The Ultimate Guide to Parking in Asbury Park, NJ: From the Boardwalk to Downtown
Asbury Park, New Jersey. The name itself conjures images of the iconic boardwalk, the legendary Stone Pony, vibrant murals, & a food scene that's absolutely buzzing. It’s a place with a soul, a history, & an energy all its own. But let's be honest, with its booming popularity comes one of the least rock-and-roll parts of any Jersey Shore trip: the dreaded parking hunt.
If you've ever circled the blocks around Cookman Avenue on a Saturday night or tried to find a spot within a reasonable walking distance of the beach on a sunny July afternoon, you know the struggle is real. It can be a frustrating experience that tests the patience of even the most seasoned visitor. But here's the thing—it doesn't have to ruin your day.
Turns out, Asbury Park's parking situation is a lot more manageable once you understand the system. It’s a mix of meters, lots, a garage, & even some secret free spots if you know where to look. This guide is your insider's key to unlocking it all. We'll break down everything you need to know, from the high-tech meter system to the best places to leave your car when you’re catching a show.
Cracking the Code: The Asbury Park Meter System
First things first, let's talk about the primary way most visitors will park: the meter system. Asbury Park has embraced technology to make things a bit smoother. The city implemented a "Pay-by-Plate" system, which is a game-changer. Instead of remembering a space number, you just need to know your license plate. This is HUGE, especially when you're juggling beach chairs & excited kids.
You can pay at any of the pay stations located in all metered areas or, even better, use one of the mobile apps. The main ones are the Asbury PARK app & ParkMobile. Seriously, download one of these before you go. You can pay for parking right from your phone, & the best part? You'll get an alert when your time is about to expire, allowing you to extend your session remotely from your beach towel or restaurant table. It's super convenient & costs a small per-transaction fee, which is well worth it to avoid a ticket.
You can also pay by texting "Park" to 77223 or even by scanning a QR code on the pay station signs. Cash & cards are still accepted at the physical pay stations if you prefer to go old school.
Understanding the Parking Zones & Seasons
Now, here's where it gets a little more detailed. The city is divided into different zones, & the rates change depending on where you are & what time of year it is.
- Peak Season: This runs from April 15th to October 15th. Expect higher rates, especially on weekends.
- Off-Peak Season: This runs from October 16th to April 14th, offering some relief on your wallet.
The main zones to be aware of are:
- The Waterfront Zone: This includes Ocean Avenue, Kingsley Street, & the blocks in between. This is prime real estate for beach & boardwalk access, so it's the most expensive zone.
- The Downtown/Central Business District: This covers Cookman Avenue, Bangs Avenue, & the surrounding streets where you'll find tons of shops & restaurants. Rates here are a bit lower than the waterfront but still demand a premium, especially on weekend nights.
- All Other Areas: These are the metered streets that fall outside the main tourist hubs.
Rates can vary from as low as 50 cents an hour in the off-peak season in less busy areas to $2 or more per hour during peak season weekends in the Waterfront Zone. Always check the signs or your parking app for the current rate. And be warned: an expired meter penalty is a steep $50, so it pays to stay on top of your time!
Garages & Lots: The Reliable Standbys
When street parking feels like a lost cause, garages & lots are your best friends. They offer a guaranteed spot, though usually at a higher price.
Bangs Avenue Parking Garage
The main municipal garage is the Bangs Avenue Parking Garage, located at 605 Bangs Avenue. This is a fantastic option for downtown, but there's a catch: for the general public, it’s only available on weekends. Public hours are typically:
- Fridays: 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Sundays: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
If the garage hits capacity, it will close to new vehicles, so on a busy weekend, it's still smart to get there a bit early. Be sure to get your car out by closing time, or you'll face a fine & won't be able to retrieve it until the next morning. During the holiday season in November & December, the city has been known to offer free parking here on weekends, which is a pretty cool perk for holiday shoppers.
