Day trips within driving distance of Asbury Park, NJ

[Trailside Trixie]

We're going to see a couple concerts in the area on bookened weekends so rather than go back and forth we've decided to stay with our friends for the week. They have a place in Asbury Park. They'll be working during the week so looking for day trip ideas. Never been there before so excited.

We will leave our bikes at home but will bring our disc golf bags. Open to scenic things to check out, breweries, maybe somewhere we could rent ebikes and explore, cool things to drive to and so on.

Things that come to mind but unsure of logistics since we've never been are

Atlantic city
Coney Island
New York (been here many times but always love a visit)

Willing to drive a couple hours for a day trip so would love to hear suggestions from people

 

[marzNC]

There are two places within a 90 min drive of Asbury that are on my list if I were actually staying in northern NJ for a few days instead of just passing through.

Edelman Fossil Park & Museum in Sewell is relatively new.

Ringwood State Park has plenty of bike and hiking trails. There are a couple of historic mansions but they are closed to the public. Ringwood Manor is having a major exterior renovation in 2025. Skyland Manor is used for private events.

There are several NJ state parks that have bike trails.

 

[diymom]

Your friends don't have any suggestions? Or maybe you are just trying to cast a wider net. I was going to suggest the Circus Drive-In for a cheesy fun lunch, but apparently it closed in 2017 :(

Not exactly outdoorsy (aside from being beachside), but when we lived in NJ we liked Cape May. An eclectic mix of old Victorian painted lady houses and 50's vintage Jetson style motels. That is if that hasn't changed too. If you like antiquing Red Bank is fun to wander around.

 

[marzNC]

If you haven't done sightseeing in Philadelphia, that's just over an hour away from Asbury Park. Of course, after Memorial Day the usual touristy places will get crowded.

 

[ski diva]

I grew up on the Jersey Shore in Ocean County, about 30 miles south of Asbury Park. And though that was a long time ago — and things have changed a lot since then — I still have family in the area. To be honest, I’d skip Atlantic City. It really isn’t worth the trip. If you like the beach, check out Island Beach State Park, south of Seaside. And do go to a boardwalk. Yes, it can be crowded and honky tonk, but it’s quintessential New Jersey. I’d recommend Point Pleasant — not Seaside. Walk it all the way past the games and the rides to the Manasquan Inlet.

 

[RachelV]

If you haven't done sightseeing in Philadelphia, that's just over an hour away from Asbury Park. Of course, after Memorial Day the usual touristy places will get crowded.

If you've been to NYC a bunch then a day trip to Philly would be nice... however, it looks like you can take NJ Transit to NYC from Asbury Park, but not to Philly. Honestly, I'd ask your friends which city is easier to get into without a car and go with that. Maybe there's a SEPTA stop you can park at easily to get into Philly or something.

I've also head that Sandy Hook Beach and that whole area (looks like it's called the Gateway National Recreation Area) is quite nice, but I've never been.

It's a 1hr 45min drive to the Delaware Water Gap... that might be worth a midweek drive for a nice hike if the weather is right.

When I was a kid we used to go to the Six Flags down there once every few years or so... Six Flags Great Adventure. Not sure if that's your jam. They also have a "safari" which we looooooved as kids. No idea if it would fall into the category of "sad zoo" or "good zoo" though adult eyes and when it's no longer 1989, however.

 

[RachelV]

And, I mean, Coney Island is fun if you've never been! There is certainly nowhere else like it. And looks like it's the right time of year to maybe catch a Brooklyn Cyclones game while you're there if you enjoy minor league baseball. Looks like they bumped up a league in 2021 so maybe it's a bit better play than last time I saw them. There is also some very solid pizza around there.

 

[MissySki]

Ohh I’ve been to the safari too, but a really long time ago as well

 

[wernerslab]

I grew up outside Philly and now live in Philly, so agree that it is a good day trip spot. Some things in and around the city which are a little novel, Barnes Foundation (lovely art, highly complicated history of the collection and museum), Simeone Museum(if you enjoy automobile museums) is just south of the city, there is a helicopter museum in W Chester, PA(about 45 min from Philly) and for a longer drive, the train museum of PA in Strasburg (where you can also take a short ride on an old steam train). I have enjoyed all of them as an adult even though I originally visited bc my son was into all things motoring(still is too). Outside of Philly is Fonthill castle which is also near New Hope/Lambertville and Peddler's Village which are popular spots with an artsy vibe and along the Delaware River. It is a small town with artsy shops and boutiques in a scenic location(although it is not my jam so haven't been there in years, friends have gone). There is the Delaware canal towpath (not much shade) as well near there. In Philly there is Fairmount Park and along the 'no car' Forbidden drive some nice city hiking trails. Valley Forge National Historical Park is in King of Prussia witha 5 mile paved trail, some hiking trails on Mt Joy and Mt misery(little bumps really), Geo Washington winter headquarters. The park is usu busy on nice days but most people stick to paved path. There is a disc gold course at Ft Washington state park and I am sure others that I do not know of. Have a great week whatever you decide to do!!!

