*Cue John Hammond’s booming voice* Welcome to Asbury Park! Just swap dinos for crowds of happy beachgoing gays and you’re set. If you’re looking for the ultimate LGBTQ Asbury Park guide, you’ve come to the right place—this is one of the gayest and most unapologetically queer destinations on the East Coast.
Nestled on the Jersey Shore, about an hour from NYC and 1.5 hours from Philly, this is the go-to getaway spot for queers in the Garden State looking to soak up the sun, sip on a colorful cocktail, and celebrate together. From renowned LGBTQ+-owned businesses to its larger-than-life Pride parade, Asbury Park is a proven place for inclusivity.
And while the buzz this October might be around the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic (hello, Jeremy Allen White!)—which, fittingly, was filmed in Asbury Park, the very town that helped launch Springsteen’s career and shaped the soul of his music—the real story? This town’s rich queer history is the true headliner.
Spending summers with friends and family on Asbury Park’s beautiful beaches, I’ve seen firsthand what makes this place so special—and why its story deserves to be shared.
A Pride-Forward Stop on Your LGBTQ Asbury Park Guide
Ask anyone who’s been here, and they’ll tell you the same thing—as soon as you set foot in Asbury Park and see the barrage of Pride flags waving in the wind, you just feel safe. It’s a welcomed change of pace from the red-turning rest of the state. This oceanside haven hosts New Jersey’s annual June Pride parade and fair, which has drawn over 20,000 attendees at its peak, making it one of the most LGBTQ+ affirming events on the East Coast.
This year’s 33rd annual Pride celebration was a beacon for all Garden State gays to come together and shine. Adorable dogs with little shirts that say “I have two Pawsome dads”? Check. Queer markets with everything from handmade crocheted goodies to artisan candles? Yep. Boisterous, inclusive parade that unleashes everyone’s pure joy? You bet.
That warm, affirming energy doesn’t fade when June ends—it lingers along with the boardwalk breeze all summer long.
A Queer History Worth Telling
Long before today’s Pride floats and rainbow crosswalks, Asbury Park was a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ communities. In the late 1800s and 1920s, it was the beach escape for city-dwelling queers from NYC and Philly. Tea rooms, beach clubs, and secret drag shows gave LGBTQ+ folks a place to be themselves—an essential chapter in any LGBTQ Asbury Park guide.
But the town’s journey hasn’t been without hardship. In 1970, a civil rights riot rocked Asbury Park, leading many to flee. It was the LGBTQ+, Black, and Brown communities who helped revive the town, investing time and culture to bring it back to life. That legacy lives on in every Pride flag, every queer-owned business, and every smile you’ll find walking along the boardwalk today.
Mornings on the Boardwalk
Pro tip: Bring $7 for the beach entry (Jersey laws, folks), but don’t worry—it’s worth every penny. Whether you’re sunbathing or people-watching, the sights are unmatched. Expect everything from trendsetting Gen Z couples to glamorous older gays strolling their perfectly dressed poodles. I even saw a cat once!
ButterMee Pancakes may have to be your first stop. This place sells adorable mini pancakes to start your day off right. Pull up a seat at one of their umbrella-covered benches, devour those syrupy stacks, and enjoy the ocean breeze before diving into the waves (just don’t forget to digest!).
If you’re more of a roamer, the Asbury Park Convention Hall is a must. Built in 1930, this massive waterfront structure is home to funky boutiques, beachy pop-up markets, and tons of passerbys. You’ll also find Beach Bar inside, perfect for a post-shopping drink just along the ocean.
Bars, Bonfires & Rooftop Pools
You don’t need to be stuck waiting for the sun to go down to find a party in Asbury. The queer nightlife scene is alive and thriving, ironically even during the daytime.
Paradise is the ultimate gay bar, featuring a rooftop pool, themed dance nights, and drag performances from local legends like Asbury’s own Crystal Envy (Season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race). Insta-gays are always posting from the pool parties, showing how much fun there is to go around for everyone.
Looking for something more lowkey? Head to the beach for a bonfire and live music under the stars. Beach attire is your first impression to everyone on the sand, so shop along with the experts at Chris Turk Swim. With a thriving online space and brick-and-morter store in Asbury Park, this LGBTQ+-inclusive swimwear brand is combining flawless fashion with new-age designs. The store offers a variety of sizes and styles, ready to help empower any beachgoer setting off for beach summer sun.
Or make the short drive north to Gunnison Beach, New Jersey’s only legal nude beach, where cruisers and Speedo-clad celebs like Jay Jurden live their best lives. Asbury is a little less slutty, a bit more storied—but just as fun.
Spooky Delights at the Paranormal Museum
Queer and creepy? We love to see it. The Paranormal Museum—aka Paranormal Books & Curiosities—is a haven for haunted dolls, occult artifacts, and ghost stories with gay flair. It’s queer-owned, weirdly wonderful, and totally Asbury.
Take the haunted walking tour, which dives deep into local lore, tragic tales, and spooky sightings in spots like the old Asbury Park Press building. If your vibe is Annabelle meets M3GAN, you’re going to eat this up. And maybe get devoured, yourself. Who knows!
Food to Die For
Foodies, rejoice. Whether you’re craving pizza, seafood, or sweets, Asbury always delivers. Talula’s is the pizza spot to beat, with crispy crusts and wild topping combos that’ll have you coming back for more. Grab a pie for a pizza for a fun picnic on the sand.
Want sweets? Don’t leave without grabbing classic saltwater taffy from River Street Sweets. Or sip on a viral Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake milkshake from Sweet Tooth if you need to cool off in style. Vegans, fear not—Cookman Creamery has dairy-free scoops that taste like heaven. The Shore is also known for its mouthwatering saltwater taffy, so be sure to pick up some for your friends back home.
Looking for something unique to eat? R Bar serves unforgettable crab cake beignets. Over at The Galley, their fresh fluke sandwich (caught locally) is a Shore delicacy. And Kim Marie’s Eat n Drinkaway is your go-to for Irish pub vibes and delicious wings.
Retro Gaymers Rejoice
The Silverball Pinball Museum is an AC-cooled dreamland of retro gaming. With 150+ playable pinball machines, many from decades-past, it’s a perfect break from the sun (or a trip down memory lane). Don’t forget to visit Fun House, a quirky shop with Gen Z-friendly toys like Sonny Angels, and the kind of chaotic knickknacks you didn’t know you needed.
Visit Asbury, Stay Fabulous
From rooftop drag shows to haunted dolls, pizza picnics to pinball wizards, Asbury Park is much more than a beach town. It’s a living, breathing celebration of queer joy, community resilience, and New Jersey pride. Oh, and icon Wendy Williams is from here too—just one more jewel in the crown. So, pack your best beach fit, charge that portable fan, snag some sunscreen, and make your way to this Pride-forward paradise! And bookmark this LGBTQ Asbury Park guide and plan your next fabulously queer getaway.
Chris Turk Swim Photo by Connor Laken