Asbury Park

About this city

Also known as: The City by the Sea

Commanding a legendary position along the Atlantic coast of Monmouth County, Asbury Park is a historic beachfront city renowned globally as a powerhouse of American rock music and seaside counterculture. Founded in 1871 by James A. Bradley as a planned Christian oceanfront resort, the city boomed into a wealthy Victorian-era playground, boasting a massive wooden boardwalk, grand pavilions, and theaters. In the late 20th century, the city achieved eternal musical fame as the foundational launching pad for Bruce Springsteen and the 'Jersey Shore Sound' centered around the legendary Stone Pony club. Today, following a dramatic cultural and economic renaissance, Asbury Park coordinates a fiercely creative urban identity, blending historic seaside architecture with indie arts, upscale gastronomy, and a historic LGBTQ+-friendly community.