What are interesting facts about Asbury Park?

The Stone Pony opened in 1974 and became the launching pad for Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny, and the Jersey Shore sound that influenced rock music worldwide.

🏖️

Asbury Park

Where Music Meets the Sea

Once a faded boardwalk town, Asbury Park has transformed into the Jersey Shore's most culturally vibrant destination. The city that launched Bruce Springsteen draws music lovers to legendary venues, LGBTQ+ travelers to one of the East Coast's most welcoming communities, and foodies to a restaurant scene rivaling much larger cities.

The mile-long boardwalk stretches from Convention Hall to the Casino, featuring the Wooden Walls Mural Project—28+ murals by international artists transforming boardwalk buildings into outdoor galleries. Silverball Retro Arcade houses 180+ pinball machines on free play, earning a 2025 Newsweek Readers' Choice Award.

Cookman Avenue delivers walkable dining excellence—from Talula's sourdough-crust pizzas to Cross & Orange's Best Brunch in Central Jersey 2024. The Stone Pony and Wonder Bar continue hosting rising artists and established acts, with Springsteen still making occasional appearances. Whether you're catching a show, exploring LGBTQ+-friendly South End Beach, or savoring farm-to-table cuisine, Asbury Park pulses with creative energy.

eclecticlgbtq-friendlynightlifeartsytrendy

What Makes Asbury Park Special

Arts & Music

Known for its eclectic and lgbtq-friendly atmosphere

Perfect For

music lovers, LGBTQ+ travelers, foodies

Budget-Friendly Beach

Daily badge only $7

Easy Transit Access

NJ Transit to Asbury Park Station

Did You Know?

💡

Did You Know?

In 1934, the burning cruise ship Morro Castle ran aground at Asbury Park. The disaster killed 137 people, but morbidly became a tourist attraction as crowds paid to view the wreck.

💡

Did You Know?

The iconic 'Tillie' face painted on Palace Amusements was based on George C. Tilyou, founder of Coney Island's Steeplechase Park.

💡

Did You Know?

Bruce Springsteen was discovered at a beauty parlor—he played his first major gig at the Upstage Club, which was above a Thom McAn shoe store and next to a salon.

Historical Note

Asbury Park rose to fame as a premier Victorian resort, fell into decades of decline, and has since emerged as the Jersey Shore's cultural capital—a phoenix story that mirrors Springsteen's own rise from its boardwalk stages.

Beach Badge

$7/day

Parking

~$25/day

From NYC

1hr

Transit

Train + Bus

Ad: 300x250

Don't Miss in Asbury Park

The Stone Pony

Must See

Legendary rock club where Springsteen got his start. 850-capacity indoor venue year-round; 4,500-capacity Summer Stage runs May-October. At 4.0 stars, visitors call it "one of the greatest music venues of all time."

Silverball Retro Arcade

Must See

Playable pinball museum with 180+ machines spanning the 1950s to present on free play. $10-20 admission. 4.5+ stars as "the coolest place on Earth." 2025 Newsweek Readers' Choice Award winner.

Asbury Park Boardwalk

Must See

Mile-long boardwalk featuring the Wooden Walls Mural Project with 28+ murals by international artists. Home to Convention Hall and the iconic Casino building.

Wonder Bar

Must See

Famous for "Yappy Hour" dog-friendly happy hour. Surprising "burgers cooked to perfection" alongside live music—4.3-star rating. You never know who might drop by—Springsteen still makes appearances.

Also Worth Checking Out

•

Paradise Nightclub — LGBTQ+ nightlife anchor at The Empress Hotel featuring Saturday dance parties, Sunday Tea Dance, and RuPaul's Drag Race stars. "The best place to go dancing in Asbury."

•

Cookman Avenue — Downtown shopping and dining district with independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Home to Cross & Orange, Talula's, and TAKA sushi.

•

Georgie's Bar — "The Gay Cheers of Asbury Park" (cash only). Karaoke nights, Sunday Drag Brunch, and welcoming atmosphere at 810 5th Avenue.

•

Convention Hall — Historic venue hosting concerts, events, and the Sea.Hear.Now festival each September.

Where to Eat in Asbury Park

See All 9 Restaurants →

Moonstruck

fine diningitalian

$$$$

Try: Faroe Island Salmon or Rack of Lamb

• romantic• wine list

Pascal & Sabine

fine diningamerican

$$$$

Try: Escargot or Coq au Vin

• romantic• french

Talula's

pizzaamerican

Try: The New Yorker pie or The Dolorian brunch pie

• brunch• pizza

See All 9 Restaurants →

Where to Stay in Asbury Park

See All 5 Options →

🏨

Asbury Ocean Club Hotel

Hotel • Beachfront

$$$$

5-star luxury earning 9.5/10 guest rating. Floor-to-ceiling windows, Forbes Travel Guide recommended. $327-$986/night. "Superb service" and "stunning ocean views." Only guests access amenities.

spaoceanfront

🏨

The Asbury Hotel

Hotel • 1 block

$$$

Hip boutique hotel at 8.1/10 rating. Rooftop bar, bowling alley, photo gallery featuring Danny Clinch's celebrity photography, and live music venue. $110-$214/night. "Hip and eclectic."

rooftop poolrooftop bar

🏨

Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel

Hotel • Beachfront

1925 Beaux-Arts "Grand Dame" steps from Stone Pony. Spectacular ocean views. $162-$275/night. Note: $90/night parking frustrates budget-conscious travelers.

pooloceanfront

Looking for more options? Search all available accommodations.

Search on Booking.com

See All 5 Options →

Ad: 300x250