Explore Our history
The City by the Sea has a rich long history steeped in culture, diversity, music and comebacks. Here’s just a taste! Enjoy the show!
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History of asbury park
According to the Asbury Park Historical Society;
Founded in 1871 by James A. Bradley, a brush manufacturer from New York City, Asbury Park is known for being a progressive city. This was one of the visions of its founder.
Bradley, who had converted to Methodism at the time, visited a summer camp meeting in Ocean Grove to the south, and set his sights to the north by purchasing about 500 acres of oceanfront land. This land would eventually become Asbury Park.
Bradley paid $90,000 for the property in 1871, and named it after Francis Asbury, one of the first two bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in North America. From the very beginning, Bradley instituted progressive and innovative designs into Asbury Park, including a boardwalk with pavilions, electrical systems, trolley systems, and an artesian well. Other implementations included wide streets lined with trees, parks, churches, and a thriving business district at the oceanfront.
More than 600,000 people vacationed in Asbury Park annually in the city’s early years, and the city flourished from the later part of the Victorian era to the 1960s.
In 1880, Coney Island impresario George C. Tilyou opened his steeplechase amusements on Ocean Avenue, and brought his iconic and smiling “Tillie” face to Asbury Park. In 1888, the Palace Merry-Go-Round was installed at the corner of Lake Avenue and Kingsley Street, and many other amusements and attractions soon followed.
In 1929, the current Convention Hall and Casino buildings were introduced, and the city became a cultural and shopping destination, not only for fine stores, but for movies, theater, and concerts.
From the early days of John Philip Sousa and Arthur Pryor through the big band and jazz eras, the city has more than its fair share of musical history. Contemporary musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, and Southside Johnny all played at Asbury Park.
Clubs along Springwood Avenue on the city’s Westside were frequented by the likes of Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Lionel Hampton and many other jazz and blues icons.
Today, thanks largely to the many residents, newcomers, and organizations, like the Asbury Park Historical Society, Asbury Park is once again becoming the place to be, with a rejuvenated boardwalk, downtown, and residential area.
We invite you to visit us and learn more about our beautiful and iconic city!
did you know?
… Johnny Cash lived here
In the Mid 80’s Johnny Cash invested $250,000 in Asbury Park's Berkeley-Carteret Hotel with long-time Asbury native and family friend Henry Vacarro Sr. Johnny and June kept a suite of rooms there until 1992. Johnny played a number of concerts at the nearby Paramount Theatre, on the Asbury boardwalk. "Good night, Asbury Park," Johnny says at the end of the concert. "I'll see you at church tomorrow." See concert footage here!
… About our haunted past
Discover the haunted history hiding beneath the glamour of Asbury Park’s iconic boardwalk.
These are true tales of disaster, death, and the paranormal. Learn about the devastating fire aboard the S.S. Morro Castle and the eerie events that followed as its charred remains drifted to shore. Stand in the shadows of buildings where sightings, strange sounds, and unexplained cold spots have been reported for generations.
Beyond the boardwalk is the haunted heart of the city’s vibrant downtown. Explore the true stories behind historic buildings, forgotten tragedies, restless spirits, and the legends that linger long after dark.
Deeply researched history with chilling tales of unexplained phenomena awaits. From pre-colonial era stories of murder and Victorian-era secrets to paranormal activity in local landmarks like the Asbury park Press building
Visit some of the city’s most historic and haunted bars connected to Presidents, unsolved murders, and tragic tales of love lost.
… About our seaside architecture
An exuberant and commanding presence anchoring Asbury Park's boardwalk, the Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre are colorful and grandiose both in structure and in spirit. The complex is an eclectic melange of Italian and French designs with detailing in several different architectural styles incorporating nautical motifs.
The prominent New York City firm of Warren and Wetmore, architects of Grand Central Terminal, designed the Asbury Park Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre complex, which was built between 1928 and 1930. As a civic project, the complex was an ambitious effort by Asbury Park to assert and maintain its preeminence as the urban resort along the northern New Jersey shore. The sprawling structure- including a theatre, exhibition hall, and an arcade lined with shops and amusements- is a unique and early oceanfront mixed-use complex. In its lively past, the complex also served as the venue for Army and Navy training during World War II and big band dances during the war era.
… Before Sea.Hear.Now
The Asbury Park beach has been a hub of music and concert experiences for decades with ground breaking events such as The Vans Warped tour, Bamboozle and the infamous WNEW’s Memorial day weekend concert series where crowds of 80,000 beachgoers were common in the 80s.
Lights camera asbury
starring asbury park
Asbury Park has been a favored filming location for many movies, thanks to its distinctive blend of historic boardwalks, vibrant arts scene, and coastal atmosphere. Its authentic small-town charm and affordability compared to larger cities make it an ideal backdrop for filmmakers seeking a unique setting. And with the new Netflix facility coming to Fort Monmouth in the next few years, there are sure to be more Asbury Park scenes incorporated into future films and television.
Several notable films have featured Asbury Park prominently:
According to Greta (2009) was filmed in multiple New Jersey locations, including Asbury Park. The movie, starring Hilary Duff, used the town’s recognizable spots alongside nearby Ocean Grove and Neptune. Scenes such as those at the Bradley Beach train station and the Jersey Shore University Medical Center helped ground the film in the local environment.
Blinded by the Light (2019), inspired by Bruce Springsteen’s music, includes key scenes shot in Asbury Park. While much of the film is set in England, Asbury Park’s connection to Springsteen’s legacy made it essential for capturing the spirit of his music. The movie’s premiere was even held at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, underscoring the town’s cultural significance.
Chasing Amy (1997) Kevin Smith’s cult classic features Asbury Park as one of its primary locations, alongside Red Bank and Rumson. The film captures the gritty charm and character of the town, serving as a snapshot of late-90s New Jersey. The movie’s authentic use of local landmarks adds to its enduring appeal.
City by the Sea (2002), although set in Long Beach, New York, used Asbury Park to represent parts of Long Island. The town’s weathered boardwalks and coastal neighborhoods provided the perfect backdrop for this crime drama, reflecting a sense of both past glory and ongoing revitalization.
Jersey Girl (2004), Asbury Park’s iconic boardwalk appears as part of the story’s New Jersey setting. The film, starring Ben Affleck and directed by Kevin Smith, highlights the town’s mix of coastal charm and real-life local flavor.
Stardust Memories (1980) Woody Allen filmed scenes in Asbury Park, capturing its seaside atmosphere alongside nearby Ocean Grove and Neptune. The film’s use of the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove as the “Stardust Hotel” adds to the region’s cinematic history.
The Wrestler (2008) features Asbury Park in key scenes, including moments on its famous boardwalk. The film’s gritty, emotional story is enhanced by the authentic Jersey Shore setting, with Asbury Park providing a powerful visual and emotional anchor.
Notable Mentions
The Sopranos: The series features scenes set in the Shore area, including Asbury Park.
The C-8 Implosion: A Look Back (2006): The implosion of the Asbury Park eyesore C-8 “Skeleton” building cleared the way for future development of the Asbury Ocean Club.
Overall, Asbury Park’s unique character and scenic locations have made it a compelling choice for filmmakers, helping to bring stories to life with a distinctive coastal backdrop.