Jessica Norton 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
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Asbury Lanes is a go-to for indoor fun, with bowling available when the venue isn’t hosting a private or ticketed event — check the calendar page for the latest updates. Lanes are available for small groups, and shoe rentals are offered on-site. When hunger hits, The Diner — attached to the space — serves up classic comfort food favorites like milkshakes, sliders, and chicken finger platters, making it easy to spend a full afternoon (or night) without stepping outside.
Glassblowing at Hot Sand | 550 Cookman Avenue #103
Crafting on a rainy day just feels right. Hot Sand, Asbury Park’s public-access glassblowing studio, invites guests to create custom pieces like drinkware, bowls, paperweights, vases, ornaments, and candy dishes. The experience is hands-on, with guidance from skilled artists throughout the process. Finished pieces are available for pickup after production, and shipping is available for those visiting from out of town. Reservations can be made online, and the experience is open to participants ages nine and up.
Read More: A Guide to the Coffee Shops in the Asbury Park Area
Paint + Sip at Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations | 612 Cookman Avenue
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Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations hosts guided paint-and-sip classes designed for all skill levels — no prior experience needed. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks, along with snacks, and follow along with a certified art teacher to create their own canvas masterpiece. The atmosphere is relaxed and beginner-friendly, making it an easy go-to for a creative outing with friends. Reservations can be made online.
Get a Psychic Reading at Madame Marie’s | 1150 Ocean Avenue
Visitors can dodge the raindrops by popping into the iconic psychic shop on the Asbury Park Boardwalk for a spiritual, insight-filled experience. The team at Madame Marie’s offers readings focused on love, career, family, and more, with services including palm readings, tarot card readings, and full psychic sessions.
Take a Tour at The Stone Pony | 913 Ocean Avenue
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The Stone Pony is a must-visit for music lovers, with opportunities to stop by the iconic venue to browse official merch and take in the space when a show isn’t underway. Access to certain areas may vary depending on event setup and production schedules. Show tickets and additional venue information can be found on The Stone Pony’s website.
Play Games at Silverball Retro Arcade | 1000 Ocean Avenue
The Silverball Retro Arcade, located on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, is equal parts museum and gaming wonderland, featuring 200+ arcade games including pinball machines, skeeball, air hockey, and classic video games. Admission is time-based, with flexible pass options that allow guests to come and go throughout the day. Once inside, all games are set to free play — no coins required.
Visit The Paranormal Museum | 621 Cookman Avenue
The Paranormal Museum, a small storefront space on Cookman Avenue, features a collection of exhibits exploring the myths, legends, and folklore of the unexplained. Guests can dive into stories of local hauntings, browse paranormal equipment, and experience the museum’s most notable artifacts up close through guided tours.
See a Movie at the Showroom Cinema | 707 Cookman Avenue
The ShowRoom Cinema is a three-screen, independent theater showcasing a curated mix of first-run films, including critically acclaimed domestic and international features, documentaries, festival standouts, and shorts. The cinema also hosts themed screenings and special events throughout the year. More information can be found on its website.
Make a Bracelet at Arm Vibes Bracelet Bar | 658 Cookman Avenue
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Arm Vibes Bracelet Bar, located in downtown Asbury Park, is a go-to for permanent jewelry and custom bead creations. Guests can choose from hand-curated 14k permanent bracelets or build their own pieces with customizable chains and charms, perfect for stacking, gifting, or creating something uniquely personal.
Browse the Parlor Gallery | 717 Cookman Avenue
Parlor Gallery, located on Cookman Avenue, features a curated mix of paintings, drawings, photography, and multimedia installations. The space highlights a range of artists, from emerging talent to internationally recognized names, making it a staple in Asbury Park’s local arts scene.
See More: The Best Indoor Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Shop the Shoppes at the Arcade | 658 Cookman Avenue
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The Shoppes at the Arcade on Cookman Avenue is a two-level indoor shopping destination featuring a mix of local shops and services. From eco-friendly essentials at Frank’s Market + Refillery to vegan bites from Crust and Crumble, it’s an easy spot to browse, snack, and shop all in one place. The space is also home to a variety of local favorites, including 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
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A must-visit for music lovers, the Transparent Clinch Gallery is an immersive space showcasing the work of photographer Danny Clinch. The gallery highlights iconic images of artists like Johnny Cash, Tupac Shakur, Stevie Nicks, and Bruce Springsteen, among many others.
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