The Asbury Hotel

"Housed in a former historic Salvation Army building, this discerningly retro digs sits just a block and a half from those sandy, Boss-beloved (yes, that Boss) beaches, and pays perfect tribute to the town’s eclectic but laidback legacy: Black-and-white beachgoer snaps adorn the walls of its 110 suites, and the mod interior is all clean lines and bright, punchy accents. Once you’re settled in and feeling social, you’ve got options: There’s Soundbooth, the lounge-adjacent lobby bar, where pinball games and conversation flourish, or Salvation, the lantern-lit rooftop cantina, a perfect improvisatory pit stop for those seeking a view—with a drink in hand, of course. Hungry? Sample some tasty food truck fare at the Beergarden, then head up to The Baronet, the rooftop garden hotspot that, by night, doubles as a ‘drive-in’—movies are projected onto a 20-foot wall—and even hosts the occasional live performance. If you're looking to hit town, all the main shops and restaurants are within a 15-20 minute walk. You'll see the city's musical culture echoed in stylish vintage stores—think fringe jackets, tinted sunglasses, and authentic Tom Petty tour shirts—and of course, Springsteen photos throughout. Don't forget to hit the beach before you leave: Even in the dead of winter, you can catch a concert at the Paramount Theater, right on the boardwalk."