20 Fun Things To Do In Asbury Park New Jersey

1. Enjoy Games At Silverball Retro Arcade

This place is a well-known museum and arcade wholly dedicated to the establishment and pleasure of pinball and video games. It is situated on the Asbury Park Broadwalk and is home to more than 600 rotating pinball machines and arcade games.

Most of these collections date back to the 1950s. The place offers a nostalgic experience to visitors of almost all ages. They can choose to play on ancient machines or modern ones.

Moreover, the arcade is a living museum, protecting the culture and history of arcade gaming.

2. Watch Any Show At The ShowRoom Cinema

The ShowRoom Cinema is a freely owned cinema that was founded in 2007. It has grown into one of the local landmarks that remains devoted to screening movies ranging from independent and foreign movies to classics and documentaries.

The theater emphasizes more on giving out an exceptional movie show, and it screens out movies that could otherwise rarely be aired in conventional theaters. Therefore, ShowRoom Cinema’s policy of providing quality films in a close environment makes it a favorite of movie lovers who want to avoid ordinary multiplex experiences.

3. Attend A Live Performance At The Stone Pony

The Stone Pony is another iconic spot in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It is a music venue that opened in 1974. The venue plays a huge role in shaping the local music scene and uplifting the careers of Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and Southside Johnny.

The venue has a calming and comfortable setting, perfect for live music lovers. Here, you can experience a blend of local bands and acts of different genres. The best time to visit this place for massive enjoyment is during the summer, when outdoor concerts are recurring.

4. Visit The Paranormal Museum For Eerie Exhibits And Artifacts

The museum is one of the rare Asbury Park attractions established to study and investigate paranormal events. Opened in 2013, the museum features various exhibits relating to ghosts, UFOs, and other incomprehensible events.

Visitors can explore the artifacts, historical books, and lively displays that try to prove the existence of paranormal activities and stories. One can also take a guided tour to learn in-depth about the exhibits.

Overall, the place offers appealing and alluring participation, focusing more on educational and entertainment purposes. Try visiting this place during the off-season, as it can be pretty crowded otherwise.

5. Relax At 8th Ave Jetty

The 8th Ave. is a relaxing and quiet jetty in Asbury Park. Many people visit the place to spend a day in the sun. However, one should be careful, as it can be slippery and dangerous.

The jetty is located a few feet away from the pier and was developed to safeguard the shoreline and enhance harbor navigation. Over time, the place has become a favorite relaxing place for tourists and locals.

There is a vantage point from which you can watch the sunset and enjoy the natural beauty of the Jersey Shore. Walking dogs on the jetty is another preferred things to do in Asbury Park New Jersey.

6. Taste Locally Crafted Spirits At Asbury Park Distilling

Asbury Park Distillery is a craft distillery located in Asbury Park, New Jersey, that artistically produces its spirits with the use of modern technologies. Established in 2015, the distillery has steadily risen to prominence for the production of standard alcoholic beverages such as gins, vodkas, and whiskies.

The choice of local products and traditional techniques is complemented by the most recent trends in producing unique alcoholic beverages. The visitors may taste their spirits and see how the manufacture of spirits takes place in the tasting room available in most outlets.

As one of the best things to do in Asbury Park, touring this place offers visitors the chance to participate in community-focused events and collaborate with local businesses.

7. Cool Down At Asbury Splash Park

It is a colorful splash park that has been constructed in such a way that it caters to families. This facility offers different water play structures, such as the spray jets, splash pad, and water play structures that are normally meant for children and families who are seeking water play and splashing.

These Asbury Park activities are just one of many efforts to expand recreation along the Asbury Park shoreline and provide more activities.

It has to be understood that depending on the climate, the park is usually available for visitors only between late spring and early summer, as this time is warmer.

8. Learn About The History of Stephen Crane House

This is a historically significant building associated with the eminent American writer Stephen Crane, author of ‘The Red Badge of Courage’. Among other Victorian buildings, this house is the one where Crane lived in the 18th century.

Today, it functions as a museum that is focused on Crane’s life and features artifacts from the Empire period. The exhibitions presented in the museum help visitors get acquainted with the details of Crane’s life and his education.

One can also get insights into the extraordinary literary work of the man and the era in which he lived. The house tour is available on certain days and at certain times, so it is advisable to check beforehand.

9. Try Your Hand At Glassblowing

Hot Sand, located in Asbury Park, is an interesting and interactive glassblowing center that enjoys popularity among visitors. Created as the only studio that people can visit on the Jersey Shore without an appointment being made, Hot Sand allows guests to make their own pieces of glass art with the help of talented masters.

The facility allows visitors to choose colors and shapes for creating personalized glass accessories, including ornaments, vases, and bowls. It is an easy activity for any person, making it an exhilarating experience.

This Asbury Park NJ attractions is exceptionally creative and an artistic form of play for people of all ages.

10. Stroll Exhibit No. 9

Gallery No. 9 is a prominent gallery and studio in Asbury Park in New Jersey. It focuses on contemporary art and photography and has a great reputation. Launched with the idea of supporting the new generation of artists as well as mature artists of the next generation, the gallery presents various exhibitions with art talks and other related programs.

It has cultural significance that characterizes Asbury Park’s healthy, vibrant arts scene. The concept of the gallery is to bring new art ideas and to present the community with artistic masterpieces.

