Many people get a little wistful when the summer ends and the beach towns wind down operations, but not me. As a life-long New Jersey resident, I know that many of the best beach attractions and dining spots stay open throughout the year, especially in fall and spring - and it's the perfect time to enjoy them without the massive crowds. That goes double for what might be the best beach town in the United States - Asbury Park. This cultural haven is always hopping, and the Asbury Park off-season is amazing thanks to its incredible array of venues for food, music, and fun. In fact, many New Jersey residents - especially dog owners - actually prefer the town in the fall, which explains why it was just named one of the best off-season beach towns in the US by Daily Passport. So head on over to Asbury Park and discover why the fun is just getting started!

The crowds have left the Asbury Park beaches, but they're still open for business - and so is the rest of the town.

The famous boardwalk is lined with stores, restaurants, and attractions. And from September 15th to May 15th, leashed dogs are allowed on the Boardwalk.

This is also where you'll find the world-famous Stone Pony, a popular music spot that played a key role in the rise of Bruce Springsteen.

Not into live music? Another popular spot on the Boardwalk is the Silverball Retro Arcade, a massive spot celebrating the classic pinball machine.

It's not the only oddball museum in town - closer to the train station, you'll find a paranormal bookstore that's home to a small museum offering private tours.

That's just across the street from one of New Jersey's best ice cream spots - Cookman Creamery, which features inventive specials of both dairy and plant-based ice cream daily.

The hottest spot for dining in Asbury Park is definitely the Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten, a massive German restaurant and party spot.

You'll definitely want to start your meal with a massive soft pretzel. When winter comes around and it gets too cold to dine on the roof, the restaurant features heated igloos.

The Asbury Park nightlife is just as lively heading into the offseason, and both locals and tourists can't wait to see what surprises are in store this year.

Are you looking forward to the Asbury Park off-season? Tell us about your favorite spots in this beach town in the comments section! We've covered Asbury Park extensively over the years, so make sure to check out our past coverage of the Silverball Retro Arcade, Paranormal Books & Curiosities, and Asbury Festhalle. The websites of Cookman Creamery and The Stone Pony have all the information you'll need for your visit. If you're looking for an incredible place to stay in Asbury Park, the rates at the Asbury Ocean Club Hotel are much lower in the off-season.