Things To Do
Asbury Park
Our top pick. Walk the boardwalk, see the historic Convention Hall, and stick around for dinner, drinks, and live music. It's lively, eclectic, and perfect for an afternoon that turns into an evening. • Taka — Refined Japanese and sushi on Cookman Avenue. Great for a special dinner out. • Iron Whale — Fresh seafood and a raw bar right on the boardwalk, with some of the best ocean views in town. • Talula's — Wood-fired sourdough pizza and seasonal plates in the heart of downtown. • Beyond these, Asbury Park has the best concentration of restaurants and breweries in the area if you're just looking for one easy spot for a great meal. • Coney Waffle — Wildly over-the-top ice cream and waffle creations. Bring your appetite (and your camera). Have Some Fun • Asbury Lanes — A vintage bowling alley, live-music venue, and retro diner all rolled into one, two blocks from the beach. A fun, low-key night out.
Spring Lake & Belmar
Spring Lake & Belmar (~15–20 min) — Quieter, classic shore towns with beautiful beaches. Spring Lake has a lovely non-commercial boardwalk made for a morning or sunset stroll, and the Belmar Marina is a great spot to watch the boats and catch the sunset. Spring Lake boutiques (~15–20 min) — The shops along Third Avenue are perfect for a stroll. A few favorites: Waterlily, WARM Shop, and Dune + Salt for coastal, easygoing style. Belmar • 9th Ave Pier — An open-air bar and restaurant out on the Belmar Marina. Rum buckets, live music, and a perfect place to end the day as the sun goes down. Spring Lake • Olea — Coastal-Mediterranean dining with premium steaks, house-made pastas, and fresh seafood. A relaxed, upscale option for a nicer evening.
