Last Updated on July 10, 2020 by Dana Berez

Weekend Getaway From NYC to Asbury Park

One of the coolest things about living in NYC is the endless weekend travel opportunities! I highly recommend taking this weekend getaway from NYC to Asbury Park.

In just under 2 hours you can completely transport yourself for some rest & relaxation on the beach, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you are sick of heading out east, then Asbury Park has you covered for a hip scene on the beach. This is your ultimate guide for an Asbury Park Weekend Getaway.

I’d never been to the Jersey Shore before this trip, despite only living 2 hours away. There are plenty of towns you can visit along the shore, even the famous Seaside Heights where the TV show “Jersey Shore” was filmed.

I did not want to head there for my relaxing getaway from NYC, so I settled for Asbury Park. Asbury Park has been getting a lot of buzz within the last 2 years so it was time to check it out!

Where to Stay In Asbury Park

The Asbury Hotel

The Asbury Hotel most likely comes up in every guide you’ll read about Asbury Park, and for a reason. There are no other hotels in Asbury Park that have this level of design and amenities.

This is the perfect place to stay for a weekend getaway from NYC to Asbury Park.

With a pool, rooftop bar, movie screenings, a gallery, and a bowling alley, the Asbury Hotel has it all.

 

What To Do In Asbury Park

Asbury Park Beach

You probably came to the Jersey Shore to enjoy the Shore. The Asbury Park beach is the place to soak in the rays and find some relaxation.

Only certain areas of the water are allowed for swimming, so naturally, that’s mostly where people will set up their spot on the beach.

Tip: Bring cash as the beach charges a daily $5 entrance fee on weekdays, $7 on weekends and holidays.

Waking up to catch the sunset is always a favorite! This time we took out the drone for some amazing shots of the beach!

Walk the Asbury Park Boardwalk

Boardwalk has plenty of food and entertainment options. Don’t miss the Asbury Silver Pinball Museum Arcade. Pay an entrance fee, and play unlimited amounts of pinball!

Some food on the boardwalk that I wanted to try was MOGO Korean Tacos and Pop’s Garage, a relaxed Mexican Cantina!

Rent Bikes & Explore Ocean Grove

Whenever I’m in a new city, I love to rent bikes and explore. We rented bikes from a bike-share app, Zagster.

Renting the bikes cost $3 an hour, which in my opinion pretty pricy if you want to use the bike the whole day. We ended up renting the bikes for about 3 hours while exploring the neighboring town of Ocean Grove.

Ocean Grove had the cutest Victorian homes! Definitely worth a stroll if you’re interested in architecture.

You’ll find a Methodist community with tent homes, family-owned businesses, and colorful Victorian styled beach cottages.

Check out Music Scene

Asbury Park has a strong music scene. The Stone Pony, an outdoor performance venue that launched Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi has performances still going on their summer stage.

Check their website for upcoming performers!

Asbury Lanes

Bowling has become ultra-chic in at Asbury Lanes. Bowling Alley meets live performance venue meets diner, Asbury Lanes is the spot for a fun-filled night.

Where to Eat in Asbury Park

Barrio Costero

From the design of the restaurant to the gorgeous plating of the food, Barrio Costero is a foodie’s heaven. Unique colorful dishes that aren’t your typical Mexican fare add interest and compliment any taste palette.

I love the industrial environment and the colorful paper origami tulips decorating the entrance.

Everything we tried was beautiful and delicious, but my favorite standouts were: the Atun with charred watermelon, the colorful mackerel Ceviche with edible flowers, and the 16 hours marinated Pork Tenderloin with the sweet contrast of mofongo.

I also kept ordering their classic “Jalisco is Burning” cocktail that has never come off the menu. It had just the right about of spice and flavor. Loved how the menu featured lighter food options leaving you full but not uncomfortably stuffed!

Definitely worth checking out when in Asbury Park.

Reyla

The same owners as Barrio Costero opened up Reyla just this past year and it boasts the same amount of style and gorgeous plating.

Reyla is a modern Middle Eastern restaurant with an Arab inspired interior. Just like Barrio Costero, the food and cocktails were just like pieces of art.

My favorite cocktail, “Hips Don’t Lie” was topped with a dried rose fresh from the bartender’s family garden. Just loved the personal details and story each cocktail had.

My favorite item to try was the Fattoush which traditionally is a lighter dish, but this one had a delicious piece of pork belly laid across it. I also enjoyed the Duck Gyro, and I can’t forget about the Haloumi salad with fried cheese.

If you are in the mood to try some new things, I would highly recommend Reyla.

Where to Drink in Asbury Park

High Voltage

This cafe is seriously interior design #goals! Located right on the boardwalk, this trendy hipster cafe serves lunch foods and delicious coffee. I tried a “butter coffee” for the first time.

If you’ve heard of bulletproof coffee, this is basically the same thing: coffee, butter, and coconut oil.

Sounds absolutely disgusting, but tastes like a coconut latte and is great for killing cravings!

Anchor’s Bend

Located literally on the beach, complete with tiki lights and beach lounge chairs, you can get your drink on and still enjoy the sand between your toes.

Wonder Bar’s “Yappy Hour”

Calling all dog owners and dog lovers! Wonder Bar’s ‘Yappy Hour’ is an outdoor bar targeted for you and your four-legged friends. Wonder Bar serves food and drinks and has a colorful dog ring for your pets!

The Asbury Rooftop

Head to the rooftop of the Asbury Hotel and take in the sunsets & scenery.

Watermark Rooftop

Another rooftop located right on the boardwalk with views of the ocean. Perfect spot for a late afternoon drink until close! Watermark had comfortable lounge seating and a relaxed vibe.

Thank you for checking out this Asbury Park weekend getaway guide! Please save to your Pin Boards!

*Disclaimer: I was a guest of Reyla and Barrio Costero with the intention of coverage. As always all opinions stated are my own.