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With a thriving gay community, Asbury Park is one of the country’s up-and-coming gay destinations. This beach destination had fallen into disrepair, but Asbury Park and its stock of faded Victorian houses were rediscovered by gay people and brought back to life during this past decade.

Many gays live in this tiny town year-round, but it’s especially popular in the summer, when locals throw party after party and folks from the New York metro area flock here. Look for local events like Jersey Pride in early June.

Asbury Park does not have a gay beach per se, but the 5th Avenue Beach just south of Convention Hall has the highest concentration of gay men. The closest gay beach is 20 minutes away at Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook. This beach has a nude section too.

 

Getting here

Many people drive to Asbury Park, as it’s just 60 miles south of New York City. There are also frequent trains and buses to get you in and out: see NJTransit for trains and Academy Bus.

 

Getting around

A car is usually your best bet for getting around.

 

Media & Resources

For two local gay information and events listings websites see Gay Asbury Guide (not recently updated), and Out in Jersey with up-to-date info.

AsburyParkNow.com is a general public website with some history of this resort town.

Visit New Jersey/ Asbury Park has local business and events listings.

For map locations and website links to the businesses below, and more, see our gay Asbury Park listings pages.

 

Going Out - Asbury Park

Georgie's (812 5th Ave), neighborhood bar, seven days of karaoke and live cabaret entertainment, pool leagues, smoking area.

Paradise Club (101 Asbury St), restaurant, cocktail lounge, karaoke, movie nights, weekend dancing, Saturday country music line dancing, Friday drag shows, Saturday after-hours dancing, Sunday brunch.

Watermark (800 Ocean Ave), specialty drinks, spirits, beers, ales, wines and sparkle; also teas, ginger beer from scratch, and espresso bar.

CLOSED: Cameo (1213 Main St), gay bar/lounge; Den (700 Hamilton St; Somerset), 18+ dance club/restaurant, go gos, male reviews, karaoke, drag, latin nights

 

See our map & listings tab above for accommodations and restaurant options in Asbury Park.