Explore the best spots to eat, drink, dance, and more throughout summer.
Asbury Park , New Jersey , is only 55 miles from New York City , and with its charming boardwalk andLGBTQIA - friendlyshops and bar , it feels like queer heaven on theJersey Shore . It was , in fact , the queer community that kickstarted the revitalization of the deterioratingbeach townin the former 2000s . During the ’ eighty and ’ 90s , Asbury Park had pass up from a popular seaside goal to a rundown , gritty beach town — a shadow of its former magnificent ego .
But things are looking up . Over the past 10 , the boardwalk has been extensively restored , historical landmarks , like the Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall , have gotten lift , and newfangled fag - friendly restaurants and coffeehouse have open in the seaside Ithiel Town , contributing to Asbury Park ’s rise in popularity over the last few years . The mile - long boardwalk makes a peachy spot for people watching and leisurely strolls during the day , and , amount evening , homophile night life range from karaoke to puff shows — there ’s something here for everyone !
What makes it so special
The gayest beach on the Jersey Shore : Asbury Park has become a pop LGBTQIA+ beach goal in the last 20 years thanks to the growing number of queer - friendly shops and bars in townsfolk , and the growing LGBTQIA+ night life scene . Even though there is no official queer beach in Asbury Park , the stint of beach between 4th and 5th Avenues istheplace to be for gay beach goers .
Jersey Pride : New Jersey ’s annualPridecelebration at the Jersey Shore marked its 30th edition this twelvemonth and usually takes place the first weekend of June . The parade terminate right on the sea , at the Rally / Festival Grounds , which means you may go for a ready dip during the celebration to chill off . While this year ’s celebrations have already wrap up up , mark your calendar for 2023 !
When to go
The best time to bring down Asbury Park is during summer when the beach are open . The beach season officially opens on Memorial Day weekend , and stay on meddlesome until Labor Day weekend , marking the end of the season . If you want to hit Asbury Park for Pride , plan your sojourn for the first weekend in June .
The best gay effect in Asbury Park :
June : Pride Weekend happens the first weekend in June .
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July : Independence Day weekend is a busy weekend on the Jersey Shore for fagot and straight people likewise .
August : Asbury Park Beach Bear Invasionis a three - day solemnisation for bears and their admirers , which commonly takes place the third weekend of August .
How to get there
Asbury Park is about 55 knot from New York City and about 77 land mile from Philadelphia . you could reach the seaboard resort by auto , wagon train , or ferry .
By car : make to Asbury Park by elevator car from New York or Philadelphia is leisurely , but be aware that going to the Jersey Shore on summer weekend and holiday normally means lots of traffic . Without dealings , the ride take about 75 minutes from New York City and 90 minute from Philadelphia .
By train : you could take the NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line from Manhattan ’s Penn Station to Bay Head and get off at Asbury Park . The drive takes 1 hr and 45 minutes . ticket are $ 16.25 one - mode and $ 32.50 bout head trip , but NJ Transit often has extra discounts on weekdays — check into its website for 2 - for-1 just the ticket deals .
By ferry : If you want a more scenic road , take theSeastreak Ferryfrom East 35th Street or Wall Street in Manhattan to Sandy Hook ( $ 30 one - way or $ 47 beat slip ) and continue down the Jersey Shore via hack .
What to see and do
Asbury Park is a lay - back holiday destination , so do n’t feel bad if you do n’t do much beyond bask the beach . But if you are feel a little more adventuresome , here are the best things to do in Asbury Park :
Relax on the beach : The stretching between4th and fifth Avenue Beach ( south of Convention Hall ) is known as the queer section of Asbury Park . Be aware that there is a charge to enter the beach : Day passes cost $ 6 from Monday to Friday and $ 9 on weekends and holidays . If you ’re staying for a longer menses or plan to inflict several times , a season pass ( $ 70 ) may be more economical .
Take a stroll on the boardwalk : No trip to Asbury Park is complete without a amble down the boardwalk ! The international nautical mile - long promenade is the thoroughgoing place to overcharge up the Jersey Shore vibe and for hoi polloi watching .
