The town’s first hotel, The Ocean Beach House, was built in 1873. By 1890, more than 17 hotels were running and catering to hundreds of summer visitors. The town became a well-known summer resort. It has remained so ever since, being known for a large addition of tourists.

About 6,000 people reside in this town during the year and that number soars to more than 60,000 in the summer. The town spans 1.7 square miles. Belmar includes a bustling downtown area with the usual mix of shops. There are several pubs and bars to visit and a few seafood restaurants that continue to draw tourists. Belmar sits along the Shark River, and Avon-by-the-Sea runs along the other side. The inlet opens up into the Atlantic Ocean. The adjacent town, Lake Como, was formerly known as South Belmar. There are three schools in Belmar.

Throughout this charming Jersey Shore municipality, visitors have their choice from a variety of fine accommodations. There are B&Bs and motels, as well as larger venues. From the convenience of hotels to the quaintness and charm of bed and breakfast inns, Belmar‘s accommodations provide something for everyone.

Each year, Belmar is home to many notable events. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a huge happening here. The New Jersey Seafood Festival is also a gigantic event for the town. Notably, Belmar is home to the first and oldest first-aid squad in the United States.

The beach is the real attraction here, and includes a boardwalk with a few shops. Several eateries and large homes line the streets along this strip. The 17th Avenue Beach is a surfer’s delight, and it’s there that the annual Belmar Pro and junior surfing tournaments are hosted. Volleyball tournaments on the sand are also big here during the summer. Any of the town’s events are held at the Taylor Pavilion and the Huisman Gazebo. But the beach is not the only water hotspot–down along Route 35 is the Belmar Marina, which offers plenty of recreation opportunities such as tennis courts, a playground, a marina, kayaking, crabbing, and much more. Driving down the coast, you’ll come into Spring Lake, and if you go north, you can go into Avon-by-the-Sea, which leads up towards Asbury Park.

From superb water sports to artistic outlets to kid-centric fun, it is no wonder this Jersey Shore hub remains a top destination.

Between 1871 to the time of his death in 1921, Bradley was deeply involved in every aspect of Asbury Park’s development. He planned the town’s layout before the first structure was built.

By the 1930s, the city had become a premier destination at the Jersey Shore. There was a swan boat and paddle boats on Wesley Lake, pony rides and miniature golf on Ocean Avenue. A footbridge crossed Ocean Avenue near the Berkeley-Carteret, providing easy access to the many pavilions, many which provided both fresh- and salt-water swimming pools. During the evenings, noted “Big Bands” played at the various pavilions for dancing. After that, a decline set in.

During the late 1960s, when Bruce Springsteen first came of age, the town’s council started implementing a plan for revitalization; the changed economy has made it necessary to go back to square one, forcing the council to revise plans for a “new” renewal.

The Stone Pony, a world-renowned music venue, opened in 1974 in a building which formerly housed a popular restaurant called Mrs. Jay’s. The club attracted fans from around the world, all hoping to catch a glimpse of Bruce Springsteen, who performed regularly on stage with friends or with the E Street Band before going on tour.

More recently, Asbury Park has been undergoing a revitalization. Trendy, hip restaurants, lounges and housing developments have popped up. There are plenty of interesting shops to visit and exquisite restaurants to sample. But some of the staples here are still around—The Stone Pony, for one—so you know Asbury Park will always stay true to its roots.