Plan Your Visit to The Stone Pony

Driving to The Stone Pony

From Northern New Jersey and New York

Take the New Jersey Turnpike south to Exit 11, then take the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 102. Bear right from the exit onto Asbury Avenue and continue east toward Asbury Park and the ocean.

At the waterfront, turn left onto Ocean Avenue. The Stone Pony will be on your left near Second Avenue.

From Southern New Jersey

Take the Garden State Parkway north to Exit 100A. Follow Route 66 east toward Asbury Park and continue toward the ocean.

At the waterfront, turn left onto Ocean Avenue. The Stone Pony is located near the corner of Second Avenue and Ocean Avenue.

Traffic conditions can vary considerably, especially during summer weekends and major events in Asbury Park. Give yourself additional travel time when attending a popular Summer Stage concert or visiting during peak beach season.

Parking Near The Stone Pony

Parking is available throughout the year in Asbury Park, but availability and demand depend heavily on the season, day and event.

Street Parking

Metered street parking is available throughout Asbury Park. Parking may be paid at meters or through the Asbury Park parking app.

Street parking is enforced year-round, so always check posted signs and restrictions before leaving your vehicle.

Paid Parking Lots

Paid parking lots are also available in Asbury Park, including lots on Second Avenue, Fourth Avenue and Lake Avenue.

The Stone Pony also works with LAZ Parking to provide an option for reserving parking in advance.

During summer, parking near the waterfront can become especially competitive. For major Summer Stage concerts, weekends and other large Asbury Park events, consider arriving well before doors or reserving parking ahead of time.

Public transportation or a car service can also be useful alternatives during the busiest periods.

How Early Should I Arrive?

Do not plan to reach the entrance at the exact moment your show begins.

The Stone Pony recommends arriving early so guests have enough time to move through the entry line and security process. Guests are searched before entering, and bags are inspected.

How early you should arrive depends on the show. Larger Summer Stage concerts can draw thousands of people, while an indoor event may have a much smaller crowd.

If getting a particular general admission viewing position matters to you, arriving earlier can also give you more flexibility once inside.

Most importantly, distinguish between doors or gates and showtime when checking your ticket.

Doors vs. Showtime: What’s the Difference?

The door or gate time is when guests can begin entering the venue. Showtime is when the scheduled performance begins.

They are not necessarily the same.

For example, an event may list doors at 6 PM and a show beginning at 7 PM. Summer Stage listings may similarly specify a gate time followed by a later performance time.

Some events also include multiple performers, opening acts or indoor performances scheduled around an outdoor Summer Stage show.

Always review the individual Stone Pony event listing rather than assuming when your artist will take the stage.

Taking the Train to The Stone Pony

Asbury Park is served by NJ TRANSIT’s North Jersey Coast Line, making train travel an option for visitors coming from northern New Jersey and New York.

The Asbury Park train station is located downtown rather than directly on the waterfront. From there, visitors can continue toward The Stone Pony on foot or use a taxi or rideshare for the final part of the trip.

If you are planning to return home by train after a concert, check the current NJ TRANSIT schedule before your trip. Concert ending times vary, and late-night rail options may be more limited.

Getting Here From New York City

Visitors from New York City can take NJ TRANSIT from New York Penn Station toward the Jersey Shore, with the exact routing and any required transfer depending on the scheduled train.

Driving is another option. Travel time can vary significantly with traffic, particularly on summer Fridays and weekends.

If you are traveling specifically for a concert, consider staying overnight in Asbury Park rather than building your night around catching a particular late train.

Getting Here From Philadelphia

Philadelphia concertgoers can reach Asbury Park by car or public transportation, although rail travel is less direct than it is from New York.

Visitors relying on transit should check current NJ TRANSIT and connecting transportation schedules carefully before the day of the show, particularly when planning a late-night return.

If you are traveling with a group or attending a concert that may end late, driving and staying overnight in Asbury Park may be the simpler option.

Stone Pony Age Restrictions

There is no single age policy that applies to every Stone Pony concert.

Age restrictions vary by event.

Some concerts are all ages, while others may be restricted to guests 18+, 21+ or another specified age group. The requirement for your show should be listed with the event information.

Never assume that a show is all ages simply because another Stone Pony concert was.

Check the current concert schedule and open the individual event listing for age information before purchasing tickets or traveling to Asbury Park.

Guests purchasing alcohol must be at least 21 years old and should be prepared to present valid identification.

Stone Pony Bag Policy

All bags are subject to search.

Average-size bags and small backpacks are generally permitted, while large or oversized bags and backpacks are prohibited. This includes luggage, duffel bags and industrial or camping-size backpacks.

Packing lightly will generally make the entry process easier.

Because policies can be updated or individual shows can have additional restrictions, check the Stone Pony FAQ before attending.

What Can I Bring Into The Stone Pony?

Nonprofessional cameras without detachable lenses are generally permitted.

