While many may think that rain ruins a day at the beach, Asbury Park is an exception to the rule. Asbury Park is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon indulging in nostalgia, such as taking a walk through the iconic Stone Pony or playing classic pinball machines at the Silverball Retro Arcade. Asbury’s vibrant arts scene provides several galleries showcasing works by both local and international artists and there are even some opportunities to craft and create your glass art and painted masterpieces. Plus, there is no shortage of indoor shopping downtown on Cookman Avenue. Read on for a list of things to do on a rainy day in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Bowl at Asbury Lanes | 209 4th Avenue
View this post on Instagram
Guests can escape the rain by grabbing a bowling lane. Asbury Lanes is open for bowling when there isn’t a private or ticketed event happening inside the event space — patrons can check Asbury Lanes calendar page here for the latest schedule changes. Bowling is $30 per half hour and up to six guests can be accommodated per lane. Shoe rentals are $5 on-site. If your group starts to get hungry you can grab a bite to eat without even going outside. The Diner, attached to Asbury Lanes, has a menu featuring delicious comfort food staples, including milkshakes, sliders, chicken finger platters, and more.
Glassblowing at Hot Sand | 550 Cookman Avenue #103
Crafting on a rainy day just feels right. Drop by Hot Sand, Asbury Park’s only public-access glassblowing studio, to create your own drink cups, bowls, paperweights, vases, ornaments, or candy dishes. Hot Sand’s glass-blowing studio provides a hands-on experience under the guidance of a skilled artist. All items will be ready for pick up seven days after they are made. If participants aren’t local, items can be shipped. Reservations for glassblowing can be made on Hot Sand’s website. Participants must be nine or older.
Read More: Your Under 21 Guide to the Jersey Shore
Paint + Sip at Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations | 612 Cookman Avenue
View this post on Instagram
Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations hosts guided paint-and-sip classes that require no prior painting or artistic experience — just bring your besties and your favorite wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Painters will follow the instructions of a certified art teacher to paint their own 16×20 canvas. The classes are easy and friendly for all skill levels. Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations events are $36 per person on weekdays (Monday through Thursday) and $40 per person on weekends (Friday and Saturday) for a 2 1/2 hour event, unless otherwise noted. Paint and sip seats can be booked on the Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations website.
Get a Psychic Reading at Madame Marie’s | 1150 Ocean Avenue
Visitors can dodge the raindrops by popping into the infamous psychic shop located on the Asbury Park Boardwalk for a spiritual and insightful experience. The psychics at Madame Marie’s will uncover pieces of clients’ past, present, and future and provide clarity about love, money, career, family, and health. Madame Marie’s services include palm readings, tarot card readings, and full psychic readings.
Take a Tour at The Stone Pony | 913 Ocean Avenue
View this post on Instagram
The Stone Pony box office is open from noon to 5PM on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the off-season. If you’re looking to grab some official Stone Pony merch or just want to take a look around the inside of the iconic rock venue while a show isn’t happening — drop by during weekday hours or before a show on the weekend. Please note that there are no official tours given and some areas may not be able to be accessed due to pre-production for upcoming events. Show tickets and venue information can be found on The Stony Pony’s website.
Play Games at Silverball Retro Arcade | 1000 Ocean Avenue
The Silverball Retro Arcade, located on the boardwalk in Asbury Park, is a museum and gaming wonderland with over 200 arcade games including pinball machines, skeeball, air hockey, and classic video games. Admission pricing is based on time and a half-day or all-day pass option allows gamers to come and go as they please. All games are set free to play with an entry pass, so no coins are required. The Silverball Retro Arcade has an adjoining cafe, the menu of which features delicious boardwalk-inspired fare.
Visit The Paranormal Museum | 621 Cookman Avenue
The Paranormal Museum is a small, storefront museum on Cookman Avenue that houses a collection of historical and educational exhibits that explore the unexplained myths, legends, and folklore of the paranormal. Guests can learn all about ghosts that haunt the Asbury Park area or buy equipment for personal paranormal activities and more. The Paranormal Museum hosts 60-minute guided tours that feature the most famous and active artifacts in the collection.
See a Movie at the Showroom Cinema | 707 Cookman Avenue
The ShowRoom Cinema is a three-screen, independent cinema theater. The Showroom Cinema features independent, first-run films, including critically acclaimed domestic and foreign features, documentaries, festival winners, and shorts. The cinema often hosts themed movie events, such as showings of films that were “Made in Jersey” or holiday-specific screenings. More information about the Showroom Cinema can be found on its website.
Make a Bracelet at Arm Vibes Bracelet Bar | 658 Cookman Avenue
View this post on Instagram
Arm Vibes Bracelet Bar is an original permanent jewelry experience and custom bead bar located in downtown Asbury Park. Get a hand-curated 14k permanent bracelet zapped on your wrist or customize charms on a chain for an anklet. Shoppers can put together bracelets for yourself or as a gift.
Browse the Parlor Gallery | 717 Cookman Avenue
The Parlor Gallery is an art gallery on Cookman Avenue that features a curated selection of paintings, drawings, photographs, as well as audio-video installations. The Gallery showcases both young artists who have never exhibited as well as internationally collected and established artists. The Parlor Gallery has open hours for the public.
See More: The Best Indoor Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Shop the Shoppes at the Arcade | 658 Cookman Avenue
View this post on Instagram
The Shoppes at the Arcade on Cookman Avenue is a mini indoor mall with two levels of diverse shops and services. From Frank’s Market + Refillery to Crust and Crumble, shoppers can stock up on eco-friendly cleaning products and indulge in a delicious vegan pizza — all while staying out of the rain. The Shoppes also houses stores such as Arm Vibes Bracelet Bar, Groovy Graveyard, Kill Screen Games, Asbury Park Woodcraft, and Food Lube.
View Live Concert Photography at the Transparent Clinch Gallery | 210 Fifth Avenue
View this post on Instagram
This stop is a must for music lovers. The Transparent Clinch Gallery is an immersive art gallery featuring the work of photographer Danny Clinch. The gallery is currently open Thursday through Sunday from 11AM to 7PM. Danny Clinch has shot and filmed with artists such as Johnny Cash, Tupac Shakur, Stevie Nicks, and, of course, Bruce Springsteen — just to name a few. The gallery is conveniently located next to The Asbury Hotel and Asbury Lanes. Be sure to check the events calendar to see if any live shows are happening inside the gallery during the time you plan to visit.
