Asbury Park has been named the best small beach town in America by Travel + Leisure. The town sits along the Jersey Shore with a mile long boardwalk, colorful murals, boutique shops, live music, and some of the best food on the Shore. Its diverse population, including a visible LGBTQ community, gives it a welcoming, inclusive feel.
The town blends retro charm with modern touches. The boardwalk has an artsy, laid-back vibe. Murals, galleries, and small shops invite visitors to wander and discover local talent. Convention Hall, built in the late 1920s, continues to be a hub. Stores fill the ground floor, while events upstairs attract both locals and visitors throughout the year. Side streets hold quiet cafés, vintage shops, and studios where artists work and display their creations.
Families head to the splash park near the boardwalk. The park gives visitors room to play by the beach or enjoy a simple day outdoors. Eddie Confetti’s Ice Cream and Café is a must-stop. Classic and vegan flavors make it the perfect treat to enjoy while strolling the sand or resting on a bench. Nearby, small cafés offer coffee and pastries to fuel a morning of exploration.
Dining options in Asbury Park range widely. Catbird specializes in wood-fired pies with a unique freeform shape, baked over locally-sourced wood for a slightly charred, flavorful crust. Judy’s offers Italian-American cuisine with a Jewish twist. For drinks and live entertainment near the boardwalk, Wonder Bar remains a go-to spot for locals and visitors. The building sports the face of Tillie, Asbury Park’s iconic mascot seen throughout town. Along the boardwalk, other beach bars, casual eateries, and oceanfront patios offer plenty of options for everything from a quick snack to a sunset cocktail.
Visitors can explore local galleries and weekend markets along Main Street. Handmade crafts, local art, and small-batch goods showcase the community’s creativity. The town’s hotels, including The Asbury Hotel and The St. Laurent, provide comfortable accommodations with easy access to the boardwalk and nearby attractions.
From the murals to the beach, there’s always something to see or do in Asbury Park. Its combination of open space, lively streets, and welcoming community makes it a place where visitors can relax, explore, and enjoy a full day along the Jersey Shore.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.