This East Coast Gem Boasts Sandy Beaches, Historic Architecture and a Vibrant Music Scene (2024)

Come summertime, there's only one place New Yorkers want to be—anywhere but the city. And while the Hamptons undeniably have their charm, I’d like to make the case for checking out a slightlyedgier and decidedlymore fun alternative: Asbury Park, NJ.

The Jersey Shore town has long been a favorite for rock 'n roll fans (Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi both got their start here), as well as the LGBTQ+ community and architecture buffs, but it somehow still feels like a bit of an underrated destination for most travelers as I discovered during a recent weekend trip there with my family of four.

The big draw, of course, is Asbury Park's proximity to New York City. Hit the road at the right time of day and you could be relaxing on the not-too-crowded beach in just one hour (although you should probably count on it taking a little longer than that—our Friday afternoon drive down took about 75 minutes). Beyond that, however, is the fact that this seaside town has a little bit of everything for everyone. Here’s what to do, what to eat and where to stay in Asbury Park.

Asbury Park was dubbed "the coolest small town in America" by travel mags not too long ago and that’s in no small part down to its storied musical past. The main event here is the legendary The Stone Pony venue that launched the careers of local artists The Boss, Southside Johnny and Steve Van Zandt. During the summer months, the locale opens up its Summer Stage in the back lot where big acts from today and yesterday play their sets (Sum 41 played one night we were there which really brought me back to my high school days). Other music venues worth checking out include Wonder Bar, the House of Independents and The Saint, although truth be told, you’re just as likely to stumble onto some live music at a local bar, café or hotel lobby in this town.

Equally famous with locals and visitors alike is the over a mile-long beach and the buzzing boardwalk. The sands here are soft and clean, attracting sunbathers, swimmers, fishers and surfers. And while the boardwalk may not be as big as some other seaside towns on the Shore, it manages to pack a lot in. Of note is the Silverball Retro Arcade that houses more than 175 pinball machines (!) manufactured between 1950 and today. Admission is (in this New Yorker's eyes) very reasonable at $20 for six hours of play. My 4-year-old son was thrilled to explore this space (they have stools you can take with you from game to game so littles can reach up to play), while I hung out with his 2-year-old sister outside testing out some of the kiddie rides and walking on the beach. There’s also the Asbury Splash Park for cooling kids off during the hotter months and lots of places to grab a snack or a meal when hunger strikes (more on that below).

The Asburyhas everything you want in a hotel—it's hip yet accessible, features spacious and comfy rooms (my family of four fit quite happily in one of the Panoramic Suites) and conveniently located just a couple of blocks away from the beach. Oh, and it offers an outdoor pool during the warmer months. I also appreciated the lively lobby that has multiple seating areas, board games, a pool table and a pinball machine. Bonus: You don't even have to leave the comfort of your own room to sample some of the city's vibrant music scene—the lobby hosts artists on a near nightly basis. And while I didn't get a chance to check it out, the rooftop bar looks like the perfect spot to kick back with a co*cktail or two.

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