Best Things to Do in Asbury Park

An important part of Asbury’s music scene, and practically synonymous with Springsteen and the E Street Band, this legendary joint still welcomes up-and-coming and seasoned acts to its stage.

Located just off the boardwalk, this iconic spot is known for live music and its carnival-inspired, can’t-miss exterior. Plus, you can bring your furry friend to Yappy Hour, which takes place in the bar’s fenced-­in outdoor space.

Head to this bowling alley/music venue on the weekends to catch bands perform or to knock down some pins. If you want to check it out before you go, have a look at the cool interactive tour on their website (pictured).

This two-day music, art and surf festival is held in the early fall every year and features a roster of well-known musicians and local bands. Past performers have included the Dave Matthews Band, The Lumineers, Bad Religion, Black Pumas, Dropkick Murphys and more.

Gather at the communal tables, raise a stein of Hefeweizen and dive into some German grub such as wiener schnitzel and bratwurst at this authentic biergarten where you can also listen to live music. Plus, in October, the venue hosts Oktoberfest with polka music.

The first and only distillery in Asbury Park since Prohibition, this production facility currently distills vodka, gin and bourbon. Stop by the tasting room to sample the spirits and cocktails made with housemade bitters, tonics, tinctures and syrups.

This slightly swanky surf bar, located right on the boardwalk, serves brews and bites and hosts live bands and DJs.

Try a flight or fill up a growler at the tasting room located inside the brewery. In addition to year-round beers like the Asbury Lanes Lager, the brewery also produces seasonal and limited-edition brews.

Arguably serving some of the best pizza in the country, Porta creates pies, which are made with local ingredients like housemade ricotta, mozzarella and meatballs, that attract locals and even New Yorkers alike. Patrons can also order fresh pasta dishes and sides.

A sister restaurant to Porta, Pascale & Sabine is where you order caviar at the Jersey Shore. The upscale dining establishment serves authentic French brasserie fare such as trout almondine, coq au vin and steak frites.

Here’s where you can satisfy your late-night sushi and sake cravings. The menu features an assortment of rolls and apps, plus classic Japanese dishes like chicken teriyaki and the less traditional such as a burger with wasabi coleslaw.

This casual daytime eatery specializes in a variety of sandwiches, salads and bowls that you can grab before hitting the beach.

This hip boutique hotel features rooms with a modern, pared-down aesthetic, along with hangout spots such as a rooftop lounge, outdoor movie theater and lobby bar called the Soundbooth where you can catch live music and open-mic nights.

Looking for ultra-luxe digs? This five-star hotel offers private balconies, spa services and a rooftop terrace with a pool that overlooks the ocean.

Anchoring Asbury Park’s boardwalk, the Convention Hall is a mashup of Italian and French designs with nautical motifs. In addition to serving as an event and concert venue, it also houses shops and restaurants.

Channel your inner pinball wizard at this museum/arcade, which is described as a “living, breathing and blinking tribute to our pinball and video gaming past.” Plus, you won’t have to dig in your pockets for quarters; passes to play start at $10.

And if ghosts are your thing there’s the Paranormal Museum. Here you can explore a curated collection of oddities including the Hand of Glory (a candle holder supposedly made from a severed hand), “haunted” dolls and a skull that is thought to be that of the Jersey Devil, the creature from local folklore that is rumored to have wandered the state’s Pine Barrens.

The Wooden Walls Mural Project, a collaborative initiative between Parlor Gallery and the Asbury Park Boardwalk, began as a way to adorn the town’s boarded-up buildings with vibrant art. Murals can be spotted at the historic carousel, casino and steam plant buildings. (And if you’re up for a drive, the burgeoning street art scene in Jersey City is an hour’s drive away.)

Adjacent to the Empress Hotel, Paradise is well known for its annual drag pageant, as well as “Bitchy Bingo” and karaoke nights. Just look for the rainbow-painted crosswalk outside the venue.

Located in Toms River, just off the Garden State Parkway, about 30 minutes from Asbury Park, Silverton Farms provides organic, Jersey-fresh produce year-round, as well as pumpkin picking and hayrides in the fall.