Art lovers in Exhibit No. 9 can anticipate artwork that is periodically changed and features local and national artists.

11. Sample Locally Crafted Beers

Founded in 2013, the brewery has grown in popularity and is now one of the favorites among the people. They have different types of craft beers that comprise seasonal beers and experimental beers, among others, that depict the innovation of the brewing team.

The brewery is located in a modern building that still retains apparent industrial allure and friendly vibes, which makes it almost perfect to travel to get a taste of several exclusive tastes.

The brewery realized its ambition of serving as a participant in the developing craft beer market in New Jersey. Since then, it has been recognized for its dedication to quality and progression.

12. Indulge In Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten

Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten is a well-known German-style beer garden and traditional restaurant operating in Asbury Park Jersey Shore. This pub began in 2014 and has large round tables and benches, German beers, and food ranging from bratwurst and pretzels to schnitzels.

Festhalle & Biergarten is to replicate the typical German beer garden with an arrangement of elongated benches and fairy lights with dozens of beer kinds, both domestic and imported.

They also perform live music and other activities, making it a social place for entertainment. People like patronizing this place because of the laid-back atmosphere that fits eating and celebration for a group of people.

13. Spend A Night At Asbury Lanes

Asbury Lanes, found in Asbury Park, is a bowling alley that is a hybrid of an old-fashioned bowling alley and a modern-day musical hall. Created in 1960, primarily as a typical bowling alley, the establishment has grown into the cultural center that it is today.

The venue has a very vintage feel to it, with many of the mid-century elements often preserved to give the place a rather nostalgic look. Along with bowling, Asbury Lanes also provides entertainment such as live music, disc jockeys, and even comedy nights, which has attracted a lot of people.

The place is famous for the various orientations of events it holds and the welcoming nature of the environment.

14. Visit Sunset Lake For A Peaceful Walk or Picnic

It is considered a relatively small and quiet place, depending on the comparison with the noisy boardwalk. Nevertheless, it is very photogenic, especially during the hour of the sunset, when one can enjoy the views of the sky painted in various shades of red, orange, and purple.

Originally, the lake was a preferred recreational area for all inhabitants and tourists, attracting people as a place for spree and leisure: picnicking, walking, and bird-watching.

The adjacent park is an ideal place for a stroll, with walkways, open space, and sitting benches for every lover and family.

15. Stroll Along The Asbury Park Boardwalk

Among the various things to do at Asbury Park, walking by the Asbury Park Broadwalk is a compulsory things to do in Asbury Park New Jersey. The Broadwalk is a landmark destination in Asbury Park, known for its vibrant surroundings and historical importance.

It was established in the late 19th century, and it extends along the Atlantic Ocean. While walking the boardwalk, one can see scenic views and a vibrant mix of attractions.

Additionally, there are many restaurants, shops, and entertainment stops, such as the classic Stone Pony, a famous music hub. There are also many art installations displayed at this place.

16. Take Part In Asbury Park Casino

More than the games, the casino is famous for its architectural importance and its part in the history of Asburg City. When it was established in 1929, the casino featured a luxurious venue with a rooftop garden, ballroom, and dining facilities.

The place was a popular cultural venue for various events and performances. Today, the casino has ceased its operation, but its buildings have been recycled over time for photoshoot purposes.

This is a great spot to take pictures and appreciate the stunning architecture and historical significance.

17. Play Golf At Bradley Beach Mini Golf

When in Asbury Park, do not forget to play a round of golf at Bradley Beach Mini Golf. It is a pleasant, family-oriented location situated south of Asbury Park. This golf center started its operation in the 1970s, and it features mini-golf courses with ingeniously crafted holes in a green garden.

It is a well-preserved course with playful obstacles, making it a must-visit spot in Asbury Park. To fully enjoy your stay and game here, try visiting the place early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowd.

You might also want to check the weather before heading out, as the course is enjoyed best on sunny days.

18. View Provocative Art At Parlor Gallery

This gallery features modern art with broad and challenging exhibitions. Besides modern art, the gallery features artwork from established artists.

There is a blend of mediums in this gallery, including paintings, photographs, and mixed media. All these are formed to provoke and captivate viewers with unimaginative and inspiring work.

If you are not so much into art, then you can spend time at events like artist talks and workshops. The gallery is said to include works that are rather unusual and contemporary and challenge the boundaries of traditional art.

19. Explore Antique Emporium of Asbury Park

Exploring vintage treasures is also one of the fun things to do in Asbury Park. It is a beautiful treasure house, concentrating on vintage and antique items. You can find diverse collections of decor, collectibles, furniture, and much more.

It was developed to bring the past into the present. Here, you can find a wide range of first-class antiques, from mid-century modern items to Victorian-period items.

Visitors can find some rare and never-before-seen items from historical times. This place is a must-visit spot for someone interested in art, history, design, and antiques.

20. Stop By Paramount Theater and Convention Hall

This is a historic entertainment hall located on the city's boardwalk. The venue was built in the 1920s, and it includes a huge auditorium and conventional hall. Both of these places highlight stunning architecture and antique charm.

It is a cultural hotspot, providing a stage for many events, concerts, film screenings, and theater productions. The nearby conventional hall is mostly used for community events, exhibitions, and markets.

Once you are here, enjoy performances, delve into the architectural beauty, and witness the vibrant surroundings of the place.