For LGBTQ travelers, Asbury Park is a haven

Philly has a lot of nearby options for people looking for an LGBTQ-friendly getaway — Cape May, New Hope, Lambertville. But don’t sleep on the northern beach destination of Asbury Park. This Jersey Shore town has been drawing queer visitors for decades thanks to its beach, its bars, and its deep LGBTQ history.

Sitting pretty between New York and Philadelphia, Asbury Park has been a haven for the queer community since the 1930s, when its first gay bars opened. It was one of the first cities to host a Pride parade in 1970, and throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, it was home to several legendary queer venues, including the lesbian hangout The Key West Hotel.

Today, that history lives alongside a thriving contemporary scene. Pride flags hang from homes and storefronts, and Jersey Pride — the state’s largest LGBTQ celebration — is held each year near the boardwalk.

For queer Philadelphians, Asbury Park offers both a lively beach weekend and a relaxing stay in a town with real history and a strong sense of community. Why settle for one or the other when you can have both?

Start at the beach near the Fifth Avenue boardwalk entrance, long known as the gay section of the beach. If you’re up for a drive, there’s also Gunnison Beach, a clothing-optional beach near Sandy Hook.

After sunbathing, consider cruising the boardwalk. Stop at Silverball Retro Arcade for pinball or get your fortune told at Madam Marie’s Temple of Knowledge, made famous by Bruce Springsteen’s hit song “Sandy.”

📍1300 N. Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, N.J. 07712

Speaking of the Boss, swing by the Stone Pony, the legendary music venue that helped launch Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. Even if there’s nothing going on inside, there’s a good chance a band will be playing the Summer Stage. It’s the Stone Pony’s larger outdoor venue that can fit 5,000 people and hosts concerts all summer long.

📍913 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, N.J. 07712

Georgie’s and Paradise anchor Asbury Park’s nightlife scene. Georgie’s, a beloved dive bar that locals call the “gay Cheers," is ideal for a low-key night and karaoke. USA Today included the humble watering hole on its 2025 Best Bars in America list.

📍 810 Fifth Ave., Asbury Park, N.J. 07712

If you’re looking to dance, go to Paradise. Located inside The Empress hotel, it’s the city’s main nightclub, with a multilevel dance floor, outdoor heated pool, and regular drag shows, including the annual Miss Paradise pageant.

📍 101 Asbury Ave., Asbury Park, N.J. 07712

Other than The Empress, The Asbury is one of the city’s main beachfront hotels that’s known to attract an LGBTQ crowd. The hotel has pretty much everything: a bar and a pool, of course, but also a bowling alley and a rooftop movie theater. There are dog-friendly rooms so you can bring Fido, and even hostel-style rooms with bunk beds for groups looking for sleepover vibes.

📍 210 Fifth Ave., Asbury Park, N.J. 07712

The St. Laurent Social Club is a good pick if you want something more boutique. Set in a restored historic building, the 21+ hotel combines guest rooms, a full-service restaurant, cocktail bar, and pool into a design-forward stay. It’s within walking distance of both the boardwalk and downtown and offers memberships for those looking to spend most of their summer in Asbury Park.

📍 408 7th Ave., Asbury Park, N.J. 07712

If your priority is being near the beach, check out the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel. Housed inside a historic beaux arts building, this 257-room hotel has been around since 1925 and remains a Jersey Shore icon. Want to watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean every evening? Stay at the Berkeley.

📍 1401 Ocean Ave. N, Asbury Park, N.J. 07712

Located inside the St. Laurent, Judy’s is a new restaurant from James Beard-nominated chef David Viana and co-owner Neilly Robinson. The menu features Italian American dishes with a Jewish twist and is named for Robinson’s mother. Don’t leave without ordering the Chicken Savoy.

📍 408 7th Ave., Asbury Park, N.J. 07712

For pizza with a view, head to Catbird. Chef Aimée McElroy’s spot has a deck overlooking Deal Lake and a dining room with cozy cabin energy. It’s a BYOB, with a zero-proof cocktail menu available.

📍 1215 Sunset Ave., Asbury Park, N.J. 07712

For a sit-down dinner, try Pascal & Sabine, a classic French brasserie serving tartare, escargot, French onion soup, Dover sole, and steak frites. Order a martini. You’re on vacation.

📍 601 Bangs Ave STE 401, Asbury Park, N.J. 07712

No trip to Asbury Park is complete without a visit to Frank’s Deli & Restaurant. Open since 1960, Frank’s is an Asbury institution — a no-frills luncheonette with pics of the Boss on the wall and regulars at the counter. Come for the pork roll, egg, and cheese, and make sure you have cash.

📍 1406 Main St., Asbury Park, N.J. 07712