Private & Municipal Lots
Besides the garage, you'll find several surface parking lots scattered around the city. There are city-controlled lots at City Hall & the Transportation Center, but also privately managed ones. The Asbury Park Boardwalk website mentions lots managed by LAZ Parking, & The Stone Pony points to paid lots on Second, Third, & Fourth Avenues. These lots often have hourly or daily flat rates, which can be a good deal if you plan on staying for an extended period.
The challenge with these lots, especially the private ones, is that they can fill up quickly & prices can fluctuate based on demand, particularly for big events. This is where a little planning can go a long way. For super busy days, finding a guaranteed spot is key. While the city's apps are great for meters, sometimes you want something more secure. This is where services like Prked come in handy. Prked connects you with homeowners who are renting out their private driveways & garages. It’s a clever way to find a convenient & often more affordable spot, sometimes in neighborhoods closer to your destination than you’d expect. You can book a spot in advance & not have to worry about the chaos of finding parking when you arrive.
The Quest for Free Parking: Does it Exist?
Ah, the holy grail of any trip to the shore: free parking. In Asbury Park, it DOES exist, but it comes with a trade-off: walking.
If you’re willing to stretch your legs, you can often find free, unmarked street parking several blocks away from the waterfront & the main downtown area. Reddit users and locals often suggest looking in the residential areas west of Main Street. The walk isn't terrible, maybe 15 minutes or so, but it's something to consider if you're carrying a lot of gear.
Another tip you might hear is to park in neighboring Ocean Grove, where they don't have meters. However, be mindful that parking is already tight for residents there, & they understandably get frustrated when Asbury visitors take up all their spots. If you do this, be respectful & be prepared for a bit of a walk over the bridge into Asbury.
A few lots, like the ones near the Carousel, Stone Pony, & Wonder Bar, have been known to be free during the winter months, thanks to agreements between the city & developers. Also, keep an eye out for suspended meter days. Parking is typically free on major holidays like New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas.
Parking for the Main Attractions
Let's get specific. Where should you park if you're heading to the most popular spots?
The Boardwalk & Beach
For direct access, the Waterfront Zone along Ocean Avenue is your target. This is the most convenient but also the priciest. The municipal lot behind Main Street is a solid choice, offering a short walk through a park to get to the boardwalk. If you're planning a full beach day, especially on a weekend, your best bet is to arrive early (before 10 a.m.) to snag a spot. Otherwise, consider parking further out & walking or using a rideshare service to drop you off.
The Stone Pony
Catching a show at the legendary Stone Pony? The venue's website suggests using the on-street metered parking or the paid lots on Second & Fourth Avenues. They even have a partnership with LAZ Parking to reserve a spot in advance, which is a GREAT idea for a big summer stage show. Some concertgoers suggest parking at the Asbury Park train station for free & walking the 15 minutes to the venue. Again, for a guaranteed, stress-free experience for a major event, checking an app like Prked to see if any nearby homeowners are renting their driveways could be a lifesaver.
For the Locals & Employees: The Permit System
If you live or work in Asbury Park, the permit system is essential. The city offers both residential & employee parking permits that are linked virtually to your license plate—no more hangtags!
Residential Permits are available for those living in specific metered zones who don't have access to off-street parking. The cost increases for each permit per household, with the first permit costing around $90. Residents can also purchase guest parking booklets for visitors at a discounted daily rate.
Employee Permits are available for those who work in the city. There are options for 5-day (Monday-Friday) or 7-day passes, with quarterly fees. Applicants need to provide proof of employment & vehicle registration.
All permit applications are strongly encouraged to be done through the city's online Permit Portal.
The Future of Asbury Parking
Asbury Park is constantly evolving, & its parking infrastructure is trying to keep up. The city's Parking Committee regularly meets to discuss public feedback & potential improvements. There has even been talk of building a new 500-space parking garage to help alleviate the congestion, though plans are still in development.
Navigating parking in Asbury Park is part of the experience. It requires a little bit of knowledge & planning, but with the right tools & an understanding of the system, it's totally manageable. Whether you're a master of the parking apps, a fan of the reliable garage, or a thrifty adventurer in search of a free spot, there's an option for you.
Hope this was helpful & makes your next trip to this incredible city just a little bit smoother. Let me know what you think
