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Q: Does Asbury Park have a Gay Beach? Are there others in the area?

A: As the saying goes, if you are on the beach in Asbury Park, then you are at a gay beach! Asbury Park does not have a "true gay beach" but since the beach is only a mile long any place you go you will find gay people. However, over the years the 5th Avenue Beach (the area just South of Convention Hall) tends to have a high concentration of gay beach goers, and there is a large presence of gay men and women playing volleyball in that direct area.

The closest gay beach to Asbury Park is Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook. Which is 20 minutes to a half hour north depending on traffic. This beach is clothing optional and generally fills up early in the day on weekends, so plan to arrive by 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The fee is $ 10/car.

Q: Do I need a beach pass? What about parking?

A: Beach passes are required from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend and are available on the Boardwalk near the 4th Avenue Entrance and 1st Avenue Entrance. There is plenty of parking available. The metered spots on Ocean Avenue are $ 1.00 per hour, and the metered spots between Kingsley St and Ocean Avenue are $ .50/hour. Meters are in operation from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. In addition, there are paved parking lots along the Kingsley that are generally $ 10.00/day. If you park west of Kingsley Ave (2 blocks off the beach) there is no charge for parking.

Q: Are there many restaurants in town?

A: "Many" would be an understatement. Asbury is loaded with restaurants and you can get good food at any price point. The Asbury Park Boardwalk is open year round and boasts everything from Biggie's Clam Bar (of Hoboken Fame), to healthy fare at SeaGreens, to Cuban Sandwiches, Drinks and light food at the Beach Bar or Watermark, Mexican at Pops Garage and top of the line Italian at Stella Marina. But don't just stick to the Boardwalk, follow Cookman Avenue South from Paradise/Carousel Building and a couple blocks down you will hit "downtown Asbury Park". There are too many places to list here but Restaurant Plan B, Taka, and The Brick Wall are just a couple of the places you need to eat at. If you are looking for something different, head to the Tides Hotel/Restaurant for a great meal, when you are finished hang out and have a cocktail at the pool or on the covered front porch (located at 408 Seventh Ave).

Q: Enough with the Food, I need a drink.

A: Your options are just as plentiful. If you want an Ocean View with that drink head to the Beach Bar at Convention Hall, have some fun at Langosta Lounge in the Third Avenue Pavilion on the Boardwalk, or for daytime fun head to the roof deck at Watermark @ the 1st Avenue Pavilion (entrance on the Ocean Ave side). Don't forget the pool is open all day at the Paradise Hotel and their frozen drink machine is always running.

Q: Are there Bars/Clubs in town?

A: Yes, and you have many options again. Paradise (at the Empress Hotel) is THE Gay NJ Club, and it has something for everyone. Move from room to room and check out the main dance club, the fun times in the 80's Bar, the casual atmosphere in the hotel lobby bar, and while the pool is closed for swimming at night (go in the water and you will be out on the street) the pool area remains open with Tiki Bars and burgers on the grill. Georgies on 5th and Memorial is the Cheers of Asbury Park and is known for their karaoke on Weds and Sat. nights. For a more swanky hangout go to Watermark on the Boardwalk at 1st Ave, known for their specialty drinks, ocean views and a huge fireplace for those cooler evenings.

Q: I have had enough sun on the beach and don't want to go to a bar, is there anything else to do?

A: There is always something to do in Asbury, hence the slogan "the City by the Sea".

For an up to date list of events be sure to go to the Calendar Page.

Take a stroll down the Cookman Avenue Corridor, hit the shops and the antique stores. If you like pinball, check out the Silverball Pinball Museum. Only $ 10/hour for unlimited use of over 100 classic machines. Go to the Boardwalk and rent a bike, check out the tree lined neighborhoods of North West Asbury Park and take a step back in time. If you want to see something a little grander, ride one town north to Deal and Allenhurst and enjoy the huge mansions that line the massive Avenues. Looking for something more relaxing? How about miniature golf on the Boardwalk, or take at Glass Blowing class at Hot Sands (on the boardwalk), go on a ghost tour (bookings through Paranormal Books & Museum) or head to the Screening Room on Cookman and see a movie. And when you are done, treat yourself to a trip to The Chakra Salon & Spa.

Q: Where should I stay, can I rent a place for the summer or year round.

A: For real estate info be sure to check out the Real Estate Page.

For hotel/B&B options you have a number of choices. The Empress Hotel has ocean or pool views and is the place to stay if you want to be in the middle of it all (keep in mind the club in the building is open late on the weekends). For quieter times try Mikell's Big House (B&B) on 4th Ave, a huge Victorian Home with a Very Modern Flair, as Mikell says "no doillies here". On 7th Avenue you will find the Tides Hotel, 20 room hotel, bar, pool and restaurant all in one.

For more info go to the Hotels/B & B's Page.