As locals know all too well, New Jersey’s Shore towns don’t lose their charm once summer fades—if anything, “locals’ summer” is pretty amazing, particularly in Asbury Park. Recently, ten editors from Travel + Leisure named Asbury Park one of the best small towns in America—and the best small beach town, and we are all about spending a fall day here.
There’s lots happening once fall kicks off in the city. Asbury Park Bazaar will hold a pop-up Oktoberfest celebration on September 27 and 28 First Fridays Art & Sound at the Station brings a pop-up art and music show to the Asbury Park Transportation Center on October 3. The family-friendly Zombie Walk is coming up on October 4, where creatures of all ages and kinds will haunt the boardwalk during the day, followed by afterparties at various restaurants in town. Art in St. John’s Island takes over Sunset Park on October 12 and 13.
Along the boardwalk and downtown, there are plenty of shops and restaurants. A scalp massage at Artemis Ethos is one of our favorite ways to really relax. Stop by the farmers market at Merchant’s Park or Interwoven Boutique for some stylish threads; then check the movie schedule at Showroom Cinema.
Asbury Park is known for its arts and culture, and recently hosted the mega Sea.Hear.Now music, surf and art festival; the Underground Downtown Art and Music Crawl; sessions from New Jersey’s statewide North 2 Shore Festival; and this past spring’s Color & Light Festival. The Stone Pony and Wonder Bar are iconic hangout spots, plus the concert hall House of Independents holds shows downtown.
It’s a foodie lover’s town, too, with popular waterfront spots like The Robinson Ale House and Tim McLoone’s Supper Club; or Judy’s and Harry’s Italian-Jewish fusion restaurant with a speakeasy-like bar that’s a few blocks off the beach. Johnny Mac’s is known for its mac & cheese, Coney Waffle has gigantic ice cream and waffle creations, and Porta is the place for next-level pizza.
Take the kids to The Silverball Museum pinball arcade, the Asbury Splash Park, Hot Sand glass-blowing studio, and the possibly haunted Paranormal Museum.
America’s Best Small Towns for 2025, according to Travel + Leisure:
- Best Small Beach Town: Asbury Park, New Jersey
- Best Small Mountain Town: Boone, North Carolina
- Best Small Lake Town: Ogallala, Nebraska
- Best Small Desert Town: El Centro, California
- Best Small Arts + Culture Town: Sewanee, Tennessee
- Best Small Spa + Wellness Spa: Mineral Wells, Texas
- Best Small Retirement Town: Panama City Beach, Florida
- Best Small Family Town: Frankenmuth, Michigan
- Best Small Shopping Town: Taos, New Mexico
- Best Small Food + Drinks Town: Bardstown, Kentucky
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