Photo courtesy of Target
Take a mean solar day misstep to Gunnison Beach : If you want to get to be intimate a different beach on the Jersey Shore , headspring to Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook , which is about 35 minute north of Asbury Park . The southernmost division of Area G is know as the gay nude area of the beach .
revel the art : Thanks to theWooden Walls Art Project , over 30 murals have been painted on the Sunset Pavilion Building . There are also mural on the walls of the gambling casino , under the beachfront gambling casino paseo , and in downtown Asbury Park on Bond Street .
Not sure where to start ? call in the smaller galleries first : Parlor Gallery(contemporary art),art629(which often sport display by LGBTQIA+ artists),Whitepoint Gallery(showcasing emerging artists and contemporary artistic creation ) , andHot Sand(a glassblowing studio ) .
Silverball Pinball Museum : Part museum , part arcade , theSilverball Museum Arcadehas over 600 game in its gyration and over 200 time of origin pinball machines range from the 1930s to the 1980s . Admission rates depend on how long you desire to stay : If you ’re into pinball , go for the full - Clarence Day just the ticket at $ 20 ; if you only desire to have a agile look around , the half - 60 minutes pass at $ 10 is sufficient . No - play passes are $ 2.50 . The museum is opened from 11 am to 9 pm Monday through Thursday , till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays , and till 9 pm on Sundays .
Explore the Jersey Shore by wheel : Cycling is a great way to see more of the Jersey Shore — you’re able to go in the south to Manasquan Beach or Point Pleasant Beach ( less than an hour away ) or north to Long Branch Beach ( about 30 second by motorcycle ) . you could rent cycle at theAsbury Park Cyclery .
Partner Content From
Wherever you are on your journey , Target wants you tocelebrate pridein your own way . From special - version collection by queer- and female - set up brands — like swimwear from humanity and underclothing and sportswear by TomyboyX — to partnership with six designers from the LGBTQIA+ community , Target takes pridefulness in celebrate all that you are .
Where to eat
Asbury Park ’s restaurant scene is surprisingly varied ; from upscale French to Cuban cuisine , there ’s something for everyone here .
Talula’s(550 Cookman Avenue ): If you be intimate Neapolitan - style pizza pie , you ’ll have to examine Talula ’s luscious Sir Henry Joseph Wood - fired artisanal PIE with originative topping !
MOGO(632 Cookman Avenue ): These Korean - fusion greaser will make your backtalk water and its Bibimbap Warren Earl Burger is delectable . Vegans will enjoy the tofu bowl / tofu tacos .
Langosta Lounge(1000 Ocean Avenue North ): A hybridisation between a lounge and eating house , Langosta Lounge has live euphony , sushi by the sea , and a bill of fare that grade from classic burgers and mac ’ n cheese to Hawaiian - inspired poke nachos and lobster enchiladas .
The Bonney Read(525 Cookman Avenue ): From New England clam chowder and oyster to fish and cow dung and lobster bisque , The Bonney Read is a great spot to satisfy any seafood craving .
Pascal & Sabine(601 Bangs Avenue ): While the Jersey Shore decidedly has typical boardwalk raw material , like funnel cake and live dogs , you may also find upscale dining establishments — and Pascal & Sabine is one of them . If you want to treat yourself to an dainty French meal , seem no further : From the snail and foie gras to steak tartare , oysters , and French onion soup , the menu leaves nothing to be desire .
Moonstruck(517 Lake Avenue):Another upscale dining pick in Asbury Park is Moonstruck , which focuses on seafood ( think cod , Salmon River , tunny , and runt ) as well as innovative dishes with a Mediterranean influence , like Greek - expressive style meatball and eggplant Fry .
Toast City Diner(516 Cookman Avenue ): Toast City Diner adds its own wrench to classic brunch options , like carrot patty pancakes , bananas foster french goner , and crab hashish . Toast is also a peachy place for a agile lunch .
Porta Asbury Park(911 Kingsley Street ): Porta is an Asbury Park favorite for good reason : It has scrumptious Neapolitan - mode pizza pie , live music , bocce , and a vivacious ambiance .