For Summer Stage events, guests may bring one empty clear water container per person.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Other prohibited items include weapons, firearms, knives, laser pointers, pepper spray or mace, outside alcohol, video cameras and recording equipment, glass, cans, aluminum bottles, coolers, fireworks, blankets, chairs, umbrellas and strollers.

Certain items can be determined on a show-by-show basis, so contact the venue if you have a question about something unusual that you need to bring.

What Happens at Security?

Guests should allow time for security screening before entering.

The Stone Pony advises that guests may be screened by wand or pat-down and may be asked to empty their pockets so items can be examined. All bags are searched.

Leaving unnecessary items and valuables at home can help simplify the process.

The venue also has EMTs on-site for health emergencies.

Smoking is not permitted inside The Stone Pony. E-cigarettes are permitted in the outdoor Summer Stage area.

What If It Rains During a Summer Stage Concert?

The Stone Pony Summer Stage is an outdoor venue, and concerts are generally scheduled as rain-or-shine events.

Check the forecast before leaving home and dress appropriately for the conditions.

Umbrellas are prohibited, so a rain jacket or poncho is a better option when rain is expected.

Severe weather can still affect an event when conditions become unsafe. Check official Stone Pony information before traveling when significant weather is forecast.

Where to Stay Near The Stone Pony

Traveling for a concert is a good excuse to turn the night into an Asbury Park getaway.

Several hotels are located near The Stone Pony and the waterfront.

Asbury Ocean Club Hotel

1101 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park

Located on Ocean Avenue near The Stone Pony, Asbury Ocean Club is one of the closest hotel options for visitors who want to stay along the waterfront.

The Asbury Hotel

210 Fifth Avenue, Asbury Park

The Asbury Hotel is located several blocks north of The Stone Pony and provides another convenient option for concertgoers staying overnight.

Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel

1401 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park

The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel is located farther north along Ocean Avenue and keeps guests close to the beach, boardwalk and Asbury Park entertainment district.

The Empress Hotel

101 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park

The Empress is located near the southern end of Asbury Park’s waterfront and is another option within the city’s central entertainment area.

Additional accommodations can be found in nearby Ocean Grove, Neptune and Eatontown.

If you are traveling from New York, Philadelphia or elsewhere specifically to see a concert, staying overnight also means you can explore Asbury Park before and after the show without immediately driving home.

Make a Night of Your Stone Pony Concert

The venue’s location is one of the best reasons to arrive early.

The Asbury Park Boardwalk and beach are steps away, while restaurants, bars, shops and other entertainment destinations are spread between the waterfront and downtown.

Instead of driving directly to the venue just before doors, consider arriving in Asbury Park for dinner, exploring the boardwalk and then walking to the show.

The same applies after the concert. Staying locally gives you the option to continue your night in Asbury Park rather than heading straight for the highway.

Indoor Stone Pony vs. Summer Stage

Before planning your visit, confirm which part of the venue is hosting your concert.

The original Stone Pony is an indoor rock club that hosts performances throughout the year.

The Stone Pony Summer Stage is the larger outdoor venue used during the warmer months and can accommodate approximately 4,500 fans.

Your arrival experience, crowd size and weather considerations can therefore be very different depending on the event.

The official Stone Pony calendar identifies the location for upcoming performances.

Check Your Show Before You Go

The most important part of planning your visit is checking the details for your specific event.

Before leaving for Asbury Park, confirm:

• The date of the concert
• Whether the show is indoors or on the Summer Stage
• Door or gate time
• Showtime
• Age restrictions
• Current weather for outdoor events
• Ticket information
• Any event-specific policies

That final check can prevent most avoidable surprises on concert night.

Plan Your Next Visit to The Stone Pony

More than 50 years after opening in Asbury Park, The Stone Pony continues to bring music fans to the Jersey Shore for indoor concerts and outdoor Summer Stage shows.

View upcoming concerts at The Stone Pony and start planning your next visit to Asbury Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I park for The Stone Pony?

Metered street parking is available throughout Asbury Park, along with paid lots including locations on Second, Fourth and Lake Avenues. Parking can become difficult during summer and major events, so arriving early or reserving parking in advance is recommended.

Can I take a train to The Stone Pony?

Yes. Asbury Park is served by NJ TRANSIT’s North Jersey Coast Line. The train station is located downtown, and visitors can continue to the waterfront and The Stone Pony by walking, taxi or rideshare. Check current return schedules before attending a late concert.

What is The Stone Pony’s bag policy?

Average-size bags and small backpacks are generally allowed, but all bags are searched. Large and oversized bags, luggage, duffel bags and large backpacks are prohibited. Review current venue policies before attending your show.

Are Stone Pony concerts all ages?

Not all of them. Age restrictions vary by event, and shows may be all ages, 18+, 21+ or subject to another restriction. Check the individual event listing on the Stone Pony calendar before purchasing tickets or attending.

What time should I arrive at The Stone Pony?

Arrive before the listed showtime and allow enough time for parking, entry lines and security screening. Check whether your event lists a separate door or gate time and showtime. For major Summer Stage concerts and busy summer weekends, additional arrival time is recommended.