We used to leave in Eatontown and spent many weekends in Asbury Park.
At that time (late 60's) it was abustle with locals and tourists on the beach and boardwalk, getting a tan or playing skeetball in the arcade. They had a monster ferris wheel indoors and a grand old merry-go-round (bumping cars and tilt-a-whirl) that were crowded all summer long.
We moved away and went back to visit in the mid-80's and found a somewhat deserted area. There were the beautiful mansions still along the ocean avenues but the boardwalk and arcade were all but hollow buildings with no crowds and grass growing in the sidewalk cracks.
In the 90's, the mayor and civil board ressurected the city and today the area is revived to some of its old splendour. The board walk is there but fewer people are walking around. It doesn't appear that the rides will ever be back but there are a few arcade games open and fortune tellers to consult.
good website for tourists going to Asbury Park is:
http://www.cityofasburypark.com/
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