Summer is all about independence, and planning a solo day in Asbury Park is the best way to celebrate it. Whether looking for an escape from work, want a day to recoup without any distractions, or just want some me-time, we’ve compiled a list of activities in Asbury Park that are excellent choices for a solo day out. Keep reading to get a morning-to-night schedule of activities in the Asbury Park area- all great for alone time.
Morning: Early risers, start the day with a morning workout. Whether it’s cycling or yoga, Asbury Park has it covered.
Tandem Cycle | 200 Cookman Avenue
View this post on Instagram
Tandem Cycle is an indoor cycle studio that uses beat-driven choreography (the setlists are always fun) to create a strength training, muscle toning, and high-intensity cardiovascular workout. The studio helps cyclists (especially ones riding solo) of all levels feel welcome to ride; the candlelit room is a great touch, and the instructors are motivating. If lucky, you’ll visit Tandem Cycle on a day with a themed ride: in the past, there have been themes such as Hip-Hop Thursdays to even a Hot Girl Anthems Ride. Sometimes, the themed playlists feature songs that duel it out between two famous artists, imagine a Justin Bieber vs. One Direction ride. Click here to view the class schedule and keep updated on those themed rides.
Boho Yoga | 1321 Memorial Drive
View this post on Instagram
For those who aren’t into cycling, there is Boho Yoga, a yoga and movement studio with classes for all levels. Boho Yoga has all the yoga classes one would want — Vinyasa, Beginner Yoga, Restorative, Yin, and Power. Beyond that, it also has Sculpt + Flow, Inside Flow, and Barre for those who want a twist on the typical yoga class. Boho Yoga also frequently has sound baths to add extra relaxation (perfect for a solo day) and monthly workshops, updated on its Instagram account.
Read More: Where to Practice Yoga in Asbury Park + Beyond
Morning: After that workout, you deserve (+ need) a treat. Stop by one of Asbury Park’s beloved coffee shops, grab a juice or smoothie, + pick up a breakfast sandwich.
Booskerdoo Coffee + Baking Co. | 1321 Memorial Drive
If you end up at Boho Yoga, Booskerdoo Coffee + Baking Co. is an accessible location for coffee after class since it is in the same shopping center. Its hot drinks include the standard cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos, but if you want to get fancy try something else like the Neon (four ounces of espresso with four ounces of steamed milk). The iced options include seasonal lattes, malt cold brew, and teas. Its bakery has pastries including a decadent vegan chocolate pecan banana muffin , + its kitchen sink bar is a twist on a granola bar that will keep anyone full for hours. The solo adventurers can order online or order at the counter and sit in one of the Adirondack chairs outside.
Playa Bowls | 701 Cookman Avenue + 1200 Ocean Avenue
View this post on Instagram
The Jersey Shore-born chain, Playa Bowls, has two locations in Asbury Park and is a local favorite for juices, smoothies, and bowls, among other options. Playa Bowls has seven different kinds of bowl bases — acai, mango, pitaya, coconut, green, banana, and oatmeal — and customers can choose from one of the signature bowls or create their own. Toppings here include every kind of fruit you can think of — from blueberries and strawberries to coconut, banana, and more. Some of the smoothie choices include matcha, orange power, and acai energy, while juice options include Mermaid Fuel (kale, pineapple, apple, + mint), Beach Break (pineapple, carrot, ginger, + lemon), and other options. Playa Bowls also has cold-pressed juices and iced coffee.
The Speakeatery | 705 Cookman Avenue
View this post on Instagram
The Speakeatery is an Asbury spot known for its fun sandwiches. For breakfast lovers, customers can order from the Wake + Bake section of the menu every Friday-Sunday 8AM to 11AM. JSG suggests The Game Changer, which is two eggs over easy, bacon, gruyere, arugula, and Sriracha on a round roll. There is the classic BYO Egg Sandwich, which is two eggs of the diner’s choice served on a round roll or wrap (add-ons here include everything from mac + cheese to avocado), or get adventurous with the BYO Biscuit + Sausage + Gravy. The Speakeatery has online ordering, so solo visitors can quickly grab + go one of these Instagram-worthy sandwiches.
Late Morning: Asbury is known for its beach, but people often forget about these lakeside locations, which are great backgrounds for indulging in the coffee, smoothie, or breakfast sandwich you just purchased.
Sunset Lake Memorial Park | 301-399 Fifth Avenue
Not far from Booskerdoo, located in Uptown Asbury Park, is Sunset Memorial Lake Park. This pretty park has benches close to the lake, which are great for tranquil moments. Some pathways make walking through the park with a coffee accessible. A bridge in the middle of the park connects Fifth Avenue to Sunset Avenue, which is a great spot to sit on one of the benches, eat that takeout breakfast, + take a photo of the clear view of Asbury Park’s Convention Hall.
Wesley Lake
Close to downtown is Wesley Lake, which connects Asbury Park to Ocean Grove. At Wesley Lake, there are benches that visitors can use to eat while viewing the landscaping and geese. When the weather is warm, there is also the option to take a swan pedal boat ride in the lake. Wesley Lake has floating wetland islands, which improve the water quality but are also a picturesque backdrop for snapping a photo of the breakfast, smoothie, or coffee purchased.
Afternoon/Early Evening: After the park, try out one of these fun activities, which are easily accessible in Asbury Park.
