A Coastal City Between Atlantic City & Long Island Has A Vibrant Boardwalk & Music Scene

The shores of New Jersey might mean something different to everyone. For some, it's a throwback to a famed reality television show. For others, it's the opposite, conjuring nostalgia for smells of funnel cake, popcorn, and cheesesteaks. It, like many other U.S. destinations over the years, has certainly evolved, but some parts retain the charm and legacy that made them famous in the first place.

One such place is Asbury Park, New Jersey: a seaside haven roughly 60 miles south of New York City. Its history dates back to 1871, when a brush manufacturer named James Bradley purchased 500 acres of land and named it after Methodist Episcopal bishop Francis Asbury. His vision: to turn the land into a resort destination, which came to fruition when the city's boardwalk was constructed shortly after its inception. As it grew in popularity, Asbury Park became home to the Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall in the 1920s: two establishments that some credit as sparking the area's roots as a music city. 

Over the years, Asbury Park formed a legacy that ranges from being the home of venues that launched the careers of music icons like Bruce Springsteen, to race riots that forced a hard but necessary look at racial disparities in income and housing. Today, much of that history endures in the form of a thriving music scene and a dynamic boardwalk that draws over 2.5 million visitors annually. If you're seeking one of the best boardwalk beaches you'll find at the Jersey Shore that boasts an impressive collection of shopping, food, visual arts, and historic concert sites, look no further than Asbury Park.

Imagine a place so iconic that, in 1969, Led Zeppelin chose to play a show there instead of — wait for it — Woodstock. That place exists, and it's called The Stone Pony: one of Asbury Park's most notable music venues. And though it maintains a full calendar of notable musical acts today, it's just one piece of the city's vibrant music scene. Asbury Park makes many efforts to keep music ingrained in the community's fabric. Multiple ongoing concert series produced by the non-profit organization Asbury Park Music Foundation, for instance, are a testament to that.

It's a city that boasts performances from musical artists both famed and niche. In addition to The Stone Pony, Tim McLoone's Supper Club hosts acts that some might consider household names, like the Glenn Miller Orchestra, alongside local tribute bands. Asbury Park's famed boardwalk, too, is dotted with bars and restaurants where visitors can enjoy a bustling schedule of live music, especially in the summer, at spots like Low Dive and Wonder Bar.

Asbury Park also hosts the annual Sea.Hear.Now Festival: a multi-day event that, in addition to a surfing competition, art exhibits, and a gallery of food vendors, hosts arguably one of the best music festivals in the U.S. The two-day 2025 festival – already sold out, though hopefuls can join a waitlist for tickets — advertises acts like Hozier, Lenny Kravitz, and Public Enemy. It's a lineup that reflects the range of genres that has drawn over 30,000 fans to the festival in past years, and many more to the city as a whole.

It's easy to say that summer is the best time to visit Asbury Park, NJ, when it offers prime beach weather and a bustling schedule of live music. Summer is peak season there, also making it one of the priciest, though visitors can find a range of lodging options that are still walkable to all that the boardwalk and its venues have to offer. At the high end is the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel, up to at least $805/night during peak season. Mid-range options include The Majestic Hotel, starting at around $300/night during peak season. For slightly lower rates (but still with good reviews), consider the Ocean Vista Hotel, which starts at $235-$260 per night, depending on the season.

Even in the off-season, Asbury Park keeps things interesting. The boardwalk hosts an annual holiday bazaar in the winter and other seasonal events throughout the year. With over 15,000 people calling the city home, it offers a variety of options for things to do outside of the summer season. There's the weekly pop-up community farm stand every Saturday through late October, monthly "First Friday" art and music shows, and a steady schedule of concerts that continue into the winter months.

Depending on your origin, the drive to Asbury Park makes for a decent and, at times, scenic road trip route. From Manhattan, the ride can take up to about 90 minutes in heavy traffic, with drive times similar to those from Philadelphia. If you're traveling from outside those areas, Asbury Park is accessible by plane and train. The closest international airport is Newark Liberty International Airport, located approximately 45-50 miles away, depending on the route. Metropark in Iselin, NJ, offers Amtrak service, roughly 45 miles away from Asbury Park.