One of our favorite places to visit for an afternoon outing is the Asbury Park Boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey. We especially like to ride our bikes there from Belmar, enjoying the scenic route north along Ocean Avenue through Avon, Bradley Beach, and Ocean Grove.
If biking is not your thing, no worries. The Asbury Park Boardwalk is only about 15 minutes from Belmar by car.
Fun Things To Do On The Asbury Park Boardwalk
There’s so much to do and see on the Asbury Park Boardwalk — where do we start? No trip to the boardwalk is complete without seeing the circa 1920s Convention Hall Grand Arcade, located at 1300 Ocean Avenue. Inside Convention Hall, you’ll find the Paramount Theater, another historic Asbury Park landmark, as well as an assortment of cute gift shops, Asbury Park Roastery, an oyster bar, and the Anchor’s Bend, an oceanfront bar and grill.
Throughout the year, the Grand Arcade in Convention Hall hosts numerous special events, including the Asbury Park Beer Fest, Catsbury Park Cat Convention, Asbury Park Bazaar seasonal markets, and a festive Christmas tree lighting and holiday pop-up markets.
RELATED: 8 Ways To Celebrate Summer In Belmar
A few hundred yards from Convention Hall is the Silverball Museum Arcade at 1000 Ocean Avenue. Pay one admission fee (30 minutes, 60 minutes, half day, or full day) and enjoy unlimited play of your favorite arcade games, including Skee-Ball, pinball, air hockey, vintage video games, and more. The kids will also enjoy cooling off at Asbury Splash Park, 950 Ocean Avenue, and a game of mini golf at Asbury Eighteen, 1050 Ocean Avenue.
A short walk from the Asbury Park Boardwalk, you will find two more local icons: the Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Avenue, and the Wonder Bar, 1213 Ocean Avenue. Since 1974, the Stone Pony has been a leading venue for live music, and its claim to fame is back-in-the-day performances by the young rising artist Bruce Springsteen (read more about Belmar’s giant guitar tribute to Bruce). In the summer months, the Stone Pony Summer Stage, 909 Ocean Avenue, provides a perfect setting for outdoor music under a sunset sky. RELATED: Area Attractions Near Belmar, NJ
Where To Eat On The Asbury Park Boardwalk
You have numerous choices for upscale, casual, and grab-and-go dining on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. At the 800 block of Ocean Avenue, you’ll find Stella Marina, a good choice for fine Italian dining with an ocean view; Cubacan, known for its fusion of Cuban and South American cuisine; and Watermark, a popular spot for signature cocktails (red sangria pictured below) and small plates.
For boardwalk fare, your choices include Maruca’s Asbury Park, a spinoff of the popular Maruca’s Tomato Pies on the Seaside Heights boardwalk; MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos; the Iron Whale, which has a diverse menu of appetizers, salads, raw bar, and entrees; the Mayfair Boardwalk Grill; and more.
Although not directly on the boardwalk, one of our favorite stops in Asbury Park is Porta Pizza, 911 Kingsley Street, which is a short walk west from the Stone Pony. Our go-tos here include the margherita and arugula pizzas with a side of freshly made ricotta cheese and sliced Italian bread.
For your sweet tooth, try a towering ice cream creation at Coney Waffle, 803 Ocean Avenue (they also have a location on Ocean Avenue in Belmar); an ice pop or vegan soft serve at Betty’s Icebox, 1300 Ocean Avenue; or Ralph’s Italian Ice, Third Avenue Pavilion. RELATED: Favorite Restaurants In Belmar For Lunch And Light Bites
A Note About Parking in Asbury Park
If you plan to drive to Asbury Park from Belmar, we highly recommend that you take a cab or use a ride-sharing service. Because of its popularity among locals and tourists alike, parking in Asbury Park can be tricky, especially during peak summer season and on weekends. Public street parking is metered in Asbury Park, which means you must pay for parking between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. seven days a week.
If you do prefer to drive your own vehicle, download the Asbury PARK app, which allows you to enter your license plate and pay for parking remotely.
Live Like A Local: Rent A Belmar Beach House
Day trips down the shore are fun, but it's even better to rent a beach house for the week to experience everything wonderful about the Belmar area. For couples, single adults and small families, the two-bedroom Blue Hydrangea Cottage rental in Belmar, New Jersey, is the perfect getaway place. The home sleeps up to four people and is consistently rated five stars for cleanliness, amenities and location. Learn more at www.vacationinbelmar.com.
Story and photos © copyright by Christine Cardellino, owner of www.VacationInBelmar.com and publisher of the award-winning Belmar Beachcomber Blog, a travel and tourism guide for the Belmar region of the Jersey Shore. Do not copy any content (including images) without our permission. All rights reserved.
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