Read a Book at Asbury Park Book Cooperative | 644A Cookman Avenue
For anyone wanting to spend some of their solo day reading, Asbury Park Book Cooperative is a book lover’s paradise. At Asbury Park Book Cooperative, customers can expect to find new and used books of all genres. The store displays genre labels on the bookshelves that simplify finding a book, and the volunteer workers are always helpful. Asbury Park Book Cooperative hosts an array of community events such as book clubs, ABC After Dark (live music inside the store), and author book signing events.
Take an Art Class at Over the Moon Art Studios | 808 Springwood Avenue
View this post on Instagram
Over the Moon Art Studios has workshops for anyone who wants to spend the afternoon doing something creative. This studio has collaborative art classes and workshops that support artists of all levels. Over the Moon Art Studio has activities such as watercolor workshops, Saturday Sew-alongs, a Mixed Media Printmaking Series, and a Suminagashi, a Japanese Water Marbling Workshop. View its schedule of workshops here to plan out an afternoon learning a new artistic trade or advancing a creative hobby you may already have.
Customize a Day Spa package at Kur Wellness Studios | 412 Bond Street
Kur Wellness Studios has services such as yoga, personal training, reflexology, massages + facials. The Day Spa Package is the move to spend this solo afternoon relaxing. This package is completely customizable; one option is the Perfect Touch which includes a Swedish massage, sugar scrub with shower, and Hydrating Unstress Facial (two and a half hours of uninterrupted bliss). Another option is the Forever Young, a deep-tissue massage, seaweed wrap with shower, and a Rejuvenating Vitamin C Facial. If conflicted, there is the Me Day option where customers can pick their massage, scrub, or wrap with a shower and a sixty-minute facial.
Chill Out Poolside at The St. Laurent Social Club | 408 7th Avenue
View this post on Instagram
The St. Laurent Social Club is a boutique hotel + pool club, an easy choice for those who want to spend the day poolside. Day swim passes are released at 10AM for the following day. Guests can expect a comfortable lounge chair with towel service + an outdoor temperature-controlled saltwater pool. A server will provide you with a poolside cocktail or a snack, making this afternoon activity even more appealing for any solo traveler.
Evening: By now, it’s time to eat again. These Asbury Park restaurants have environments suitable for solo eating.
Homesick | 522 Cookman Avenue
Homesick is an American scratch-cooking restaurant that has vegan dishes and fun plates. Its appetizers include everything from upscale options like tuna tartare to the more relaxed Disco Snachos, perfect for a munchie indulgence — cheddar cheese curds, braised brisket, gravy, hot cherry peppers + tortilla chips. The dinner portion has the same versatility; pick a sliced flat iron steak or the smack patty burger. Or, try one of Homsick’s vegetable + chicken pies, which are made to order and can be made gluten-free. Solo visitors will love that the bar here is as cute as it is welcoming, the cocktails are pretty + the live music makes traveling on your own even more fun.
R Bar + Restaurant | 522 Cookman Avenue
R Bar is a New Orleans-inspired restaurant with dining, drinking, + music mixed with a lively atmosphere that will make anyone visiting solo feel automatically comfortable. Head upstairs to its greenhouse to order one of its signature cocktails, beer, or wine for a more intimate setting. It is fun to feel transported to New Orleans when ordering a festive food item from the menu, like the beignets or fried shrimp po’boy. Another attraction reminiscent of The Big Easy is the live music typically provided while dining. JSG pro tip: the jazz bands here are a must-see.
Night: By this time, it will get dark, + these activities will help end this solo day in Asbury Park.
Music Enthusiasts, Go to See a Live Show
Asbury Park is historically known for its roots in music, so this option is a natural addition. Plenty of venues in this city by the sea have live acts performing any day of the week. Try House of Independents, which will reopen this summer. Besides having live music, theater productions, + movie premiers, House of Independents also does fun-themed nights like The Taylor (Swift) Party. The Stone Pony is an anchor to the Asbury Park music scene, and its outdoor summer stage reopens this May. Asbury Lanes is another popular spot to listen to music of a particular niche, and it also hosts different themed parties like Broadway or disco. Another staple music venue is The Wonder Bar, known for having seasoned bands and helping up-and-comers make their mark.
See More: Your Guide To A Solo Saturday In Montclair
Movie Fanatics, View a Film at The Showroom Cinema | 707 Cookman Avenue
After a busy day, it makes sense to end with a movie. The Showroom Cinema is different from a typical movie theater and fits into Asbury Park’s artistic scene. The theater showcases a selection of first-run and independent films, including critically acclaimed domestic and foreign features, documentaries, festival winners, and shorts. Its website is updated with one-night-only events that interested visitors can check out here.
Grab a Cocktail at Watermark | 800 Ocean Avenue Second Floor
Watermark is a rooftop bar + lounge on Asbury Park’s boardwalk. It is a good pick for someone traveling solo, as the dim lights create a cozy atmosphere that makes it easy to blend in. The sofas and loveseats promote socializing with someone new + create a community atmosphere while sipping on one of its chic cocktails. In the summer, go to the outdoor deck, which has additional communal seating and a view of the ocean. JSG pro tip: Go to the Watermark on a night when a band is performing at The Stone Pony Summer Stage — you’ll be able to hear the performance from Watermark easily.