Cubacan(800 Ocean Avenue North ): fix on the boardwalk , this Cuban fusion eating place offers Cuban classics , like arroz con pollo , ropa vieja , and lechon asado ( Cuban knock pork ) , alongside a large selection of seafood dishes .
Food Trucks : North Eats , located between seventh and eighth Avenue on the northerly end of the boardwalk , is a humble food motortruck park with various vendors for a quick bite .
For a more detailed dislocation of our favorite eateries , check out thebest restaurant in Asbury Park .
Where to drink
While there are n’t many exclusively singular bars in Asbury Park , all of them are queer - favorable , so mark some out :
Georgie ’s Bar(810 Fifth Avenue ): exposed since 1999 , Georgie ’s is one of the longest - standing bars and ego - described “ The GayCheersof Asbury Park . ” Georgie ’s is where you ’ll have the most fun night out in Asbury Park — from karaoke , live music , and drag brunches to happy hr , toast special , and a nifty patio .
Paradise(101 Asbury Avenue ): Paradise , turn up inside the Empress Hotel , is the big queer nightclub in Asbury Park and it even has a pool ! The pool can be enjoyed from noontide to 8 pm and , once the Dominicus sets , put your dance shoes on for Jazz Night or Latin Night . The most popular case of the calendar week are Saturday dark ’s dance parties and Sunday ’s Tea Dance ( 5 pm to 9 autopsy ) .
Watermark(800 Ocean Avenue):This relaxed bar overlooking the boardwalk and sea offers a great selection of cocktails and bar food . It ’s the double-dyed position to kick off your night .
Stone Pony(913 Ocean Avenue ): This is believably the most fabled bouncy medicine venue on the Jersey Shore — it ’s the nightspot where Bruce Springsteen , Bon Jovi , and other famous musician vex their scratch ! If you enjoy live music , a sojourn to the Stone Pony is amust .
admiration Bar(1213 Ocean Avenue North ): This historic Asbury Park mental hospital is located justly on the boardwalk and is famed for its “ Yappy Hour ” when canine visitors are permit to make new friends off - rope in a fence - off out-of-door space . Human visitors will also make out the Baroness Dudevant - covered outdoor terrace , making you feel as if you ’re right on the beach . Wonder Bar also offers hot music , a bombastic dance level , and traditional pub eats . It ’s undefendable Friday through Sunday .
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten(527 Lake Avenue ): This European - style beer hall features a giant rooftop beer garden and an indoor beer Charles Francis Hall with big , communal table , make it easy to fill new friends . In addition to fine bill of exchange beer , you’re able to enjoy monumental pretzel , schnitzel , brats , and other German specialties here .
Where to stay
Even though Asbury Park is a popular holiday destination during the summertime months , the number of decent hotels is astonishingly low . We recommend hold your accommodation far in advance because the popular hotels in the area do trade out , particularly during holiday weekend and Jersey Pride .
Empress Hotel(101 Asbury Avenue):Staying at the Empress Hotel mean you ’re right in the center of the queer action because Paradise Club is part of the hotel . Adults - only hotel , from around $ 250 per dark .
The Asbury Hotel(210 Fifth Avenue ): A stylish , prowess deco - inspired hotel with a swimming pool and a rooftop lounge , just a forgetful walk from the beach and boardwalk . Rates start at $ 300 per night .
The Berkeley Hotel(1401 Ocean Avenue ): Historic Beaux - Arts Hotel mighty on the mall that ’s one of the landmark of Asbury Park and has been around for over 100 eld . rate start at $ 159 if you book directly through the hotel website .
Asbury Ocean Club(1101 Ocean Avenue ): The swankiest resort in Asbury Park , this luxury boutique hotel features a large pool overlook the sea , a gym , and a health club . Suites admit a full kitchenette and dining area . suite from $ 520 a Nox .
Ocean Park Inn(38 Surf Avenue ): A quaint bottom and breakfast in a attractively restored priggish dwelling house , two blocks from the beach in Ocean Grove , just south of Asbury Park . Rates come out at around $ 150 per night .