 

[marzNC]

As a history buff, one of my favorite experiences in eastern PA was at the National Canal Museum, which is near Allentown. Can include a short canal boat ride as part of the museum admission. The boat is towed by a mule.

 

[teppaz]

We're going to see a couple concerts in the area on bookened weekends so rather than go back and forth we've decided to stay with our friends for the week. They have a place in Asbury Park. They'll be working during the week so looking for day trip ideas. Never been there before so excited.

We will leave our bikes at home but will bring our disc golf bags. Open to scenic things to check out, breweries, maybe somewhere we could rent ebikes and explore, cool things to drive to and so on.

Things that come to mind but unsure of logistics since we've never been are

Atlantic city
Coney Island
New York (been here many times but always love a visit)

Willing to drive a couple hours for a day trip so would love to hear suggestions from people

We often go to Ocean Grove, which is right next door to Asbury Park (you can easily walk from one to the other). It's an amazing little community of perfectly preserved Victorian houses — and dry, since it's Methodist. Quite the oddity on the Jersey Shore. No good restaurants though, they're all in Asbury Park.

We also enjoy Long Beach Island. The less developed areas are at the northern tip (with the Barnegat Lighthouse) and the southern tip (Beach Heaven).

Finally, a true Jersey original is Wildwood, which has a spectacular array of well-preserved mid-century modern architecture. Highly recommend if you're into this stuff (I am) — it's like the Vegas of yore.

 

[Amie H]

I'm an annual visitor to the Atlantic City (AC) area. My folks have a beach house on Brigantine, the island north of there, and I grew up in Delaware County, PA, going "down the shore" every summer.

I gamble there often, but usually only in the Marina district - really not worth visiting unless you are a regular player and maybe want to boost your status level or whatever. The nicest of the three marina district casino resorts is Borgata (owned by MGM.) They have some pretty cool stores and places to eat. However it can get crowded. Also, unless you are a regular player (have a player's card) the casinos charge for parking.

I'd also say skip the AC boardwalk, but a drive down Absecon Island (the island AC and other towns of Ventnor, Margate, and Longport are on) might be interesting, especially through Margate as some of the homes and gardens are pretty spectacular the farther south you drive down the island. The Gardener's Basin section of Atlantic City may still have sightseeing/dolphin watching boat cruises but I don't have a ton of info in that - I have just seen the boats chugging by while I'm boogie boarding across the inlet in Brigantine.

Note that outside of Atlantic City, beaches are public but you will need a beach badge/paid day pass (Atlantic City and Wildwood beaches are free.)

An interesting shore town with more than beaches and ice cream shops is Cape May, at the far southern tip. Victorian/historic homes and sights, some cute shops, nice for strolling around, and some great places to get lunch. Cape May Brewing makes some terrific beers (my fave is Cranberry Bog) and it's available at a number of spots around the South Jersey shore.

I concur with @wernerslab - if you do a day in Philadelphia, the Barnes Foundation is really incredible. The Philadelphia Museum of Art also worthwhile - if just so you can run up the "Rocky" steps (but also, for some world-famous artwork.)

This may be a tad far, but one spot that is pretty special in Delaware County is Longwood Gardens.

Hope you post a trip report on what adventures you have that week.

 

[Trailside Trixie]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. Going to put together a list and a loose guide with daily ideas.

Cape may and coney island for sure. The California surfer girl in me loves some waves so definitely plan on visiting a beach. I live in the NWCT and Southern vermont hills so anytime I can walk on a beach with water crashing at my feet makes me happy.

 

[Amie H]

@Trailside Trixie you may want to research the various NJ shore towns. Many of them have an active surfer culture. The shore I visit, Brigantine, has 2 surf shops. One of them, Primal Surf, you may be able to rent boards. Many of the shore towns also have bicycle rentals.
If you have towels, bleach chairs & an umbrella, maybe that would be good to toss in the car, too.

 

[Trailside Trixie]

@Trailside Trixie you may want to research the various NJ shore towns. Many of them have an active surfer culture. The shore I visit, Brigantine, has 2 surf shops. One of them, Primal Surf, you may be able to rent boards. Many of the shore towns also have bicycle rentals.
If you have towels, bleach chairs & an umbrella, maybe that would be good to toss in the car, too.

I don't surf any longer. I've been known to get in the water wtih a body board but that's my california thing. Really haven't gotten into it on the east coast. I do however, love crashing waves and love to walk in the shallow water and have the waves crash at my feet. I can watch waves for hours, love the beach at sunset. I usually keep my camping chairs, small table and towels in my car in the summer so we'll have all that stuff. I do love me a surf shop so I'll check out the town you mentioned.

 

[Amie H]

@Trailside Trixie in Brigantine, BrigSurf is also a cool store. The owner is a great dude - wintertime Snowboarder.