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Why You Should Visit Asbury Park
Asbury Park has long been known for its boardwalk, sandy beach and as a top destination for music history enthusiasts. And it’s all that and more.
Built as a resort in the late 1870s, it features Victorian architecture, a beach, and an almost mile-long boardwalk.
The New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium ranked Asbury as they 6th best beach in New Jersey. Its sand and great surf provide hours of fun for visitors of all ages. It has attracted swimmers, sunbathers, surfers, anglers and water sports enthusiasts for over a century.
The Asbury Park Boardwalk has no rides but it has eclectic shops, an arcade, mini-golf, a kids’ playground, waterpark area, and more. At one end of the boardwalk, the Paramount Theatre and the Convention Hall have been drawing thongs of people for over 90 years.
You never know what you’ll see in Asbury Park. It could be a drag queen party or an independent small band playing their music. On October 5, 2013, Asbury Park Boardwalk had the largest gathering of zombies with 9,592 participants in the New Jersey Zombie Walk.
Step back in time at the Silverball Museum with more than 600 pinball machines in operation dating back to the 1950s.
Asbury Park Ghosts
It has been said that Asbury Park has a haunted history. Paranormal activity has been reported in many different places.
In 1934, the S.S. Morro Castle was on its way to New York City. A fire broke out on the ship and 137 people died. The Morro Castle ran aground on the Asbury Park beach, just yards from the Paramount Theatre. The theatre was used as a makeshift morgue for the bodies of the passengers and crew.
After that, people reported seeing spirits walking up and down the boardwalk. Many have reported seeing an African-American naval officer gliding through the crowds on the boardwalk.
Tragedy struck the Paramount Theatre again in the 1950s when 2 young girls died in a fire in the theatre. A few years later, there was a suicide there.
Today, the Paramount Theatre has been described by many as having a “negative energy.” A lot of people have reported seeing 2 girls sitting together in the balcony in an empty theatre. They turn away and when they turn back the girls would be gone.
Lady of the Lake
And, then, there is the “Lady of the Lake” in Asbury Park’s Wesley Lake. In 2004, a woman was found dead in the lake. Since then, people have reported stories of sights and sounds. People on the Asbury Park side of the lake report seeing the lady. People of the other side of the lake report hearing the lady.
Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
Opened in 1925, the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel reflected a bygone era of opulence, elegance and sophistication. Like a magnet, it drew movie stars and celebrities to it, including Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. It hosted the Miss America Pageants of 1934 and 1035.
The tragedy of the S.S. Morro Castle happened in close proximity to the hotel and traumatized its staff and guests.
During World War II, the hotel was used to house the British Royal Navy and then was transformed into a naval hospital. Many believe the reported paranormal activity has been caused by the restless spirits of sailors who suffered and met their untimely ends there.
“Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel – Named One of the Most Haunted Places in New Jersey” – Photography Magazine Extra
Hotel Deals
Now would be a great time to visit Asbury Park. Spring has brought better weather and we’re all looking forward to summer. If you’d like to visit,you should consider the following hotels. Many of them are offering discounted rates which can save you money on your stay.
