Bring cash — some badge checkers don't take cards.
- Budget about $25 for a day of parking; meters and lots both fill by late morning.
- Parkway tolls — E-ZPass strongly recommended.
- With only 1hr 15min of driving, this works as a spontaneous trip — even a 9 AM decision still gets you a full beach day.
- 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
Asbury Park exhales once the day crowd heads home: Silverball Retro Arcade with no line, sunrise sand to yourself. Summer Saturdays in Asbury Park book out first.
Popular hotels:
Book Your Stay
Check AvailabilityFree cancellation on most stays • Verified guest reviews
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Asbury Park Day Trip FAQ
More Day Trips
Make the Asbury Park Trip Easy
Get the free Shore Insider Guide — badge savings, packing lists, and booking timing — plus seasonal planning tips.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.