Memorial Day is just a few weeks away and now is the time to start planning for that fun beach weekend. While the Hamptons has long been the prime choice for New Yorkers, Asbury Park is an amazing and more convenient alternative. Just a short and traffic-free ferry ride, followed by a quick taxi commute, will deliver you to Asbury Park. This iconic beach town boasts a stunning beach, a vibrant music scene and a boardwalk lined with activities such as mini-golf and arcade games. Enjoy a pool with a view Asbury Ocean Club Hotel Wondering about hotel options? If you want to retreat into luxury, the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel is the place to stay. This property combines high-end touches with a laid-back, beachside charm. Opened just a few years ago, the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel offers excellent service, lovely rooms and terrific food. A suite worth the splurge Asbury Ocean Club Hotel The rooms are designed with clean lines and neutral tones, and have an abundance of natural light amd a super, beachy vibe. Bathrooms are equally impressive, outfitted with marble countertops, rainfall showers, and premium amenities, providing a spa-like experience right in your room. For a splurge, consider the Penthouse Suite, which comes with a large wraparound terrace and provides expansive ocean views. Grab a poolside snack Asbury Ocean Club Hotel The beach is just steps away, but most guests tend to gravitate towards the large infinity pool. You can grab a chaise with an ocean view or slip into one of the private cabanas. The poolside restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy al fresco treats such as a margarita flatbread with heirloom tomatoes or a cocktail. The Drawing Room is a stylish and contemporary dining venue that offers both indoor and outdoor seating with panoramic views of the ocean. Here, the menu emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests can indulge in popular dishes like grilled NY strip steak with caramelized maitake mushrooms or a house-made pasta. Enjoy a sunset yoga experience Asbury Ocean Club Hotel If you seek a bit of activity, you can spend a morning in the state-of-the-art gym; expansive windows that provide a sweeping view of the ocean make workouts less of a chore. Outdoor yoga and other fitness classes are also available. The property also offers a “Pedal & Picnic” package which includes bike rentals and a bespoke picnic basket featuring gourmet treats. Asbury Hotel Asbury Lanes All guests, but especially families, may want to check out additional experiences offered by the hotel’s sister property, The Asbury Hotel. Just across the street, The Asbury Hotel has a bowling alley, rooftop movies and an impressive line-up of live performances; and almost every night is karaoke night. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades