If you’re looking for a last-minute Labor Day getaway, there are a fair few options out there. From quaint lakeside retreats to beautiful beach towns to mountain escapes, there are so many ways to make the most of the last few days of summer. However, there’s one iconic beach town in particular that might just be the perfect spot.
The historic beach town of Asbury Park, New Jersey, has been listed as America’s best small beach town by numerous publications over the years, and it’s easy to see why. From the iconic boardwalk to the incredible music scene to the diversity and welcoming nature of the place, it certainly ticks a lot of boxes. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, there is an Asbury Park trip to suit everyone’s needs.
With a history that stretches all the way back to the 1870s, there’s a little something for everyone in this New Jersey beach town. However, being the inspiration of a Bruce Springsteen song definitely adds some cool points and some extra vibes along the way. So, what can you see and do on a trip to Asbury Park, New Jersey, and why should you book it for your Labor Day exploits? Let’s dive in and find out more.
The Quintessential Labor Day Small Beach Town
Founded as a borough in 1874, the beach town of Asbury Park, NJ, has long been a vacation spot for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. As a late 19th-century resort town, families would come to enjoy the boardwalk and beach, soaking up the sunshine and taking in the water.
Fast-forward to the 1920s and 30s, and the impact of the war and suburbanization meant that resort towns all around the coastline were declining. However, Asbury Park had something else going for it. It had a thriving LGBT scene from as early as the 1920s. Today, it remains one of the best places for Pride events in New Jersey and is a haven for the LGBT community and different minorities who relocated to Asbury Park during the downturn years.
Nowadays, Asbury Park is back at its best. With community at the heart of this beach town and an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, and tattoo shops, it definitely has a cool and quirky vibe that’s putting Asbury Park back on the map. The town has a gritty-meets-glam feel, with historic buildings now housing cool, modern businesses. Add in the beautiful beach that everyone loves the town for, and it’s a recipe for a great Labor Day weekend.
What To See And Do In Asbury Park
If you’re visiting Asbury Park for Labor Day weekend, there are plenty of great things to enjoy in the dying days of summer. For music lovers, Asbury Park is home to The Stone Pony, known for launching huge stars like Bruce Springsteen. During the summer months, you can take advantage of the Pony’s Summer Stage, located opposite the boardwalk, which is a huge open-air venue with local bands playing sets until sunset.
Want to do something a little more active? Why not indulge in some surf lessons? The Asbury Park coastline is popular with intrepid Northeastern surfers. While the biggest swells arrive in winter, the summer months are ideal for longboarding. This laid-back and almost balletic form of surfing is perfect for a relaxing coastal weekend. If you want a slower pace, chill out on the beach with a good book and work on your last glimmers of a tan. To access the beaches of Asbury Park from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, you’ll need a beach pass. This applies to anyone over 12. The daily passes cost $10 each, and you can purchase seasonal passes if you’re going to be in the area a lot over the summer.
Of course, an ideal way to while away the hours is to wander along the boardwalk and take in the sights. Post-2012, when the region had to be rebuilt and regenerated after Hurricane Sandy, the boardwalk is full of restaurants, cafés, dive bars, arcades, and more. If you’re looking for more boutique stores, tarot shops, antique shops, and less touristy restaurants, head to the quirky Cookman Avenue.
How To Get To Asbury Park
The closest major airport to Asbury Park is Newark Liberty International in New Jersey. From here, you can actually take public transport to Asbury Park. From the Newark Airport train station, you can ride the NJ Transit train to Long Branch and then switch onto another NJ Transit train to Asbury Park. In total, it takes around an hour and a half, but it can be longer depending on the connection time.
If you’re visiting Asbury Park from Manhattan, it’s actually the same journey. The NJ Transit train that goes from Newark to Long Branch originates at Penn Station, so you can hop on there and then to do the same switch at Long Branch. This journey time is closer to two hours, but it’s an effective way to get out of the Manhattan summer humidity without having to drive.
Of course, Newark is one of the biggest airports in the country, supporting routes all around the world. As there are also connections by public transit between Asbury Park and New York City, you could also fly into JFK or LaGuardia and get across the city to Penn Station to connect to the NJ Transit train lines.
What Other Times Are Good To Visit Asbury Park?
If you’ve left it a little late for Labor Day weekend this year, there are plenty of great times to visit Asbury Park. Of course, summer is the peak time to visit. Asbury Park still has that resort town, beach escape vibe to it, so it truly comes alive in the summer. However, during this time, it can be crowded, accommodation can be expensive, and you will have to buy beach passes.
Conversely, you can visit in late spring or early fall. This way, you still get great weather, but with the kids back at school, the crowds tend to be fewer. If you can, time your trip around the start of June to enjoy Asbury Park’s amazing Pride celebrations.
If you visit in the winter months, you might find that certain places aren’t open; however, it’s not a total ghost town, as it’s not a wholly resort-centric destination anymore. After all, there are still plenty of locals here year-round. That being said, it’s the best time to surf in Asbury Park because the Atlantic winter swells build and pack a punch. Just remember to wear a thick wetsuit as the water can get pretty cold.
So, if you’re looking for a Labor Day getaway, where’s better than America’s best small beach town? With live music, a packed boardwalk, and a friendly and accepting community, what’s not to love?
