Asbury park gay

Visit the smaller galleries first: Parlor Gallery (contemporary art), art629 (which often features exhibits by lgbtq+QIA+ artists), Whitepoint Gallery (showcasing emerging artists and contemporary art), and Hot Sand (a glassblowing studio).

Silverball Pinball Museum: Part museum, part arcade, the Silverball Museum Arcade has over 600 games in its rotation and over 200 vintage pinball machines ranging from the 1930s to the 1980s.

The sand between 4th and 5th Avenues at Convention Hall has become an unofficial gay gathering place. Through decades of change, they helped shape a resilient, vibrant community that continues to thrive today. Casual vibes but with top-tier food.

Porta – Housed in a unique barn-like setting, Porta serves fantastic Italian cuisine.

For at that time it was illegal in the State of New Jersey to serve alcohol to “apparent homosexuals”. George Lister was a former Navy man and social studies teacher in Toms River, New Jersey. Over the past decade, the boardwalk has been extensively restored, historic landmarks, like the Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall, have gotten facelifts, and new queer-friendly restaurants and cafes have opened in the seaside town, contributing to Asbury Park’s rise in popularity over the last few years.

Its interior design showcases a captivating mix of retro and contemporary aesthetics, featuring local artwork and stylish furnishings that create an inviting and visually stimulating atmosphere.

Diverse Accommodations: The hotel offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences, from cozy rooms for solo travelers to spacious suites for families or groups.

During the ’80s and ’90s, Asbury Park had declined from a popular seaside destination to a rundown, gritty beach town—a shadow of its former glorious self. Asbury Park was a sleepy little Jersey Shore community until the gay community discovered it and turned it into the bustling resort town that it is today. It’s a living, breathing celebration of queer joy, community resilience, and New Jersey pride.

The most popular events of the week are Saturday night’s dance parties and Sunday’s Tea Dance (5 pm to 9 pm).

Prime Location: Situated just steps away from the beautiful Asbury Park beach, the Empress Hotel offers easy access to the sun and surf, making it a convenient choice for beachgoers.

Known for its fresh sushi, sashimi, and creative Asian fusion cuisine, Taka attracts a diverse crowd, including the lgbtq+Q+ community, seeking delicious food in a trendy setting.

The store offers a variety of sizes and styles, ready to help empower any beachgoer setting off for beach summer sun.

Or make the short drive north to Gunnison Beach, New Jersey’s only legal nude beach, where cruisers and Speedo-clad celebs like Jay Jurden live their best lives. And Kim Marie’s Eat n Drinkaway is your go-to for Irish pub vibes and delicious wings.

Retro Gaymers Rejoice

The Silverball Pinball Museum is an AC-cooled dreamland of retro gaming.

The summer Sunday Tea-Dance and drag shows are legendary having hosted some of the greatest DJ’s and drag performers of our time!

The gay bars of Asbury Park weren’t just nightlife—they were lifelines. NYC DJ and Madonna’s former manager, Shep Pettibone bought the hotel in 1998 and launched the legendary Paradise nightclub in 1999.

Pull up a seat at one of their umbrella-covered benches, devour those syrupy stacks, and enjoy the ocean breeze before diving into the waves (just don’t forget to digest!).

If you’re more of a roamer, the Asbury Park Convention Hall is a must. If your vibe is Annabelle meets M3GAN, you’re going to eat this up. The main room has a round bar, a photo spot, and a spacious dance floor with a stage for bigger performances (or just for dancing in front of a fun crowd).

The Paradise gay club also keeps the pool deck open late (though swimming is not allowed) so you can enjoy drinks from the poolside bar and a bit of fresh air.

Georgie’s Bar – Adjacent to Georgie’s Restaurant, this bar is a favorite among the LGBTQ+ community.