Originally constructed in the 19th century, Asbury Park's boardwalk is famous for its Victorian architecture and has since been restored to one of the shore's most popular destinations. With its rich history, thriving music and art scene, and fantastic restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, it has something for everyone. Walking the whole length of the boardwalk, from the old, abandoned casino and carousel to the convention center, you'll see what we mean! Checking out the many colorful murals is a MUST.
Located just a quick walk from our venue and boasting over 30+ shops and restaurants, Long Branch's Pier Village is recognized as one of New Jersey's best oceanfront dining and shopping destinations. Pier Village Carousel and Boardwalk Fun n' Games Arcade also offers some family-friendly fun!
Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Unit | Atlantic Highlands This national park serves as the gateway from the Atlantic Ocean to the New York Harbor, and spans 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in Queens. Check out Sandy Hook’s beaches, marshes, and forest trails for rich wildlife, historic landmarks (such as the oldest lighthouse in the state!) and even views of the city skyline. There are no parking or entrance fees in October, but we recommend checking their page on nps.gov for any relevant info that may impact your trip.
Rook Coffee | 700 Joline Ave, Long Branch North Jersey folks know that stopping at Rook on your way down to the shore is essential. Grab a specialty coffee or bottle of cold brew. Surf Taco | 94 Brighton Ave, Long Branch Locals love Surf Taco's casual Mexican fare and coastal vibe. The Windmill Hotdogs | 586 Ocean Blvd, Long Branch Your go-to for a bit of Jersey Shore nostalgia. Fun fact: Long Branch is home to the ORIGINAL Windmill location, which dates back to 1963!
The Jersey Shore Premium Outlets | 1 Premium Outlet Blvd, Tinton Falls The outlets are located a short drive southwest in Tinton Falls, and boast over 120 stores. Asbury Park Convention Hall | Asbury Park Boardwalk AP’s historic convention hall is a cute shopping destination with many pop-ups and gift shops. Pier Village | 50 Chelsea Ave, Long Branch From surf shops to high-end spas, Pier Village has it all!
Turning Point | 92 Ocean Ave, Long Branch A major breakfast and brunch favorite at the Jersey Shore! Feel free to check out their other locations too. Cross & Orange | 508 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park Our favorite brunch spot in downtown AP. Fun fact: we actually also considered this as a wedding venue! Chicken and waffles are highly recommended.
Long Branch's Pier Village, Asbury Park's boardwalk, and downtown Asbury Park boast dozens of amazing eateries at every corner. This is by no means an all-exhaustive list, just a few of our favorites on the water. McLoone's Pier House | 1 Ocean Ave N, Long Branch Whether it's the beachfront Pier House in Long Branch, Tim McLoone's Supper Club in Asbury Park, or Rum Runner in Sea Bright, you won't go wrong with any McLoone's establishment when it comes to seafood. Black Swan | 601 Mattison Ave, Asbury Park An upscale, cozy British pub with an innovative menu! Langosta Lounge | 1000 N Ocean Ave at 2nd Ave, Asbury Park A funky go-to for farm-to-table fare, cocktails, brews, and live music. Stella Marina | 800 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park A trendy boardwalk Italian spot with both rooftop and patio seating. If you would also like restaurant ideas around Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, etc., please let us know!
Purple Glaze Donuts | 516 Summerfield Ave, Asbury Park Just take a look at their Instagram page and tell us those aren't some SERIOUS donuts. Believe us, you won't regret this one. Day’s Ice Cream | 48 Pitman Ave, Ocean Grove This cute and classic ice cream parlor is Ocean Grove’s longest-operating business - it’s been open since 1876! Highly recommend the mocha chocolate crunch. Coney Waffle | 24 Centennial Dr, Long Branch Check out either the Long Branch or Asbury Park location of Coney Waffle, an ice cream shop that specializes in homemade waffle cups/cones and over-the-top milkshakes.
Beach Bee Meadery | 89 Long Branch Ave, Long Branch The coolest place for hard ciders and meads! Jess loves the strawberry basil. Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten | 527 Lake Ave, Asbury Park The perfect spot for an authentic German bierhalle experience downtown. Check out Asbury Park distillery right next door! Asbury Ale House | 531 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park A lively, sports bar hangout with shuffleboard and other games. Beach Haus Brewery | 801 Main St, Belmar We love Beach Haus for their refreshing beers and atmosphere. It's a bit further from some of the other spots, but one of the Jersey Shore's most popular breweries.
Long Branch Distillery | 199 Westwood Ave, Long Branch This distillery offers spirits made with local ingredients, a tasting room, and even mixology classes. The Wonder Bar | 1213 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park Wonder Bar is a famous classic rock n' roll destination in Asbury, known for great live music! Watermark | 800 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park A beautiful, oceanfront rooftop bar with great cocktails and beach vibes. Just check their website or social media to make sure they aren't closed for a private event. Asbury Park Distilling | 527 Lake Ave, Asbury Park Asbury Park's first and only distillery handcrafts high-quality spirits and offers a fun cocktail destination. Check out Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten right next door!
With any nightclubs or evening destinations (especially Porta and Bar A), we definitely encourage calling or checking online for any events, cover charges, and dress code. Porta | 911 Kingsley St, Asbury Park, NJ Porta in Asbury Park is an authentic Neapolitan pizza place that transforms into a nightclub in the evenings. Need we say more? Arugula pizza and cacio e pepe for lunch or dinner is also highly recommended. Bar Anticipation | 703 16th Ave, Lake Como, NJ Bar Anticipation, also known as "Bar A", is the shore's famous sand bar! We highly recommend checking their website or social media for any events, such as DJ and live music nights.
If you're interested in catching a show during the 6th or 7th, please check out online calendars - October acts aren't yet available, but should be in the coming months. The Stone Pony | 913 Ocean Ave North, Asbury Park, NJ Yes, THAT Stone Pony. Check out the world-famous venue that launched the careers of Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny, and many others. Asbury Lanes | 209 4th Ave, Asbury Park Located inside the fun and funky Asbury Hotel, Asbury Lanes is both a bowling alley and a music venue! House of Independents | 572 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, NJ This innovative space in Asbury Park supports a wide range of productions, such as concerts, theatre, and conferences. The box office is located at 550 Cookman Ave, #107.