There are plenty of trendy spots to grab a bite to eat and drink off of Cookman Avenue or the Boardwalk. If you appreciate Mexican cuisine Loteria has some amazing food and margaritas. If you are a fan of sushi, Taka has some of the best I have ever had, and also a blackberry margarita to die for. Asbury is also home to the Stone Pony so if you are making a trip out of your stay you may be lucky to catch a show during your stay.
September is the best time to visit Point Pleasant. There are a ton of delicious restaurants off of Arnold Avenue in downtown Point. If you want a more beachy vibe, Jenks Pavilion and Jenks North are great for outdoor drinking with a view (you have to get the fresh squeeze cocktails) and food! The Patio Bar along the Manasquan inlet always has good live music and is a fun atmosphere for food and drinks. The Broadway is my personal favorite and the best spot for some late night wings and apps, plus the drinks are always flowing!
Red Bank has great downtown area with the perfect mixture of shopping/dining.
Sea Bright is a cute beach town with fun bars/restaurants. Donovan's Reef is right on the beach so you can always count on it being a great spot for outdoor music, food, drinks, and an all around good time. Once you park, most restaurants from there are within walking distance. Woody's makes an unbelievable Orange Crush that is a must try (thanks Ryan for getting me hooked). Anjelica's is amazing for Italian food, but you will definitely want to make a reservation in advance if you plan on trying. Tommy's is also a good spot for food and drinks. We love going there for pizza and pitchers of Sangria.
For those who want to do something besides eat and drink during their stay, definitely check out Hartshorne. We love this place for its views and trails where you can walk, run, or bike. Afterwards, you can check out the Highlands for a bite to eat where you can see the NYC skyline from the NJ coastline.
This is a great place to walk around or catch some rays. You can also see the city skyline in the distance, which is beautiful from the beach.