1.

The Asbury Park Boardwalk my first love. Start here. The beaches, the renovated boardwalk buildings, beach concerts and the Paramount Theatre to name a few. 

2. 

The rest of the Jersey Shore Boardwalks - including Ocean Grove, Wildwood, Atlantic City. Not that far from AP.

3.

Deal, New Jersey. Just North of Asbury are the communities of Loch Arbor, Allenhurst, Deal and Elberon. Many grand estates and homes from the early 1900's have been restored and some more majestic homes constructed. Nice car or bike ride.

4.

Ocean Grove - On the south side of the Casino and Wesley Lake lies Ocean Grove. With it's Great Auditorium and historic homes nestled in a quaint seaside community. An excellent way to spend some time biking or walking through the streets.

5.

Monmouth Park Race Track - has it's own piece of shore history. Located in West Long Branch on Rt 36. About 20 minutes north. Freehold Raceway (trotters) is about 30 miles west as is the Freehold Mall.

6.

Shopping - start with Asbury Park's downtown and boardwalk shops, then venture five miles west down Rt 66 to the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets. Along the way, there's Walmart, Target and rest of the gang. Take a look around Asbury Park's Main St as well, Unique flavors in Asbury Park. Stop in. If those outlets aren't enough, there's the Jackson Premium Outlets....

7.

Great Adventure - don't know why it's so close, we take it for granted. Water Park, Safari and Amusement Park. Concerts and other special events. Drop the kids and go to the Jackson Premium Outlets a couple miles away. 30 minutes from Asbury Park.

8.

Sandy Hook State Park - located about 13 miles north of Asbury, you pay by the car. Miles of sandy beaches and public facilities. In the summer, can get filled early. Home of old Fort Hancock. Great for bike rides and the famous nude beach where thousands wind up. 

9.

While you're around Sandy Hook, look South West at the Twin Lights. Twin Lights is situated 200 feet above sea level in Highlands, New Jersey. It overlooks the Shrewsbury River, Sandy Hook, Raritan Bay, New York skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. Twin Lights has been used as an aid to navigation over the coastal waters of NJ since 1828. 

10.

Whew....

11.

Again in that area, set your navigation for Rumson the area - drive around and stare at the mansions of Rumson and surrounding areas. Find Srpingsteen's, Bon Jovi's, or some other money maker's home...

12.

Red Bank - a mix of shops and restaurants make Red Bank a favorite stop for some. If you feel up to it, stop into Tiffany's and pick up a present for your love....

13.

14.

Jenkinson's Aquarium - we were supposed to have one in AP in the early 80's, but we didn't. Go to Point Pleasant and Jenkinson's Aquarium. Nice small aquarium for the kids, kiddie rides and more. At night, the boardwalk get's a second life for adults and older kids. Martell's overlooking the ocean for music and more....gets crowded. 30 minutes south.

15.

More rides and amusements can be found in Seaside Park. Exit 82 East on the Parkway.